As we continue through the transition of summer to fall and the activities surrounding our agricultural community, which we are so proud of, I wanted to share some observations. I have written many times about our efforts to coordinate and provide guidance to our local agricultural community regarding their operation on public roads and their obligation to us as a community and to other motorists sharing that same public road.

In some of these areas, we have been successful, while in others, we continue to see areas of improvement. We have seen transfer site operations where there is proper signage and practices that mitigate risk, while still, others fail to take the time and effort to create a safe environment for both their workers as well as others in the adjacent area. We have seen haulers make use of tarping mechanisms so as to minimize debris leaving their loaded trailers, while others take shortcuts and continue to disregard their obligation to the community they are working in.

I bring up these contrasts between responsible and irresponsible operations as a call to action. I am asking that those farms, haulers, and contractors that have taken the time and spent the resources to do the right thing call out their counterparts who are failing in their obligation to run a legitimate and safe operation.

While we in law enforcement will continue to respond to the complaints, attempt to identify those in violation, and issue the proper and well-earned citations, we cannot be everywhere. If we ever hope to arrive at a place of truly professional and accountable agricultural community, we will need to work together.

Just as in law enforcement, when one officer's actions reflect on all other officers, so too does the behavior of one hauler or farmer reflect on the entire agricultural community.

Thank you to all of those who do the right thing each and every day. Thank you to those operations who have created and nurtured a culture of safety rather than a culture of expedience for the purpose of profit. Thank you to those who are truly doing their best to be good neighbors in our community, which relies so heavily on the success of our agricultural industry. Whatever role you may have on a given day, ask yourself- “Am I doing the Right Thing?”