By Andi Anderson
Transporting hay on public roads is an important part of forage production, but it can also create serious safety challenges. Many people assume that moving hay is simple—bale it, load it and drive to the destination.
In reality, traveling even a short distance with a loaded trailer requires careful planning, proper equipment, and awareness of road hazards. To help farmers understand these responsibilities, the Indiana Forage Council is hosting an educational webinar titled “From Bale to Blacktop: Preventing Hay-Related Road Hazards.”
The webinar highlights the essential steps needed to move hay safely from the field or barn to another location. These safety measures include using strong straps to secure bales, attaching visible slow‑moving vehicle signs, checking hitch pins to ensure trailers are properly connected, and examining tires to confirm they are in good condition.
Each of these components plays a vital role in preventing accidents and protecting both the driver and others on the road.
The session will feature Dr. Fred Whitford, Clinical Engagement Professor at Purdue Extension and Director of Purdue Pesticide Programs.
He will share expert insights on road safety and practical strategies farmers can apply in their daily operations. His guidance aims to help farmers reduce transportation risks and understand how small mistakes can lead to major hazards.
This educational event is scheduled for February 23, 2026, Monday and is open to anyone interested in improving hay transport safety. It falls under the College of Agriculture Extension and is supported by the Agronomy Department at Purdue University.
The webinar emphasizes the importance of being prepared, following road safety laws and understanding how loaded trailers behave differently on public roads.
Farmers and forage producers are encouraged to participate to gain valuable knowledge that can protect lives, reduce damage to equipment, and improve overall safety during hay transportation.
For more information or questions, participants may contact Anna Morrow at annamorrow@purdue.edu.
Photo Credit: pexels-dendoktoor-19486680-f
Categories: Indiana, Rural Lifestyle, Farm Safety