Spring Planting Season Is Here, Use Caution While Driving

A local farmer uses the warm and dry weather to catch up on field prepariations for the 2019 growing season by driving his tractor in a field.

A local farmer uses the warm and dry weather to catch up on field preparations for the 2019 growing season.

Brooke Beam, PhD
Ohio State University Extension, Highland County
Agriculture and Natural Resources/Community Development Extension Educator
April 17, 2019

The break from the rain has provided an opportunity for agricultural producers in Highland County to work in their fields. It is a welcome change from all of the rain we have received since last fall. However, with the change in weather, it isn’t just farmers who are anxious to be outside on the roadways this spring.

Warmer, drier weather is ideal for working in the fields to prepare for spring. Since fall and winter had very wet weather conditions, many farmers in the area have not been able to work in their fields to prepare for the upcoming 2019 growing season. This means there is a spring rush to prepare fields in Highland County before the growing season starts. Farmers will be making the best use of their time this spring to be efficient so they catch up on their work.

Likewise, non-farmers are also anxious to be on the roadways enjoying the warmer air in convertibles and motorcycles. While it is completely understandable that everyone would like to be outside enjoying the change in the seasons, it is important to remember to share the roadways and use safety precautions to ensure safety for everyone utilizing the roadways this spring.

Remember that tractors are slower moving vehicles that make wide turns. Agricultural implements are large and they can have multiple blind spots, just because you can see the tractor doesn’t mean that the tractor operator can see you. Provide additional space between your vehicle and the tractor to ensure visibility. Also be sure to look for the slow-moving vehicle emblems (SMV signs) on farm equipment.

Slow down, enjoy the spring blossoms and foliage while on your travels this spring, and give adequate space for farmers who are trying to catch up with their work during dry days this spring. For more information about any of the Highland County Extension Programs, contact the office at 937-393-1918.

 

Upcoming Programs:

On April 23, 2019, the ninth Beef Quality Assurance training will be held in Hillsboro, Ohio. The training workshop will be held at Union Stock Yards. Dinner will be served at 5:30 P.M. and the program will be held at 6:30 P.M. Please RSVP to Union Stock Yards to reserve your seat 937-393-1958.

On Thursday, April 25th, Dr. Thomas Blaine will be presenting on Global Climate Change and its impacts predicted through 2050. Dr. Blaine is an Associate Professor at The Ohio State University. Dr. Blaine will discuss the history of climate change, current trends, and outlook. He will discuss how climate change is and will apply to everything from our lawns, to our farms, and our everyday life through 2050. This program is free to attend, however, RSVP to reserve your seat by calling 937-393-1918.

Tuesday, April 30, 2019, a live-broadcast forage webinar with Christine Gelley, ANR Extension Educator from Noble County, will be held at 5 P.M. in the Large Meeting Room in the basement of 119 Governor Foraker Place, Hillsboro, OH. Gelley will discuss a variety of forage-related topics to help you prepare for the 2019 growing season and upcoming winter. This program is also free to attend, but RSVPs are encouraged to reserve your seat by calling 937-393-1918.

A Hands-on filmmaking workshop will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2019, at 3 P.M. at the Lynchburg Library. Bring your own camera and tripod for this walking filmmaking workshop. RSVP to the Highland County Extension Office at 937-393-1918.

A Hands-on filmmaking workshop will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2019, at 3 P.M. at the Lynchburg Library. Bring your own camera and tripod for this walking filmmaking workshop. RSVP to the Highland County Extension Office at 937-393-1918.

A Video Editing Workshop will be held on Tuesday, May 28, 2019, at 3 P.M. at the Lynchburg Library. This workshop will teach basic editing principles on both laptops and mobile devices. Bring your own computer or mobile device to participate. RSVP to the Highland County Extension Office at 937-393-1918.

The Germinate International Film Fest will be accepting submissions through June 30, 2019. The festival will be held on August 16 & 17, 2019, in Hillsboro, Ohio. For more information or to apply visit https://filmfreeway.com/GerminateInternationalFilmFest. Contact Brooke Beam at the Highland COunty Extension Office for more information at 937-393-1918.