As harvest season approaches and agricultural activity increases across the UK’s rural road network, TyreSafe is urging farmers, contractors and agricultural businesses to prioritise tyre safety both in the field and on the road.
Ahead of Farm Safety Week (20–24 July 2026), TyreSafe will be working alongside its agricultural safety partners to amplify important farm safety messages and raise awareness of the role tyres play in preventing incidents, reducing downtime and supporting safer journeys during one of the busiest periods of the farming calendar.
With combines, tractors, trailers and agricultural vehicles travelling between fields, farms and storage facilities, tyre condition becomes increasingly important. The combination of heavy loads, long working hours, changing weather conditions and increased traffic on rural roads can significantly increase the risk of tyre-related incidents.
TyreSafe is encouraging the farming community to adopt its simple Farmer’s Five approach to agricultural tyre safety.
The Farmer’s Five
Tyre Pressure
Maintaining the correct tyre pressure helps maximise traction, reduce fuel consumption, minimise soil compaction and improve overall vehicle performance both on and off road.
Tyre Type
Using the correct tyre for the machine, application and operating conditions can improve efficiency, reduce wear and provide better grip across varying terrain.
Weight and Load
Agricultural tyres operate under immense pressure. Overloading machinery or trailers can increase the risk of tyre damage, premature wear and potentially dangerous failures.
Inspection and Maintenance
Regular inspections can identify cuts, bulges, embedded objects, uneven wear and other issues before they develop into costly breakdowns or safety-critical failures.
Storage
Proper storage during periods of inactivity helps prevent degradation, cracking and deformation, extending tyre life and maintaining performance.
Harvest Brings Increased Risks on Rural Roads
While tyre safety remains essential in the field, TyreSafe is also reminding all road users that harvest season brings significantly more agricultural traffic onto rural roads.
Tractors, trailers, telehandlers and other agricultural vehicles often travel between farms, fields, storage sites and processing facilities, creating additional hazards for motorists unfamiliar with rural driving conditions.
Rural roads already present unique challenges, including narrow carriageways, blind bends, uneven surfaces, mud on the road, standing water and limited visibility. The presence of slow-moving agricultural vehicles can further increase risk, particularly during busy harvest periods.
Tyres play a vital role in helping all road users maintain braking performance, vehicle control and stability when encountering unexpected hazards.
Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said: “Harvest is one of the busiest and most demanding periods of the year for the farming community. Machinery is working hard, vehicles are covering significant distances and the pressure to make the most of favourable weather conditions can be immense. Tyres are often overlooked, but they are fundamental to both safety and productivity. A tyre failure can create significant disruption, costly downtime and potentially serious safety consequences, whether in the field or on the road.”
“At the same time, increased agricultural traffic means all road users need to be prepared for the challenges of rural driving. Good tyres are essential for maintaining grip, stability and control when road conditions become unpredictable.”
Andrew Donald, Enforcement Policy Manager at the DVSA, said: “Harvest is an incredibly intense time for farmers, but taking shortcuts on vehicle safety can have tragic consequences. Roadworthiness doesn’t stop at the farm gate. Tyres are the only point of contact between agricultural machines and the road, making daily walkaround checks absolutely vital. DVSA is supportive of TyreSafe’s ‘Farmer’s Five’ campaign; maintaining correct tyre pressures, checking for damage, and avoiding overloading aren’t just about avoiding costly downtime, they are life-saving habits that keep rural roads safe for everyone.”
Free Agricultural Tyre Safety Resources Available
To support farmers, contractors and agricultural businesses, TyreSafe has developed a dedicated suite of agricultural tyre safety resources designed to provide practical, easy-to-follow guidance.
Resources available through the TyreSafe website include:
- The Ultimate Guide to Agricultural Tyres
- The Farmer’s Five agricultural tyre safety checklist
- Downloadable information leaflets
- Social media graphics and campaign assets
- Practical tyre inspection and maintenance guidance
TyreSafe is encouraging agricultural organisations, machinery dealers, contractors, rural businesses and industry stakeholders to download, share and promote these resources throughout Farm Safety Week and the wider harvest season.
