Hays, Kansas: For a few minutes before the crew pulled in, the lot was quiet, except for the crunch of my sandals on the gravel. It was pretty peaceful as the sun had just crested the horizon, a true calm before the storm.
There’s something about moving days. It’s a strange combination of excitement for what’s to come and and slightly nervous anticipation knowing the sheer responsibility of keeping everyone safe on the road. There’s also a sense of pride. It is pretty special to help feed the world, something that few in our country ever experience.
Soon noises and smells filled the air. Thumps sounded as hoods opened and oil and engines were checked. There was the initial cranking of motors following by the the hum of engines. Shoes crunched on the gravel as pre-trip checks were made around the units. It was a slightly humid day, so the smell diesel hung a little longer in the cool morning air. It was soon time to roll.
We sent several waves of equipment out that morning to try to lessen our impact on the traffic. We recognize that harvester caravans or farm equipment in general can be a frustration to many drivers. That premise prompted me to write a safety reminder over on my person blog, Under the Flyover Sky. You can click the link or it reads as follows:
Here’s a handful of our High Plains Harvesting crew that will be taking to the roads this summer.
If you’re anything like me, you’re part of a busy family coming in hot to your next event. Crews like these can be so exasperating because they go a little slower and run a little wider. I get it. I really do.
However, just a reminder. They’re some of the people making sure food gets on your table every night. More importantly, they’re someone’s family too. These crews contain real people with real lives and are sons, daughters, moms, dads, friends, to many people who care immensely for them.
I know it may cramp your style, because it does mine when I’m cutting it close, but please back off their tail, pass only when safe to do so, and give them a “friendly” wave. It’s a stressful job to drive these rigs. We just want them AND YOU to get back home safely. Oh, and think of them when you’re eating a slice of bread this evening. 🌾 ❤️ God Bless!
Laura can be reached at [email protected].
