MADISON, Wis. — Harvest is getting underway across Wisconsin and farmers are back to the fields. Tractors and other implements of husbandry (IOH) are allowed to operate on Wisconsin roadways but are often large and slow-moving which can cause confusion for drivers sharing the roads.
Fall harvest time can be one of the busiest and most dangerous seasons of the year for those involved in agriculture. For this reason, the third week of September is recognized as National Farm Safety and Health Week (NFSHW). The 2026 theme of NFSHW is ‘Safety Today, Success Tomorrow’ and takes place Sept. 21-25.
“All motorists share the goal of returning home safely to their families,” said Wisconsin Farm Bureau President Brad Olson. “During harvest season, taking a little extra time to slow down, stay alert and watch for farm equipment can make a big difference on rural roads. Putting safety first today helps keep everyone safe throughout the busy season and allows farmers to focus on the work that feeds, fuels and clothes our world.”
Roadway crashes are a leading cause of injuries and death in agriculture. While attentiveness is always necessary when operating implements of husbandry, there are sever...