Mercer County Agriculture and Natural Resources Director Theresa Dirksen said the campaign began earlier this year after local farmer Steve Homan reached out about creating a stronger farm safety awareness effort.

Homan has long been passionate about farm safety after losing a friend in a tractor and vehicle crash in 1998.

The campaign's goal is to remind both farmers and the general public about the dangers associated with agriculture and the importance of sharing the road with slow moving farm equipment.

Dirksen said nearly 50 local donors and sponsors have contributed more than $13,000 to support the effort.

The campaign began its public outreach this summer at the Maria Stein Country Fest, where visitors could watch a live grain entrapment demonstration and learn about other farm safety hazards.

The group also participated in the Coldwater Community Picnic parade with an educational float focused on grain entrapment and farm safety.

The next phase of the campaign will focus on harvest season.

Dirksen said bright orange signs are expected to be placed along major roads and state highways throughout Mercer County during September and October.

The signs will remind motorists to slow down, share the road and give farmers additional space.

Dirksen said one of the biggest concerns involves motorists attempting to pass farm equipment as a farmer prepares to make a left turn.

She encouraged drivers to remain patient and remember that the person operating the equipment is someone's family member.

The campaign also encourages farmers to remain aware of hazards involving machinery, grain bins, confined spaces and other common agricultural dangers.

The motto of the Mercer County Ag Safety Awareness Program is "So the young can grow old."

Dirksen said organizers hope to continue the campaign annually and are already discussing future demonstrations and outreach opportunities.