To raise safety awareness and potentially save lives during this busy time of year, Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) signs are being distributed to farmers free of charge through a partnership involving Marshfield Clinic Research Institute’s National Farm Medicine Center (NFMC), Rural Mutual Insurance Company, the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Agricultural Safety and Health Program, the family of Mike Biadasz and the Auction of Champions. Launched in 2021, after compiling the latest WI Farm Fatality Reports, Dr. Bryan Weichelt and team hope to increase visibility of agricultural traffic on roadways and save lives.

Limited quantities of SMV signs are available at:

  • Rural Mutual will distribute signs on social media in May and at Wisconsin Farm Technology Days, August 13-15, in Cadott
  • Allied Cooperative (formerly known as ProVision Partners)
    • Adams NAPA
    • Arcadia
    • Auburndale
    • Hixton
    • Mauston NAPA
    • Plover Agronomy
    • Seymour Feed Mill
    • Stratford Feed Mill and Tire Center
    • Tomah Country Store
    • West Salem Feed Mill
  • River Country Cooperative
    • Marathon
    • Athens
    • Owen
    • Chippewa Falls
    • Boyd
    • Bloomer
  • Partners Bank
    • Stratford
    • Marshfield
    • Spencer
  • Pittsville Fire Company
  • Stratford Fire Department

  • Auburndale High School, Mark Cournoyer, 10629 North Rd, Auburndale, WI 54412, 715.652.2115

"136 crashes involving motorists and farm vehicles in Wisconsin last year..."

According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, there were 136 crashes involving motorists and farm vehicles in Wisconsin last year. This resulted in 50 injuries and two deaths. The most recent Wisconsin Farm Related Fatalities reports show roadway deaths accounted for 15 percent of all farm-related fatalities (6 out of 40) in 2019 while in 2020 they accounted for 18 percent of fatalities (5 out of 28). The Wisconsin Farm Related Fatalities reports compile statistics about agriculture-related deaths in the state. They are sourced primarily from death certificates and supplemented by AgInjuryNews.org, a database of agriculture-based injuries and fatalities compiled mainly from news articles.

An SMV sign is a reflective orange triangle bordered with red that warns other road users that the vehicle displaying the sign is traveling slower than the normal speed of traffic.

“It’s imperative that farmers make their equipment as visible as possible on public roadways through the SMV emblem and functional lighting systems that include flashers and turn signals,” said Dr. John Shutske, University of Wisconsin professor and agricultural safety & health specialist. Shutske has investigated hundreds of tragic farm-related incidents in multiple states during the past four decades.

The SMV distribution program is expected to sustain through 2024, as supplies last. “We’re so glad to see such broad interest in agricultural safety on our public roadways, and are encouraged by the growing support and partnerships across the state, from Fire/EMS to farmers to feed mills,” said Bryan Weichelt, SMV program lead and Farm Medicine research scientist. If interested in supporting the program financially or as a distribution site, please contact the Farm Medicine team at nfmcsh@marshfieldresearch.org.

For more information about lighting and marking recommendations and regulations for agricultural equipment in Wisconsin, visit: https://uwmadison.box.com/v/LightingAndMarking2023 OR https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/agri-eq-veh/ag-veh-safety.aspx.

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In the News

Fall 2023

Farmers can obtain free Slow Moving Vehicle signs during harvest season
Published: Oct. 4, 2023 at 12:19 PM CDT
https://www.ksnblocal4.com/video/2023/10/04/farmers-can-obtain-free-slow-moving-vehicle-signs-during-harvest-season/

Free Slow Moving Vehicle signs available for farmers during harvest season
By Sean White
Published: Oct. 4, 2023 at 11:01 AM CDT
https://www.wsaw.com/2023/10/04/free-slow-moving-vehicle-signs-available-farmers-during-harvest-season/

Slow Moving Vehicle Signs Being Distributed to Wisconsin Farmers Free of Charge
By Riley Hebert
Oct 5, 2023 | 9:00 AM
https://wdlbam.com/2023/10/05/2855/

Project intended to increase visibility of agricultural traffic on roadways
By News Desk -October 3, 2023
https://www.onfocus.news/slow-moving-vehicle-signs-available-to-wisconsin-farmers-2/

Increase your visibility this harvest season
Oct. 8, 2023
https://www.midwestfarmreport.com/2023/10/08/increase-your-visibility-this-harvest-season/

Spring 2023

Safety signs offered free of charge
May 4, 2023
Front Page – AgriView

Ag Briefs: 14 yo cow breaks lifetime milk record (Scroll down to Marshfield, WI “Here’s your sign”)
May 8, 2023
https://www.wisfarmer.com/story/news/2023/05/08/ag-briefs14yo-cow-breaks-lifetime-milk-record/70176055007/

Slow Moving Vehicle signs available to Wisconsin farmers
May 31, 2023
https://hoards.com/article-33718-slow-moving-vehicle-signs-available-to-wisconsin-farmers.html

WISCONSIN FARM BUREAU ASKS FARMERS AND MOTORISTS TO WORK TOGETHER TO KEEP ROADWAYS SAFE
https://www.ruralmutual.com/resource/farm-safety/farm-machinery/keep-roadways-safe/

SAVE LIVES ON WISCONSIN ROADS THIS PLANTING SEASON
https://www.ruralmutual.com/resource/farm-safety/save-lives-wisconsin-roads-planting-season/

Safety signs offered free of charge
Apr 27, 2023
https://agupdate.com/agriview/lifestyles/safety-signs-offered-free-of-charge/article_9ab4ee95-5f91-592b-b33d-05415868bcdb.html

Safety signs offered free of charge
Apr 27, 2023
https://www.kmaland.com/ag/safety-signs-offered-free-of-charge/article_b9c766dc-8d52-54b1-9a8c-cddd2a005026.html

Slow Moving Vehicle signs available to Wisconsin farmers
April 26, 2023
https://www.onfocus.news/slow-moving-vehicle-signs-available-to-wisconsin-farmers/

Free "Slow Moving Vehicle" Signs Available to Wisconsin Farmers
Some ProVision Locations are Pickup Spots
Posted: 4/26/2023
https://www.provisionpartners.coop/blog/161/free-slow-moving-vehicle-signs-available-to-wisconsin-farmers

Free slow moving vehicle signs available to Wisconsin farmers
April 26, 2023
https://www.wsaw.com/2023/04/26/free-slow-moving-vehicle-signs-available-wisconsin-farmers/

Slow Moving Vehicle Signs Available
April 26, 2023
https://www.midwestfarmreport.com/2023/04/26/slow-moving-vehicle-signs-available/