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Iowa farmer suggests making farm equipment part of drivers ed

An Iowa farmer is proposing a unique way to help keep everyone safe when farm machinery is on the road. 

Austin Charlson of Belmond says he recently approached the local driver’s ed teacher about involving some ag equipment in the curriculum.

“So these kids can sit in the seat and be aware of how big some of this equipment is.”

The Wright County Farm Bureau president tells Brownfield a lot of people, and especially youth, don’t grasp the size of modern tractors and implements.

“And I think cars are getting smaller and more nimble, so they think they can dart around (the equipment). But in all reality, there’s a lot going on with that equipment. Even though we are hanging over the yellow line a little bit with a field cultivator (for example), we might be close to the ditch on the other side.”

Charlson says his goal is to raise awareness so in the spring and fall when farm traffic picks up, people will be more patient.