Minnesota is now one of seven states that have access to a new program that makes tractor safety equipment affordable and simple to order.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture recently announced state farmers have access to a Rollover Protective Structure Rebate Program. The program reimburses farmers and schools at least 70% of the cost of purchasing, shipping, and installing a rollover protection kit—a roll bar and seatbelt—limiting applicants’ cost per tractor to no more than $500. It also provides help to farmers with identifying and pricing the appropriate rollover kits for their tractors.

Minnesota joins national farm safety program to prevent tractor roll-overs

According to U.S. Department of Labor statistics, tractor overturns remain the leading cause of farmer fatalities.

“Rollover protection devices on tractors are highly effective in protecting farmers if they take the steps to install and use them on their equipment,” said Dave Frederickson, MDA commissioner. “This new ROPS Rebate program will save lives and reduce serious injuries in Minnesota as farmers step forward to participate in the program.”

Minnesota’s program is administered by the New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health, the organization behind a similar program in New York and five other states that have successfully accomplished a ten-fold increase in tractor rollover protection installation since the program’s inception in 2006. Cost and difficulty ordering the appropriate equipment were identified by NYCAMH as the two key barriers to getting rollover protection on tractors.

NYCAMH says roll bars and seat belts are 99% effective in preventing death and serious injury in the event of a rollover.

The program is the result of a public private partnership with the state contributing $250,000 and private donations provided by Cargill, CHS, Inc., ADM, and Land O’Lakes.

Farmers or schools may call toll-free 877-ROPS-R4U (877-767-7748) for more information or to register for a rollover kit. Or send an email to [email protected]

Information about other state programs is available on NYCAMH’s website at https://www.nycamhoutreach.com/ropsr4u/