Farm Without Harm issues safety alert on fertiliser bag handling
Recent rain has offered respite for some from the ongoing drought.
MORE FARMERS are buying and wearing helmets when riding quad bikes on their farms, according to Labour Minister Kate Wilkinson.
She says research on a campaign promoted by the Department of Labour, shows a 200% increase in the number of quad bike helmets being sold since 2010. The minister describes this as a fantastic result in just one year.
“I’m very happy to see farmers responding positively and taking action to improve quad bike safety, with many now making helmets compulsory on their farms. This is especially important when we consider that 40% of quad bike fatalities involve head injuries.”
An average of 850 people are injured, with another five killed, every year in on-farm quad bike accidents. Wilkinson says there is now evidence to show that more farmers have opted not to operate quad bikes on their properties as a result of the risks.
Labour Department inspectors have been out in the country make checks to ensure that quad bikes are being operated safely.
“It’s great to see many farmers taking this responsibility seriously and I want to thank all the farming organisations including Federated Farmers, Farm Safe and Dairy Women for their continued strong advocacy for improving quad bike safety," says Wilkinson.
OPINION: Ministry for Primary Industries' situation outlook for primary industries report (SOPI) makes impressive reading.
Sheep and beef farmers Matt and Kristin Churchward say using artificial intelligence (AI) to spread fertiliser on their sprawling 630ha farm is a game changer for their business.
Commercial fruit and vegetable growers are being encouraged to cast their votes in the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board directors' election.
A unique discovery by a Palmerston North science company, Biolumic, looks set to revolutionise the value and potential of ryegrass and the secret is the application of ultraviolet (UV) light.
A New Zealand company is redefining the global collagen game by turning New Zealand sheepskin into a world-class health product.
With further extreme weather on the way, ANZ Bank is encouraging farmers and business owners impacted by the recent extreme weather and flooding to seek support if they need it.
OPINION: Dust ups between rural media and PR types aren't unheard of but also aren't common, given part of the…
OPINION: The Hound hears from his canine pals in Southland that an individual's derogatory remarks on social media have left…