Farming

Farming revealed as Wales’ most dangerous job

Published

7 months ago

July 18, 2024

NEW figures released today reveal that farming continues to be the most perilous occupation in the UK, with a stark reminder of the dangers as the annual Farm Safety Week campaign kicks off. The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) reported that 27 people lost their lives on farms across Great Britain (GB) in 2023/24, underlining the severe risks faced by agricultural workers.

Despite representing only one per cent of the working population, agriculture accounts for 20 per cent of all workplace fatalities. In 2023/24, there were 23 farm worker deaths, an increase from 21 the previous year. Tragically, four members of the public, including two children, also died on farms, bringing the total to 27. A significant portion of these fatalities, nearly 40%, involved individuals over the age of 65.

Northern Ireland also reported a grim picture, with farming responsible for eight out of 17 workplace fatalities in 2023/24, according to the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSENI).

The Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies), the charity behind Farm Safety Week, stresses the need to address risky behaviours and complacency within the industry. The Foundation highlights that alongside fatalities, there are an estimated 23,000 injuries to farm workers annually in GB.

NFU Mutual reported 937 farm accident claims in the UK for 2023/24, a decrease from 1,021 in 2022/23. These accidents, including falls from heights, trapped body parts, and falling objects, cost the rural insurer over £68 million.

Research conducted by the charity in September 2023 found that 88% of UK farmers believe ‘complacency’ is a major contributor to farm accidents, while 82% cite ‘attitude’ as a significant factor.

Stephanie Berkeley, manager of the Farm Safety Foundation, stated: “Farm safety is a global issue. The International Labour Office (ILO) ranks agriculture among the three most hazardous sectors worldwide. In the UK, 35 farm-related deaths occurred last year, including two children. This devastation to families and communities must stop.”

Berkeley added: “This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Farm Safety Foundation. While we’ve made progress, the statistics from HSENI and NFU Mutual show there’s much more to be done. Farm Safety Week is an opportunity to reset our approach to safety and risk-taking. We cannot tolerate poor safety behaviours or rely on luck in our daily tasks.”

Brian Rees, Abbeycwmhir farmer and Lantra Wales Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, emphasised practical steps for improvement: “As Farm Safety Week begins, let’s remember the fatal accidents, life-changing injuries, and near-misses in our industry. Fix anything faulty, avoid dangerous situations, and reflect on near-misses.”

Sue Thompson, Head of Agriculture at HSE, echoed these sentiments: “This year’s fatality figures are disappointing, with agriculture again having the highest fatality rate among major industries. Farm Safety Week highlights crucial safety and health issues. Farmers must prioritise their safety and health. While we, as regulators, will enforce standards, the industry must change its culture to drive meaningful and lasting safety improvements.”

Thompson also stressed the importance of protecting children on farms: “The industry must choose between maintaining its current culture or ensuring children’s safety. It cannot do both. Farmers pride themselves on fixing anything on the farm; now they must fix the industry’s broken health and safety record.”

For more information on Farm Safety Week, visit www.yellowwellies.org or follow @yellowwelliesUK on social media using the hashtag #FarmSafetyWeek.

Crime

Farmer cleared of restraining order breach at Haverfordwest court

Published

7 days ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has been found not guilty of breaching a restraining order after being accused of referencing a protected individual in a Facebook post.

Philip Stoddart, 58, of Monkhill Farm, St Ishmaels, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Jan 20) to face the charge. The prosecution, led by Ann Griffiths on behalf of the crown, alleged that between December 4 and December 13, 2023, Stoddart made a Facebook post that, by inference, referred to a person he was prohibited from contacting under a restraining order imposed by Swansea Crown Court on April 16, 2021.

The restraining order, issued under Section 360 of the Sentencing Act 2020, barred Stoddart from making any form of contact with her.

Prosecutors argued that the Facebook post constituted a breach of the order, contrary to Section 363 of the same act.

Stoddart denied the allegations and entered a not guilty plea during a prior hearing on October 1, 2024.

Magistrates Professor N. Negus, Mr. J. Steadman, and Mrs. J. Morris presided over the trial, which concluded on Monday.

After reviewing the evidence, the bench found Stoddart not guilty, dismissing the case.

The dismissal brings to a close legal proceedings that had been ongoing for over a year.

Farming

Get up to £5,000 for on-farm trials in Wales

Published

7 days ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

FARMERS in Wales are being called to apply for the next round of funding for on-farm trials.

The Farming Connect initiative, which has funded projects such as growing lucerne in Brecon, is inviting applications for the Try Out Fund.

The new application window opens on January 27, 2025, and will run until February 17.

Successful applicants will be awarded up to £5,000 to help fund trials that experiment with new ideas on their farms.

The last round of funding supported several projects, including integrated pest management at a pick-your-own strawberry enterprise.

Menna Williams, the Farming Connect project lead, said: “Farming Connect has developed the Try Out Fund to address specific local problems or opportunities with the aim of improving efficiencies and profitability within agricultural businesses whilst protecting the environment.”

She added: “There are many changes on the horizon for agriculture, and now is a great time for farm businesses to explore an idea that could benefit them, allowing farms to tackle ‘real’ problems or check if a research idea works in practice.”

The fund is open to individuals or groups of up to four farmers and/or growers in Wales who have identified a local or specific problem or opportunity.

Ms Williams said: “Because these ideas are initiated by farmers themselves, they are really passionate about them, giving them 100 per cent effort right from the start.”

Projects should focus on enhancing production efficiencies and profitability while ensuring environmental protection through adherence to sustainable land management principles.

A guidance handbook is accessible on the Farming Connect website, providing support for farmers in outlining their projects and completing the application process.

To apply, individuals must be registered with Farming Connect and capable of finishing their projects by January 2026.

Ms Williams explained: “Funding can be used for technical assistance, sampling, testing and other reasonable expenses such as those relating to short-term hire of specialist equipment or facilities directly relating to the project.”

The findings will be shared with other producers in Wales by collaborating with a Farming Connect team member.

Interested parties can apply on the Farming Connect website.

To receive the link or get further information, contact [email protected].

Farming

Funding window to re-open for on-farm trials in Wales

Published

7 days ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

WITH Farming Connect-funded trials ranging from growing lucerne in Brecon to establishing sunflowers as a companion crop with maize, farmers are being invited to apply for the next round of funding from the initiative that brought these projects to life.

The new application window for the Try Out Fund opens on 27January2025 and will run until 17 February. Successful applicants will be awarded up to £5,000 to help fund on-farm trials that experiment with new ideas. The last round of funding saw farmers supported for several projects including integrated pest management at pick your own strawberry enterprise.

Project lead Menna Williams of Farming Connect said the aim is for farmers to compare different treatments or management systems – the project is not intended to fund new equipment she stressed.

“Farming Connect has developed the Try-Out Fund to address specific local problems or opportunities with the aim of improving efficiencies and profitability within agricultural businesses whilst protecting the environment,’’ she said. “There are many changes on the horizon for agriculture, and now is a great time for farm businesses to explore an idea that could benefit them, allowing farms to tackle ‘real’ problems or check if a research idea works in practice.’’

The fund is open to individuals or groups of up to four farmers and/or growers in Wales who have identified a local or specific problem or opportunity.

“Because these ideas are initiated by farmers themselves, they are really passionate about them, giving them 100% effort right from the start,’’ said Ms Williams.

Suitable projects must aim to improve production efficiencies and profitability whilst protecting the environment by aligning with sustainable land management outcomes. A guidance handbook is available on the Farming Connect website to help farmers scope their project and complete the application form.

Applicants must be registered with Farming Connect and be able to complete their projects by January 2026.