Tips for a Safe Planting Season
Posted Posted Bethany Widman, Research Agronomist on April 16, 2025
Planting season is here across the Midwest and throughout the U.S.! Before you hit the field this spring, check out our tips below to help you and your farm crew have a safe planting season.
1. Complete Equipment Checks
As you prepare to roll your equipment out of the shed this spring, give it a thorough inspection before heading to the field. This will help to prevent delays during the season due to equipment malfunctions that could have been prevented with pre-season maintenance.
Here are some things to check for on your equipment:
- Check all lights, signals, fluids, brakes, and tires
- Replace any worn or damaged parts
- Clean any oil or debris buildups
- Grease joints, change fluids, and tighten bolts
2. Handling Chemicals Safely
During planting season, it is common for growers to be handling different types of chemicals, like seed treatments, pesticides, and fertilizers. Every chemical product includes a label that contains the safety information that growers need to know when handling that product.
Before using a product, read the label to properly know how to handle and apply it, what PPE equipment to wear, and any first aid measures to consider. All this information will help keep the grower safe and reduce the risk of chemical interactions.
3. Caution! Farm Equipment Ahead
Moving equipment from field to field can be a slow and tedious process during this busy season, but it is important to slow down and take the time to ensure safe travel between destinations.
Check that hazard lights, hitches, lines, and signage are all working properly to ensure other drivers can see you and reduce the risk of equipment coming unhitched mid-drive.
Avoid major roads if possible or during major traffic hours. And remember, there is no rush to where you are going; maintain a slow, safe speed.
4. Communication is Key
Taking the time to communicate with your team is essential to avoiding confusion that can potentially lead to hazardous situations. Good communication will lead to a more efficient planting season and reduce the risk of hazardous mistakes.
5. Self-Care
For many growers, planting season means high stress and long hours, making time to let your body rest and other needs to be healthy get put on the back burner.
Operating equipment while drowsy can lead to impaired judgment, slower reaction time, and the inability to operate equipment safely, causing the operator and others to be put at a higher risk for injuries or accidents.
To avoid overexertion, make sure to stay hydrated, take breaks to rest, and eat quality meals. At times, this can feel like it is slowing down productivity, but in the long run, it will help you and your team perform at their best and reduce the risk of injuries and accidents.
Happy Planting!
While getting the crop in the ground is a very high priority, we at The Andersons encourage growers to make sure that they are putting themselves and everyone who is a part of their operation first. Remember to slow down, take time to rest, and follow safety protocols to have a safe and efficient planting season.
