During the COVID-19 pandemic keeping six feet of distance from other people might sound natural to Guthrie County farmers, but ISU Extension and Outreach shares there are still precautions they should keep in mind as the planting season approaches.

Extension Field Agronomist Mike Witt says producers are kind of lucky in the fact that they tend to have a socially distant profession, but he does point out there are often multiple generations of farmers, including those in the 61-80 year-old age group that are at most risk to become critically ill from COVID-19, “So making sure you keep the social distance is a good thing, making sure you clean, sanitize the tractor cabs, have the wipes, have all of those things between individuals that would get in and out of the cabs, try not to switch as much as often. I know farming will still occur but make sure that if you do have those interactions with other individuals even if they are your family members, that you keep that distance as much as possible.”

Witt also recommends farmers to do any other typical face-to-face business operations over the phone or online if possible. He remarks that agricultural producers are essential workers during this pandemic, and that this sector will carry on as expected for the growing season.