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Seeding underway in some areas

Motorists urged to watch for farm machinery on highways

May 18, 2026 | 7:00 AM

As the highways get busy this Victoria Day long weekend, drivers are encouraged to keep an eye out for farm machinery.

Melfort Fire Chief Leonard Whitney told northeastNOW it’s important to be prepared to encounter the machinery during your drive. 

“They are usually slow moving and hard to see around,” Whitney said. “The best course of action is patience.” 

Whitney said producers are trying to get where they need to be as quickly and as safely as they can. 

“Farmers are usually very cautious and try not to hold up traffic but approaching cautiously will help everyone,” said Whitney. 

Another possible hazard when encountering farm equipment during your travels is dust from grid roads causing visibility issues, and mud or rock being left in the machinery’s wake. 

“On the grids they will be kicking up dust which may hide the equipment they are towing and when they come off the gravel onto highways.” 

The need for caution is even greater in a province like Saskatchewan with many highways being single lane. Whitney said a lot of equipment takes up the shoulder, and motorists need to approach with caution. 

“Slow down. Farmers need to use the highways to get to their fields to seed, and the least we can do is slow down to keep the roads safe for everyone this seeding season.” 

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com