It has been a while since my last column.
In it I wrote about our harvest and the processes that take place to strip grain and deliver it to the silo. I received a lot of positive feedback on this column, so I thought I'd write another 'farm themed' one this week.
Living in a regional shire has a lot going for it. Wide open spaces, the bush, nature and rolling farm land as far as the eye can see. If you've ever ventured off the beaten path and travelled through our shire's quiet country roads, be it dirt or bitumen, you are bound to come upon livestock being shifted at some stage.
This can be a daunting vista as you come around the corner and all of a sudden the road is full of sheep or other livestock. What do you think you should do and is that the right thing?
I can only speak from my personal experience as a farmer, however I would presume things are pretty similar wherever you go.
First and for most, SLOW DOWN as the last thing you want to do is hit an animal which can cause substantial damage to your vehicle, let alone the animal that was hit.
If you can see the farmer, he/she may well give you some sort of signal to keep going or stop. Sometimes the sheep are very close to their destination and you can really help a farmer out by stopping for a few minutes to let them get to their paddock without being scattered.
If you can't see the farmer, the best way to safely pass stock is to drive at walking pace. Move as far to the side of the road as is safe to do so and what your particular vehicle is capable of doing. If you are driving a 4WD you may be able to get close to the fence line. Please use your discretion. Slowly drive through the mob. The sheep will get out of the way and run around your car. Do not toot your horn, as this will only make the sheep run away in the opposite direction. Don't stop your car and stay put either, as this will cause a 'stand-off' between you and the sheep and you may well be stuck there for a very long time.
Stock crossings are slightly different. 'Give Way to Stock' signs are typically displayed 300m before a livestock crossing, but this can vary. When you see one, you must slow down and allow the animals to cross before continuing on your way. The stock have right of way.
When a stop sign is displayed at a stock crossing, you need to come to a complete halt and not start driving again until all the animals have completed their crossing.
Both of these stock-related road signs are legally enforceable, so make sure you abide by them, or you may receive a fine.
