Today’s column is directed toward parents of young adults who drive 4-wheel-drive pickups or other vehicles equipped for off-road use.

You might ask, “Why would the County Extension Agent write such a column?” The answer is this — several local farmers with whom I work and counsel have kindly asked me to address a problem they are having with mud riders. Let me describe the issue and ask for your help in solving it.

The problem, as I see it, mainly deals with teenagers seeking fun. I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt in saying that most of the individuals causing the problem haven’t considered their actions malicious. I would even go one step further in suggesting many probably don’t know enough about agriculture to realize some of the fields they’ve been driving across are currently producing this year’s wheat crop. 

Taking a 4-wheel-drive truck mud riding through a field and churning up a farmer’s crop, however, is not welcomed by crop producers or landowners. Doing donuts and spinning tires in a rain-soaked field is a significant cost to the farmer. Not only are parts of his crop destroyed, but the ruts in the field will mean he will have to smooth over or disk this spring before a summer crop such as soybeans can be planted. The farmers I have talked with who have experienced this activity are frustrated and want it to stop immediately.

What are some possible consequences for the teenager who has loaded up his buddies and gone for an evening of mud riding in a farmer’s field? To begin with, and possibly worst of all, it shows a complete disregard for private property and disrespect for others, which blemishes the character of the perpetrator. Of course, there are the potential dangers of the vehicle crashing and injuring the driver and passengers. Then there are the criminal charges which most likely will arise if caught, such as willful trespass, malicious mischief and even reckless driving. Restitution to the farmer or landowner will likely be ordered.

As an example of how serious those charges can become, let’s say a 17-year-old is charged with malicious mischief — willfully destroying someone’s property — and the property value is more than $500. That teen can be charged as an adult with a felony. With the value of crops today and the cost of maintaining farmland, one can commit a felony fairly easily. I think you see my point. Things can get out of hand in a hurry.

Before writing this column, I spoke with Sheriff Martin Pace and Chief Deputy Jay McKenzie at the Warren County Sheriff’s Department — just to gather some of their thoughts, ideas and suggestions. Pace said he is counting on the cooperation of the public to help solve this problem. With only five deputies per shift to cover the county’s 618 square miles, it’s easy to see why catching individuals in the act is difficult. Anyone witnessing this kind of activity should call 911 and report the vehicle tag number, Pace said. 

My suggestion to parents of teens with 4-wheel-drive vehicles is to take whatever steps necessary to discourage your child from participating in this type of activity. If you’re not sure what those steps need to be, give me a call and I will share details of proven, effective solutions.

John C. Coccaro is county Extension director. Write to him at 1100-C Grove St., Vicksburg, MS 39180 or call 601-636-5442. E-mail him at jcoccaro@ext.msstate.edu