Supporting Hoosier Farmers

Across the country, fuel prices are some of the highest they have been in recent history. While Indiana has suspended both gas taxes to have the lowest gas prices in the country, our farmers are still struggling due to the skyrocketing cost of diesel.

Now averaging nearly $7 per gallon, at a time when farmers are harvesting and transporting millions of bushels of corn and soybeans to the market, high fuel costs are not only hurting farmers – they trickle down to everyone through increased food prices. Times are already tough for Hoosier families, and we cannot afford to let high fuel prices make it even harder to balance the family budget.

That's why lawmakers urged Gov. Braun to allow tax-free diesel fuel to be used for all farm-related activity. Gov. Braun suspended the restriction on tax-free diesel fuel for the next 30 days, saving farmers 87 cents per gallon at the pump, which will be a big relief, especially during harvest time.

As we enter the heart of the harvest season, motorists should be prepared to slow down, be alert, and be patient for slow-moving farm equipment.

Here are some tips for road safety:

• Farmers will pull over when they are able to let motorists pass, but they must reach a safe place to do so.
• Be careful when passing farm equipment, and do not pass in no passing zones, or within 100 feet of an intersection, railroad grade crossing, bridge, elevation structure or tunnel.
• Farm equipment can be wide and can obscure oncoming traffic. Be sure the other lane is clear before passing.
• Before passing farm equipment, ensure the farmer is not attempting to turn. It may appear that the driver is pulling over to allow traffic to pass when the farmer is actually setting up to make a wide turn, putting a passing motorist right in their path.

Motorists should also allow plenty of time to reach their destination and avoid tailgating, as some farm equipment may make sudden stops.

As harvest gets underway, remember that the work these men and women do puts food on our tables and helps our state grow, and we should support them any chance we get.