NSW Farmers’ is urging motorists to take care around agricultural vehicles as New South Wales and Queensland prepares for this year’s grain and hay harvest.
Large farm machinery will be a common sight on country roads over the coming months, and NSW Farmers’ grains committee chair, Justin Everitt, said it is vital road-users exercise caution when navigating around these vehicles.
“Tractors, headers, augers and more will soon be on our roads as many farmers gear up to get their grain and hay out of the paddock and into market,” Mr Everitt said.
“Tailgating or unpredictable overtaking is particularly dangerous around these heavy vehicles, so be ready to look out, slow down and take care on the road – and farmers will make sure they can shift out of your way as soon as it’s safe.
“This machinery might be a little slow moving, but the most important thing is that we all get home safely at the end of each day.”
As the busy harvest season approaches, Mr Everitt said it was also important for farmers to consider how they could prepare to keep themselves and their workforce safe.
“Spring is already here, and summer isn’t far away, so it’s an extremely busy time for growers, and the combination of long days, hot weather, fatigue, and heavy machinery can increase the risks on-farm,” Mr Everitt said.
“Straightforward plans and processes around servicing machinery, managing traffic, inducting workers, preventing fatigue and preparing for emergencies can make all the difference in ensuring the 2025 harvest is safe, productive and successful,” he said.
