ROPS needed on older farm equipment

SHEBOYGAN, Wis. — A rollover protective structure on an old tractor could have saved the life of 14‑year‑old Taylor VanderWeele.

His family is speaking out about the accident, and the importance of a ROPS, through the Telling the Story Project. The initiative aims to raise injury prevention awareness while sharing firsthand stories.

VanderWeele was hauling chopped hay in a 1965 John Deere Model 4020. It was not equipped with a ROPS, something that wasn’t standard on U.S. tractors until 1985.

“We’re sharing Taylor’s story to give it a purpose, to prevent other rollovers and injury events,” said his mom, Cindy VanderWeele.

“We’re asking state legislatures to support and prioritize adequate funding for ROPS rebate programs so that other parents, siblings, spouses and farm owners do not have to live our experience.

“This is a simple, proven prevention effort that can eliminate the leading cause of death for agricultural workers.”

When telling his story, VanderWeele’s family emphasized that safety training alone is not enough.

He had completed the Wisconsin Tractor Safety Course and was described by those who knew him as conscientious and careful.

His death illustrates that even skilled, trained operators are vulnerable when essential safety equipment is missing.

“He was so excited when he passed the course, because that meant he could work for the two farmers who rented our land,” his mother recalled.

“As soon as school let out, he started driving tractor for them. One of the farmers, Gary, had been a tractor safety course instructor and felt comfortable with Taylor driving after seeing his skills. Taylor was one of those kids who wanted to do everything correctly.”

An estimated 100 tractor-rollover fatalities occur per year. Due to underreporting, the true number is likely higher.

When combined with a seatbelt, ROPS systems are 99% effective at preventing serious injury or death in the event of a rollover.

Despite this, an estimated half of all tractors in use nationwide lack this life‑saving protection.

Retrofitting an older tractor with ROPS can cost between $1,500 and $2,500 — a significant expense for farm operations that often rely on multiple aging machines.

While programs such as the National ROPS Rebate Program have helped offset these costs, funding is limited and availability varies by state.

VanderWeele’s parents are sharing their son’s story to advocate for renewed and expanded investment in agricultural injury prevention.

Farmers can visit ropsr4u.org or call 877-767-7748 to apply for a rebate toward retrofitting their tractor with a ROPS.

Read VanderWeele’s and other stories at tellingthestoryproject.org.