From colorful fall hayrides and pumpkin farm tours to spring blossom rides, summer farm events and winter sleigh rides, wagon rides have become a popular agritourism attraction across Wisconsin. Agritourism gives farmers an opportunity to diversify income, connect consumers with agriculture and showcase life on the farm through safe, family-friendly experiences. If you’re planning to host wagon rides or hayrides on your farm, taking the proper safety precautions is essential to protecting your guests and ensuring a fun, memorable visit. Use these guidelines to help make sure your tractor and hay wagon are ready for the season.
Wagon Ride Safety Checklist for wisconsin Farms and Agritourism Operations
- At the beginning of each day, inspect tractors and hayride wagons for safe and efficient operation. Check the hitch and make sure safety chains are in use.
- The tractor pulling the wagon ride must weigh more than the gross weight of the heaviest wagon it will tow. This is necessary for adequate traction and braking.
- Check the wagon and repair loose boards and railings, sharp edges and exposed screws and nails.
- Have sturdy steps with handrails for easy loading and unloading of passengers.
- A responsible adult with a valid driver’s license must operate the tractor.
- Choose the route carefully. Make sure it does not have steep grades or other hazards that can affect the stability of the tractor or wagon.
- Do not travel on or across public roads and highways. If offering sleigh rides in the winter, do not travel on or cross snowmobile trails.
- Drive slow and do not tow more than one wagon.
- Never allow riders on the tractor.
- The wagon should have railings and seating. It is especially important to have a sturdy railing in the front of the wagon to prevent riders from falling forward and being inadvertently run over. No one should be allowed to hang their feet over the edge of the wagon.
- Do not allow standing on or crawling around the wagon. Jumping on and off the moving wagon should be forbidden. The operator of the wagon ride should be prepared to stop at the request of passengers.
- Clearly state safety rules to passengers and children once they are seated and ready to begin the ride.
As agritourism continues to grow across Wisconsin, providing a safe and enjoyable experience is just as important as creating memorable moments for your guests. Taking the time to inspect equipment, communicate safety rules, and maintain safe operating practices can help prevent injuries and protect your farm.
As the number one farm insurer in Wisconsin, we provide knowledge and insight to help you make the best decisions to protect your farm and way of life. That’s why we go beyond the policy by providing educational content on best practices. Reach out to a local agent to learn more.
