TUNICA, MS-- It's an irritating and constant problem for Mississippi farmers.
We're not talking about insects or droughts, but irresponsible ATV riders.
ATV's are not allowed on public roads in Mississippi, so some people head to farmlands to ride their 4-wheelers. That adds up to a huge headache for farmers.
“The first thing they say is well, I don't have anywhere to ride. Where am I going to ride? I say, somewhere else, not here!” says Tunica farmer Abbott Myers.
Myers has actually chased away ATV riders from his property. He says they are a major nuisance to the rice, wheat, soybeans and corn he grows.
“We've had people trespassing, running over crops, running over fences, and running over places that they shouldn't be.”
Myers says ATV riders just want to have fun, but don't realize they are costing him money.
“When you run over beans and mash them in the mud, you can't pick them up with a combine, so you lose that crop.”
People always want to ride their four-wheelers through the mud, causing more woes for farmers.
“They make the roads muddy and when I try to get on with a heavy load of equipment- a loaded trailer of seed- I can't get there” says Myers.
With planting season coming up, this becomes an even bigger concern for farmers.
