Farm Safety: Staying Alert Around Power Lines

You might be wondering why we’re talking about farm safety around power lines in November. Unfortunately, in 2025, several farm implements struck power lines and poles. One cooperative west of Hill County even experienced a tragic fatality during the recent harvest season.

While winter offers more time for planning, we encourage you to reflect on safety and how critical it is in our day-to-day work. As farming equipment continues to grow in size and capability, it brings increased responsibility. New equipment may be taller or longer for improved efficiency - but the height of the power lines hasn’t changed, nor have the locations of the power poles in your fields.

It’s easy to forget that a turn you made safely last year might now be too tight. Without realizing it, you could clip a pole or snag a wire when entering or exiting a field. These are real and avoidable risks.

Modern farming depends on powerful machinery and advanced technologies like GPS and auto-steering. While these tools improve efficiency, they are not foolproof. Aerial maps may not accurately show overhead power lines, and automation can miss obstacles. That’s why it’s crucial for operators to remain alert and ready to take control at any moment.

At Hill County Electric, safety is always our top priority. We urge all farmers and ranchers to stay aware of electrical hazards. Even a split second of inattention can result in serious injury or damage.

Please keep these electrical safety tips in mind:

• Use a spotter when operating large equipment near power lines.
• Maintain at least 10 feet of clearance from power lines in all directions.
• Always look up and use caution when raising augers or grain truck beds.
• Position augers horizontally before moving them.
• Never attempt to move or raise a power line on your own.

If Contact Occurs
If your equipment comes into contact with a power line, stay inside the cab and call 911. Only exit if there is an immediate threat, such as fire. If you must exit, jump clear with both feet together and hop away (yes hop) never touch the wire, equipment and the ground at the same time.

We were fortunate this year in Hill County to avoid a fatality from a farm-related electrical incident. Let’s work together to keep it that way.

Stay alert, plan ahead, and don’t hesitate to contact Hill County Electric with any questions or concerns. Your safety - and the safety of your operation - depends on it.