Our partners at the Ontario Federation of Agriculture have developed a helpful guide for residents who are new to rural living. This resource provides important information about agriculture, road safety, and respecting farm operations in your community.
Understanding Agriculture in Your Area
Ontario’s agri-food sector is one of the province’s leading industries. It contributes more than $47 billion to the economy and supports over 860,000 jobs. Across the province, approximately 52,000 farms operate as both businesses and family homes.
Sharing the Road with Farm Equipment
Farm machinery frequently travels on municipal roads between fields and farm properties. These vehicles are often large, slow-moving, and may take up more space than a standard lane.
- Watch for flashing lights and the triangular Slow-Moving Vehicle (SMV) sign, which indicates speeds of up to 40 km/h
- Reduce your speed and be prepared to stop
- Only pass when it is safe and legal to do so
Did you know?
At 80 km/h, you have approximately 6.5 seconds to react to a tractor 100 metres ahead travelling at 25 km/h.
Be Patient
Farmers operate within tight seasonal timelines to plant and harvest crops. Unsafe passing or impatience around farm equipment can lead to serious collisions. Please share the road responsibly.
Respect Private Property
While rural areas may appear open, farmland is privately owned.
- Always obtain permission before entering any property
- Respect posted signage
- Unauthorized access to farmland is illegal and may result in fines
Protect Farm Operations
Biosecurity
Maintaining biosecurity helps prevent the spread of disease among crops and livestock. Do not enter farms where biosecurity signage is posted.
Livestock Safety
Fencing is in place to protect both animals and the public. Do not enter fenced areas or approach livestock.
Stay on Marked Trails
Fields may contain planted crops at any time of year. Walking or driving on farmland without permission can damage crops.
Keep Fields Clean
Dumping garbage, yard waste, or creating fire pits on farmland can:
- Damage crops
- Harm animals
- Pollute water sources
- Disrupt local ecosystems
Normal Farm Practices
Normal farm practices are essential to food production and may include:
- Noise from equipment
- Odours from manure application
- Dust, smoke, or light disturbances
- Early morning or late-night operations during peak seasons
These activities are a standard and necessary part of rural life.
Did you know?
During planting and harvest seasons, farmers often work extended hours to ensure crops are managed within limited timeframes.
Farm Facts
- Manure may be spread at various times throughout the year
- Farm animals may appear muddy in wet conditions and may lie down frequently, this is normal behaviour
- Crop protection measures, including spraying, are sometimes required to control weeds, pests, and disease
- Proper waste disposal helps reduce wildlife such as coyotes, skunks, deer, and bears that can interfere with farm operations
Learn More About Farming
If you have questions about agriculture, explore these resources:
Related Legislation and Resources
Download the Guide
A full PDF version of this guide is available on the Ontario Federation of Agriculture’s website.
