Watch the wires: Power line safety critical during harvest

As North Dakota producers work to get crops out of the field, North Dakota State University Extension and Minnkota Power Cooperative remind farmers to watch for overhead power lines and poles when operating combines, grain carts and other large farm machinery.

“Harvest is a busy time, and large equipment can make it difficult to see just how close you are to a power line,” says Angie Johnson, NDSU Extension farm and ranch safety specialist.

A moment of inattention around electrical infrastructure can have deadly consequences.

“As farm equipment grows larger and automation becomes more common, the risk of contacting overhead power lines, poles and guy wires increases,” says Johnson.

Public transmission line incidents in Minnkota’s service region have more than doubled in five years, according to the cooperative.

Kaylee Cusack, senior communication strategist for Minnkota Power Cooperative, has partnered with NDSU Extension to promote and educate about power line safety.

“Our Watch the Wires public education campaign is about building awareness before an incident happens and making sure producers know what to do if their equipment contacts a line,” says Cusack. “Taking a moment to identify hazards and plan a safe route can help prevent a serious injury or tragedy.”

Through the Watch the Wires campaign, Minnkota Power Cooperative and its member cooperatives are working to reduce electrical incidents, particularly those involving agricultural operations. The campaign promotes awareness of electrical hazards, prevention practices and the steps to take if equipment contacts a power line.

Safety measures before heading to the field

NDSU Extension encourages producers and equipment operators to follow these precautions:

• Look up and plan the route. Identify overhead power lines, poles and guy wires before entering a field, especially when using a new field entrance or traveling an unfamiliar route.
• Know the equipment’s height. Combines, grain carts, augers and other equipment can reach power lines when unloading, raising or folding components. Know the height and reach of the machinery, including antennas and extended equipment.
• Lower and retract equipment before moving. Make sure augers, booms and other raised components are fully lowered or secured before traveling near overhead lines.
• Maintain safe clearance. Minnkota’s Watch the Wires campaign recommends maintaining at least 10 feet between equipment and power lines or poles. Some equipment and situations require greater clearance. If unsure whether equipment can safely pass beneath a line, contact the electric utility before proceeding.
• Use a spotter when needed. Have someone on the ground help identify hazards in areas where visibility is limited. Remember that GPS and autosteer systems do not replace the need to watch for electrical infrastructure.
• Communicate hazards. Tell family members, employees and other operators where power lines and guy wires are located. Reassess routes when equipment changes or conditions differ from previous trips.

What to do if machinery contacts a power line

If farm machinery contacts an overhead power line, stay in the cab and call 911. The equipment may become energized, and the ground around it can also carry dangerous electrical current.

1. Stay inside the equipment. Do not climb down or touch the ground and machinery at the same time. Remain in the cab until emergency responders or utility personnel confirm it is safe to exit.
2. Call 911. Report the incident and provide the location. If possible, contact the local electric cooperative or utility as well.
3. Warn others to stay away. Keep people and other vehicles at least 35 feet away from the equipment, downed wires and the surrounding hazard area. Never approach a downed power line, even if it does not appear energized.
4. Exit only if there is an immediate danger, such as fire. If you must leave because the equipment is burning, jump clear of the machine without touching the equipment and the ground at the same time. Land with both feet together, then shuffle or hop away with your feet together until you are at least 35 feet away. Do not return to the equipment.

Electrical hazards are not always visible. A power line may energize equipment or the ground without producing sparks or other obvious warning signs. Touching energized equipment while standing on the ground can allow electricity to travel through the body.

“Electricity does not have to be visible to be dangerous,” says Johnson. “The safest approach is prevention. If contact occurs, staying in the cab and keeping others away can save lives.”

For more NDSU Extension information about power line safety, visit ndsu.ag/power-lines-26.

For more information, visit Minnkota Power Cooperative’s Watch the Wires campaign for safety resources and materials to help keep electrical safety top of mind in agricultural operations.

NDSU Agriculture Communication – Nov. 2, 2026

Source: Angie Johnson, 701-231-1873, angela.b.johnson@ndsu.edu

Editor: Dominic Erickson, 701-231-5546, dominic.erickson@ndsu.edu