MARSHFIELD, WI (OnFocus) – In a collaborative effort to enhance agricultural safety, Wisconsin farmers can now receive Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) signs free of charge, thanks to an expanded partnership between the Marshfield Clinic Research Institute’s National Farm Medicine Center and AgrAbility of Wisconsin.
Jeff Kratochwill, Program Director of FARM & Vocational Services at Easter Seals Wisconsin Farm Program, emphasized the impact of this initiative, stating:
“This special partnership is providing SMV signs to some of Wisconsin’s most inspiring farmers—current and potential AgrAbility clients with physical disabilities. Since joining this project, we’ve distributed signs throughout the state to help prevent avoidable accidents.”
Farmers interested in obtaining a free SMV sign or learning more about the AgrAbility program can reach out at (608) 262-9336 or visit AgrAbility of Wisconsin’s contact page.
Bryan Weichelt, Farm Medicine research scientist and lead of the SMV program, expressed his enthusiasm:
“It’s rewarding to see growing awareness around agricultural safety on public roads, and we’re excited to collaborate with AgrAbility of Wisconsin on this crucial safety initiative.”
Safety Guidelines for Using Slow Moving Vehicle Signs
Farmers using SMV signs should ensure they are correctly placed to maximize visibility. Here are a few key guidelines:
- Position: Mount the SMV triangle in the center of the back end of the vehicle, between two to six feet above the ground.
- Maintenance: Keep the signs clean and replace them if they become faded.
- Regulations: Each piece of agricultural equipment, whether self-propelled or in combination, must display its own SMV emblem.
- Legal Reminder: It is illegal to use SMV emblems on stationary objects like mailboxes or driveway posts.
In addition to AgrAbility of Wisconsin, this safety initiative is supported by Rural Mutual Insurance Co., H&S Manufacturing, and Nasonville Dairy.
For more information on lighting and marking regulations for agricultural equipment in Wisconsin, visit the official UW Madison resource.
Contact Information
For further inquiries about the free SMV signs or to request assistance, please contact:
- AgrAbility of Wisconsin
Phone: (608) 262-9336
Website: agrability.bse.wisc.edu
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Author: News Desk
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