Tractors, Automobiles, and the Eclipse: The Impact on Agriculture Production
Jackson County, located in the northeast corner of Arkansas, is in the path of totality
for the eclipse on April 8, 2024, between noon and 4 p.m.
Typically, we begin field preparations in Jackson County mid- to late-March. Moving into April, with favorable weather, we will see the planting of crops such as corn and soybeans into the field.
1.5 Million Additional People Expected
The Arkansas Department of Transportation is expecting the solar eclipse to bring an estimated 1.5 million additional people to our highways, including 500,000 fellow Arkansans, all eager to be in the path of totality.
The concern is that local, county, and state two-lane highways typically used by sizeable
farming equipment, some-times exceeding 20-foot widths, will be potentially full of
additional vehicles.
People using these less-trafficked roads as places to pull off to view the eclipse could be concerning to farmers with agriculture production starting at that time.
PLAN AHEAD — FARMERS
Here are a few things to consider when planning your routes as a farmer:
- Make sure the vehicle lights are legal and working.
- Hazard lights and slow-moving vehicle signage need to be visible.
- Proceed with caution when entering and exiting highways.
- Use “follow cars” with flashing lights to alert traffic.
- Verify that attachments are secured, lights are functioning, and equipment widths and heights are noted.
- If traffic stops, pull over, seek assistance, or remain until traffic clears.
- Limit equipment movement during the day of the eclipse. Move equipment to areas that would provide a full day of work without the need to move equipment if possible.
PLAN AHEAD — NON-AG DRIVERS
Here are a few things for drivers to consider:
- Slow down when approaching equipment.
- Watch for hand signs or turn signals.
- Refrain from attempting to overtake machinery by speeding past.
- Watch for flashing lights or slow-moving vehicle signage.
- Only pull out in front of slow-moving vehicles after verifying that the slow-moving vehicle is a safe distance away and the road is clear enough to do so. Large equipment cannot stop as quickly as a motor vehicle. Always be cautious and verify safe operating distances to maintain space between yourself and the machinery.
- Slow-moving vehicles may be unable to use the shoulders, and you should not expect them to use them.
- Share the road.
- Avoid stopping on shoulders or private drives.
Highways used by farmers in Jackson County.
- Highway 367
- Highway 14
- Highway 17
- Highway 33
- Highway 37
- Highway 42
- Highway 145
- Highway 224
- Highway 87
- Highway 69
- Highway 226
- Highway 18
See a map of Jackson County.
Even after the eclipse is history, we need to maintain these safe practices as we cooperate with the farmers and industry of our area.
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