A dry, hot summer has kicked-off an earlier-than-usual harvest season in Lacombe County.
As crops are already being harvested in many farm fields, Lacombe County wants to remind travellers and farmers of some safety tips, regarding slow-moving farm equipment.
“The summer produced too much heat and not enough rain, and our producers need to complete their annual harvest quickly in order to save as much yield as possible,” said Lacombe County Reeve Paula Law. “We ask everyone to practice patience on local roads.”
Lacombe County encourages motorists to plan ahead and incorporate extra time into their schedules to compensate for potential delays caused by harvest operations.
“We ask both agricultural producers, travellers and day-to-day drivers using County roads to stay alert, stay patient and stay safe,” stated Law.
Alberta Agriculture and Forestry urges farmers to: Ensure the safe transport of equipment on public roads; be aware of other motorists; ensure all lights and reflectors are in working order and that a ‘slow-moving vehicle emblem’ is visible from the rear; return equipment to narrower transport mode; and ensure it fits safely under power lines and over bridges or culverts.