Members of the Lakeville Agricultural Commission discussed right-to-farm signage, Purple Heart signs and possible tractor-crossing placards at their Aug. 14 meeting, and said state highway rules may limit sign placement on main routes.

Commission members said the Select Board voted to install eight signs with an initial budget of up to $2,000, but that the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (referred to in the meeting as MDOT) has balked at proposed locations on state roadways. "I guess, based off the DOT's response, they will not allow it in state layouts, which is most of the main entrances to Lakeville," a member said.

Members said the town administrator, Andrew Shookworth, planned to meet with Frank from the highway department to finalize suitable locations that comply with state rules. They discussed siting signs on secondary or side roads if state highways are disallowed and noted that some active farms are located on state routes and could benefit from signage if alternatives are found.

The commission also discussed tractor-crossing signage and other measures to warn motorists about farm machinery on roads such as Highland Road and Bedford Street, where members said farm equipment crosses frequently. Members emphasized that signage would both recognize agricultural activity and increase safety for farmers moving machinery.

The commission indicated it would continue to work with the Select Board, town administrator and highway staff to identify compliant locations and to revisit funding if costs change. No formal vote on additional signs or funding was taken at the Aug. 14 meeting.