6 Must Do’s for Stock Ahead Signs

You would think that if your “Stock Ahead” sign were placed anywhere on the road it would be enough to warn motorists to slow right down and drive carefully through the mob. The reality is, that doesn’t always happen.

There are 6 big Do-Dos that we go by when it comes to Stock Ahead Signs and keeping your animals safe while crossing the road.

1.

Your sign must be displayed when stock is being walked or grazed along or within 300 metres of a public road.
Except where a stock-proof fence separates the stock from the road.

2.

Your sign must be positioned so that a motorist is warned at a fair and reasonable distance of the presence or likely presence of stock.
FarmBase recommends at least 200 meters to give motorists time to slow down.

3.

Your sign must be positioned so that there are no more than five kilometres and no less than 200 metres between the sign and a place where a vehicle would encounter the stock.

4.

Your sign must be clearly visible to motorists who approach stock in either direction.
FarmBase recommends a bright-coloured frame and flashing light.

5.

Must not be displayed after dark.
FarmBase recommends never moving stock in the dark, unless there is a weather emergency. In that case, you should most definitely have beacons attached to your sign stands.

6.

Must only be displayed when stock is being moved.
FarmBase recommends always putting your signs away, you don’t want to be the farmer who cried wolf!