Road Safety Urged as Victorian Harvest Reaches Peak

With harvest and silage operations now at their busiest across Victoria, the Victorian Farmers Federation is urging all road users to exercise patience and caution around slow-moving and oversized agricultural machinery.

Increased movement of headers, trucks and tractors between paddocks and storage sites is expected to continue throughout the season, raising the risk of accidents on rural roads.

VFF Grains President Ryan Milgate said simple patience can prevent tragedy.

“We are asking everyone, including farmers, to take it easy on the roads this harvest season. Patience and sharing the roads is key,” he said. “Saving a few minutes by taking risks can lead to tragedy.”

VFF Livestock President Scott Young reinforced the message, calling on all drivers to prioritise safety.

“No matter how tempting it is to run the risk, coming home safely at the end of the day must always be our top priority,” he said. “As farmers we understand we’re driving oversized vehicles… we’re just asking others to slow down so we can all stay safe.”

Drivers are being urged to avoid heavy-use areas near grain receival sites, stay off unsealed roads where possible, and remain vigilant when passing machinery being loaded or unloaded on roadsides.

The VFF says waiting for a clearly safe overtaking opportunity is essential around wide agricultural equipment.

The Federation is also continuing to advocate for improved maintenance of regional roads to ensure safer driving conditions during peak agricultural periods.