CHARLOTTE, Mich. (WLKI)- Michigan State Police are reminding drivers to slow down and use caution around farm equipment as harvest activity increases across the state.
State Police data shows 114 crashes involving farm equipment have been reported in Michigan so far this year, including two deaths.
In 2025, there were 179 crashes involving farm equipment and three fatalities. October historically sees the second-highest number of such crashes, according to the Michigan State Police Traffic Crash Dashboard.
The Michigan Farm Bureau says more agricultural equipment will be traveling on rural roads in the coming weeks as farmers harvest corn and soybeans.
Brett Roberts, a row-crop farmer and president of the Eaton County Farm Bureau, said close calls with drivers trying to pass farm equipment are common.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, harvest activity was still limited at the start of October, with 1% of Michigan's corn and 10% of soybeans harvested.
The Farm Bureau says a vehicle traveling 55 miles per hour may need about 300 feet to stop behind farm equipment traveling 15 miles per hour.
Drivers are encouraged to be patient, avoid passing unless it is safe and allow additional time for travel on rural roads during the harvest season.