Upcoming solar eclipse brings concerns, opportunities to farmers

On Monday, April 8, day will turn to night as a total solar eclipse moves across North America. The path of totality — a line from Texas to Maine where the moon will completely block the sun — will be between 108 and 122 miles wide, according to NASA, but the entire continental United States will experience at least a partial eclipse.

Totality will last 4 minutes, 28 seconds as it enters Texas around 1:30 p.m. CDT, and 3 minutes, 21 seconds as it exits Maine just over an hour later. The entire experience, from the beginning to the end of the partial eclipse in the path of totality, however, will be around 2 hours and 20 minutes.

Because the sun is in a cycle of increased solar activity, NASA says, viewers of the eclipse could potentially see bright pink loops and eruptions of solar material in addition to the sun’s corona.

View an interactive map from NASA to see the exact location and timing of the eclipse and learn more about the chances of visibility based on weather from NOAA.

Flocking to farms

In 2017, NASA estimates 80% of U.S. adults (215 million) viewed the solar eclipse either directly or electronically. Because this year’s eclipse has a wider path, crosses more densely populated areas, and will last longer, that number could be even higher. NASA says 31.6 million people live in the path of totality of the 2024 eclipse, with another 150 million living within 200 miles. 

Some farmers have take advantage of being in the path of totality and turned the eclipse into a niche market for their business. For example, Stuckey Farm in Sheridan, Indiana, is hosting a 1980s-themed “Total Eclipse of the Farm” event, complete with boombox bounce houses, music, and a market where attendees can buy souvenirs and food items from the farm. Admission is $18 and includes a pair of eclipse-viewing glasses.

Niederman Family Farm in Liberty Township, Ohio, is also hosting a “Total Eclipse of the Farm” event with a low ropes course, playhouses, yard games, putt-putt golf, and more activities and concessions. Tickets range from $19.99 to $29.99 and include glasses.

Beasley’s Orchard in Danville, Indiana, is hosting a similar event, with games, music, and food trucks. Tickets are $7 and come with eclipse glasses.

Animals are affected

Anyone who observes an eclipse will notice nature reacting to the phenomenon. Birds stop singing and return to their nests, frogs and crickets begin chirping, and coyotes may howl.

Farm animals and pets also react. According to the University of Kentucky (UK) Extension, hens may roost and livestock will show similar nighttime behaviors, bedding down or heading to the barn. 

Researchers at UK are asking for the public’s help in observing behavior changes (or lack thereof) when it comes to feeding, sleeping, movement, and vocalization in livestock, poultry, pets, and wildlife as the eclipse passes through eight of the state’s counties. They are also interested in productivity changes, indications of confusion, and other behavioral changes. 

Farmers should take precautions

In Ohio, nearly half of the state is within the path of totality. Farmers and landowners are bracing themselves as Ohio State University Extension estimates up to a half million people could be converging on the area, potentially pulling off the road and wandering around on farmland, uninvited.

The Ohio State University Agricultural & Resource Law Program and Ag Safety Team offer these five steps farmers and landowners can take:

1. Secure the farm property

• Do a walk-around with a neighbor on non-farm friend who isn’t desensitized to dangers to help identify areas of concern.
• Take an inventory of equipment, remove keys, lock cable, and remove battery cables if needed.
• Do not leave anhydrous ammonia nurse tanks sitting in fields and remove hoses when not in use.
• Lock shops and outbuildings.
• Secure ladders to grain bins, silos, and hay lofts.
• Restrict entry to drives, pits, and lagoons.
• Be aware of biosecurity risks for livestock and keep animals inside if possible and barns and gates locked.
• Post “No Trespassing” signs at all points of entry.
• Document everything you’ve done in case of an incident or claim.
  

2. Understand trespass laws

These laws vary by state, so check into your local laws regarding the following:

• Landowners in many states are not allowed to use excessive force against someone simply because they are trespassing. Call law enforcement to remove trespassers if needed.
• If a trespasser is injured by a “known peril” on a property, the owner could be held liable.
• Be aware of “Intentional Harm to Farm Property” laws that compensate landowners for property and vegetation damage caused by trespassers.
  

3. Know responsibilities for invited guests

• Depending on the state, landowners have different laws affecting liability when it comes to invited vs. paid guests. When people pay to come onto a farm, it likely becomes an agritourism operation in the eyes of the law, and additional insurance may be required.

• Check zoning requirements for hosting festivals and camping or selling food, and make sure any vendors are properly licensed and insured.
  

4. Plan ahead for farming activities

• Farmers will be sharing the roads with motorists who aren’t used to driving around agricultural equipment, so make sure all lights and reflective materials are working, and use front and rear escort vehicles if possible. Try and avoid moving equipment on roadways the day of the eclipse; consider parking equipment in the field you’ll be working in the day before.

• Cell phone use and travel may be affected, so make sure inventories of feed, bedding, medications, and other supplies won’t need filled for a few days.
• Keep in mind deliveries may be delayed.
  

5. Be prepared to react to an incident 

• Call local law enforcement if needed but keep in mind they may be extra busy or unable to quickly get to you.
• Have a first aid kit and know how to use it.
• Document anything that happens, and be aware you are most likely being filmed in case of an incident.
• Call your insurance agent right away in case of any property damage.
  

View safely

If you are viewing the eclipse, be sure to use appropriate glasses to prevent damage to your eyes, or make a pinhole projector. Learn more about eclipse safety from NASA. Note that welding helmets will not protect your eyes from the sun unless you have a filter of shade 12 or higher.

If you didn’t have a chance to make plans for this year’s total solar eclipse, you have some time to plan for the next one. Alaska will experience one in 2033, and parts of Montana and North Dakota in 2044. There won’t be another solar eclipse spanning the continental U.S. until 2045. Plenty of time to get that agritourism insurance in place.