Eaton County farm leader urges patience during harvest season

Eaton County Farm Bureau President Brett Roberts recently participated in a statewide media campaign urging drivers to exercise patience around slow-moving farm equipment. The initiative, led by Michigan Farm Bureau, highlighted the ongoing challenges of sharing rural roads during the harvest season.

Roberts told WILX News 10 that close calls often occur when drivers attempt to pass farm vehicles in narrow conditions or when oncoming traffic prevents safe maneuvering. He noted that while farmers strive to make room, drivers sometimes do not realize there is insufficient space to pass safely.

The media blitz coincided with USDA data showing Michigan’s corn and soybean harvestes lagging behind five-year averages. Statewide, 116 crashes involving farm equipment have been recorded in 2026, with two resulting in fatalities, according to Michigan State Police data.

Read the full story at michiganfarmnews.com.