With the harvest getting underway in the region farmers are reminded to make safety a priority, especially around railroad tracks. Minnesota Commissioner of Agriculture Dave Frederickson says farmers are usually in a hurry during the season and need to stay alert to stay safe.

He says unfortunately the number of rail accidents and collisions is up among the agricultural community and farmers that are hauling farm equipment.

And Frederickson says unit train traffic usually increases the fall and they can’t just stop on a dime.

This is the second year the Minnesota Department of Agriculture has observed Rail Safety Week which runs September 22 through the 29th.