increase font size
Before lifting fertiliser bags, drivers should inspect any lifting hoops to ensure they are in good condition.
Recent rain has offered respite for some from the ongoing drought.
It might also mean farmers are considering applying some fertiliser to stimulate a little late-season growth.
Farm Without Harm has recently released a safety alert and advice on the safe handling of fertiliser bags.
The safety advice centres around a recent nearmiss that occurred when a one-tonne bag of fertiliser was being lifted by a tractor loader combination. The load shifted, causing one of the lifting hoops to fail.
They noted that the fertiliser supplier had recently moved from one-tonne, re-useable bags to single-use, recyclable items. Thankfully, in this event, no one was hurt, but it emphasised the need for safety when undertaking such tasks.
Responding to this near miss, they acknowledged that while the bags have a 5 to1 safety factor, the correct procedures need to be followed for lifting and transporting such items, alongside caution when lifting or lowering, to minimise the risk of lifting hoop failure.
As well as understanding safe procedures, farmers, landowners and contractors should also ensure staff are aware of potential risks.
Operators should be aware that if they are working with colleagues, ideally they should establish a 5m exclusion area around the work site. If this is not possible and the co-worker is not in direct sight, the driver should stop until the person is back in view and only proceed with the task after an affirmative “thumbs up” signal.
Before lifting such bags, drivers should inspect any lifting hoops to ensure they are in good condition, without any obvious signs of tearing or delamination. They should also ensure the bags are carried as low as possible to lower the centre of gravity, at a speed no greater than walking pace – particularly when travelling over unsealed or uneven surfaces.
After lifting, operators should ensure the load remains secure and stable, and the intended travel route should be unimpeded. Other staff working in the immediate vicinity should never walk or stand under a suspended load of any kind.
It goes without saying that drivers should not be using any mobile phones during lifts.
When they are able to empty the content of the bag into a fertiliser, or in the case of seed, into a spreader or seed drill, they should use a longhandled blade or slasher to pierce the underside of the bag or consider investing in a specialist bag opener/dispenser.
For more information visit www.farmwithoutharm.org.nz or www.safersfarms.co.nz
The arrival of new F8 and F9 designations for its 8000 and 9000 series forage harvesters, signals a swag of upgrades from John Deere, highlighted by topping the 1000hp mark for the first time.
Waikato-Bay of Plenty farmer Hugh Jackson recently secured this year’s FMG Young Farmer of the Year title in Invercargill.
Ashburton-based Carrfields has signed an agreement with Manitou to take over the distribution and retail rights for Manitou Agricultural Equipment covering the lower North Island and the South Island, effective August 1, 2025.
With June ending and following the most upbeat National Fieldays for several years, tractor dealers are reporting a lift in sales.
Samasz distributor FarmShop has introduced the new XDF Series Front Mowers, said to be refined for local conditions and to improve cutting precision and wear resistance.
The conversion of productive farmland into trees has pretty much annihilated the wool industry.
OPINION: Productive whole farmlands conversions into forestry are becoming a thorny issue for the Government.
Thus far in 2025, the Hawke's Bay rescue helicopter crew have completed over 220 missions, resulting in numerous positive patient outcomes.
The New Zealand Food Network's (NZFN) fifth birthday celebrations have been boosted by a whopping five tonne meat donation from meat processor ANZCO.
Pukekohe vegetable growers farewelled 101-year-old Alan Wilcox in late July, celebrating his many achievements and reflecting the widespread respect in which he was held.
A new nationwide survey shows New Zealanders expect farmers and food producers to play a leading role in cutting greenhouse gas emissions, but also gave them higher marks than most industries for their current efforts.
