Farmers urged to follow safety steps during haying season
As the 2025 haying season progresses, North Dakota State University Extension urges farmers and ranchers to make safety a priority, especially when working in road ditches.
According to safety specialist Angie Johnson, recent rainfall has improved hay yields in some areas but left others with excess moisture. This increases the risk of washouts, hidden culverts, and soft ground. Before starting, producers should inspect ditches, marking culverts, identifying road signs, mailboxes, and power poles, and removing debris or litter that could damage equipment or contaminate hay.
“Precipitation in some areas has greatly improved the 2025 hay crop, but in some areas, excessive moisture has been a challenge,” said Johnson. “The increase in surface and subsoil moisture means producers who cut, rake and bale road ditch hay have to watch out for water in the ditches that could lead to dangerous washouts, exposed culverts and soft spots.”
Operators should ensure all safety shields are in place, the power takeoff (PTO) is disengaged, and machinery is off before performing repairs. Visibility is vital — hazard lights, slow-moving vehicle signs, and turn signals should be used. Avoid entering the roadway unless no traffic is present.
Additional safety measures include wearing visible clothing when handling bales near roads, carrying a fire extinguisher, using an air compressor to remove dry plant material, staying hydrated, and informing someone of your work location and schedule.
“Ditch hay is expensive enough as it is due to the amount of equipment, labor, time and hazardous conditions that are present with each ditch,” said Johnson. “Take time to plan and evaluate the risks versus benefits of baling ditch hay. The bales produced from it are not worth losing a life. Safety precautions can help prevent a tragic incident from occurring while making hay this summer.”
Photo Credit: north-dakota-state-university