While North Georgia residents may think their neighbors in South Georgia have more reason to be concerned about farm equipment on the public roadways than they do, local farmers know otherwise, and that's why the Young Farmers Committee of the Hall County Farm Bureau is hosting "Farm Safety 101-Rules of the Road: What Every Farmer Needs to Know."
The free seminar is scheduled for Thursday, February 23 at 6 p.m. at the special events barn at Jaemor Farms in Lula.
Caroline Lewallen with Jaemor Farms said the idea for the seminar came from a Farm Bureau leadership conference last summer. She said several members came back from that conference knowing that local farmers needed a refresher course on equipment transportation safety.
Lewallen said there are plenty of local farmers who use equipment on populated roads.
"Particularly, here in Hall County, we do have a lot of farmers who are hauling cattle - a truck and a trailer," Lewallen said. "The farm I work for - Jaemor - we have box trucks hauling produce on the roads, and then there are several farmers in our area that are also in hay production, so you've got bailing equipment, trailers with hay on them."
There are mandates and regulations for all of that equipment, she said.
Harris Blackwood with the Governor's Office of Highway Safety will be one of the seminar speakers. So will Hall County’s UGA Extension Agent Michael Wheeler, who will address tips for handling and transporting ag chemicals. This presentation can count for one hour of credit toward a farmer’s pesticide license.
Lewallen said while the seminar will be directed to the interests of farmers, others with an interest in ag-business and local law enforcement may also attend.
Lewallen said while the event is free of charge, RSVPs are required, since dinner will be provided. the deadline to RSVP is February 17.
For more information, contact Justine Palmer at the Hall County Farm Bureau Office: 770-536-3461 or email: [email protected].
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