Tractor overturns are the leading cause of farm-related deaths. That's why it's so important that each tractor have a rollover protective structure (ROPS).McMillan-Warner Mutual Insurance Company, in partnership with the National Farm Medicine Center, will give away a free ROPS at Wisconsin Farm Technology Days, August 12-14, in Portage County. Just stop by the National Farm Medicine Center table, located within the Marshfield Clinic tent at the corner of Wisconsin Avenue and Fourth Street (Zone 1, Lot 457).
One lucky tractor owner will get the free ROPS, and all who register will be enrolled in the Farm Center's Wisconsin ROPS Rebate Program. The program reimburses owners up to 70 percent (maximum of $865) toward the total cost of purchasing, shipping and installing individual ROPS. In addition, the partnership with McMillan-Warner Mutual Insurance Company qualifies any McMillan-Warner Mutual Policyholder for an additional 30 percent reimbursement (maximum of $350) for the remaining retrofit costs.
Enrollees will be mailed retrofit options and costs for their particular tractor.
A ROPS is an operator compartment structure (usually cab or rollbar) intended to protect farmers from injuries caused by overturns or rollovers. More than half the tractors in Wisconsin do not have this protection. ROPS did not become standard on U.S.-manufactured tractors until 1985. A ROPS, when used with a seatbelt, is 99 percent effective in preventing injury or death in the event of an overturn.
More than 60 ROPS have been installed during the first 18 months of the program.
"We both are very appreciative of the ROPS addition to our tractor -- particularly with two young grandsons coming up before too long," said Carol Moen, Cameron, Wis., whose husband Larry won a free ROPS drawing at the Eau Claire Farm Show in February.
"Thank you for all your help with this project," said JoAnn Utphall, Boyceville, Wis., on behalf of herself and husband Jim. "It is a very worthwhile program dealing with farm safety."
Tractor owners can also apply for a ROPS via the hotline, 1-877-767-7748 (1-877-ROPSR4U), or the Web site, www.ropsr4u.com. Either way, the owner provides basic information about his or her farm and tractors. Program staff will do all the leg work.
FREE SKIN CANCER SCREENINGS: The National Farm Medicine Center will also be offering free skin cancer screenings at Farm Technology Days, conducted by physicians from the Marshfield Clinic Dermatology Department. Don't miss this opportunity to protect your health.
7.30.2014