In November 2022 NFU members wrote to Environment Minister, Trudy Harrison MP, to ask for a national ban on sky lanterns. From this, Defra has commissioned further research into their harmful effects and negative agricultural impact to clarify the evidence before an official UK-wide ban can be put into law.

While this is ongoing, the NFU’s petition is still open for further signatures to strengthen the national campaign, and the public are being urged to make their opinions known to Defra in order to protect the British countryside and rural dwellers from these floating candles.

In a recent Facebook post the NFU stated : ‘If you are celebrating Bonfire Night, please keep your farming and animal neighbours in mind and don’t use a sky lantern.

“Warwickshire farmer Charlie shared these images with us from Bonfire Night last year, where he found a sky lantern about 100 yards from his straw barn, which is located next to his cattle sheds.

“They are flying fire bombs and the consequences if one was to land in the wrong place could be devastating.”

Here is the full list of UK councils that have banned the use of sky lanterns on council owned land so far:

Sign the petition HERE.

The post Has your local council banned sky lanterns? appeared first on Farmers Guide.

As more heavy rain is forecast this week and river levels still to peak in some areas, the NFU said a comprehensive water management strategy was urgently needed to improve farm flood resilience, including adequate investment, so Britain’s farmers and growers can continue producing the nation’s food.

In a double whammy, many farmers are now seeing next year’s crops rotting underwater after a devastatingly wet 2023 harvest which was the “most expensive crop ever grown” due to inflation and saw yields tumble.

‘Desperate stories’ from around the country

Ahead of visiting farms in the Midlands and the North, NFU Deputy President Tom Bradshaw said: “We are seeing desperate scenes across the country with many areas experiencing devastating flooding. Sadly, lives have been lost and our thoughts are with those families affected.

“The farming community too has been impacted with hundreds of acres of productive farmland under water and land that’s now inaccessible. We’re hearing desperate stories from many of our members who are struggling to get crops out of the ground from this season or are still to plant autumn crops for next year. Those crops that are in the ground are likely to rot meaning the output and profitability of next year’s harvest is already seriously compromised, building on an unprecedented year in terms of weather and cost. This really is a perfect storm with farmers and growers now facing further financial burdens at a time when on-farm costs are already running high and government support payments are being phased out.

“Despite what we’ve heard from government in recent times about the importance of UK food security, this just isn’t being reflected in policies on how the nation’s food production is valued, and how water infrastructure is managed.

“Farming is on the front line of climate change and the sector is experiencing volatility and severe weather events more often. It’s why we absolutely need a long-term plan to improve how we manage water in times of flood and drought, as we regularly experience both on an annual basis, and both severely impact our ability to produce food.

“A comprehensive water management strategy should set out how we can collaborate better with government, as well as local authorities, water companies and Environment Agency; one that allows farmers and growers to be part of the solution and take on-farm action. A strategy that prioritises food security recognising that domestic food production is part of the critical national infrastructure.

“Central to this will be significant investment with ambitious upgrades of ageing rural flood defences, drainage and waterways as well as regular maintenance. We also need to look at where farming protects adjacent urban areas by absorbing and holding flood water at personal cost to the farms themselves. These businesses must be reimbursed for the public goods being provided on the back of government decisions made.

“A serious commitment by government and regulatory authorities to plan, upgrade and invest in the nation’s water management and infrastructure will have benefits for everyone, including our farmers and growers, so they are able to continue producing climate-friendly sustainable food.”

Flood advice to help mitigate damage and potentially save lives includes:

• Work out a farm flood plan so that if the worst does happen everybody knows what action to take and who is responsible for what
• Identify higher ground that livestock can be moved to if water levels rise. If you’re renting land in a low-lying area, it’s worth speaking with neighbouring landowners to obtain permission to move livestock to their higher ground
• Sign up for Environment Agency flood alerts at the uk website
• Safely store fuels and chemicals that could pollute water courses in the event of flooding
• Plan an evacuation route so that you, your family and employees stay safe. Keep contact details to hand of people who could help you move livestock in an emergency
  
  Continue reading the list HERE.

When it comes to mitigating the consequences of flooding on farms, NFU Mutual advises:

• Make safety your priority. Keep your family and pets away from the flood water and move to another part of the property
• Do not put your life or the lives of others at risk attempted to rescue stranded animals. Contact the emergency services or the RPSCA on 0300 1234999 for help
• Use What3Words to communicate an accurate location quickly
• Ensure you can be contacted in an emergency, such as keeping your phone charged up and stay in contact with those around you
  
  Continue reading the list HERE.

The post Renewed call for strategy to deal with flooding on productive farmland appeared first on Farmers Guide.

A red warning for rain is in place across eastern Scotland until midday Friday (20th October), and amber warnings across parts of southeast Scotland, north east Wales and northern England until 6am on Saturday. 

The River South Esk in Brechin burst its banks at 4am this morning and hundreds of people have been told to evacuate their homes in Angus.

Chief veterinary officer for Scotland, Sheila Voas said on X: ‘A heartfelt reminder to farmers, as #StormBabet approaches, that stock on ground liable to flood should be moved to higher ground in advance of the storm to protect them from drowning or being swept away, and protect the lives of people who may try to rescue them.’

Earlier this week, NFU Scotland – Angus reported intense activity in the Angus countryside ahead of the storm. The group said on X: ‘Lifting tatties as quick as possible, straw being baled, livestock being moved to higher ground. Clearing drains around steadings. Maybe even a few bales in gateways of bare fields to keep sediment from road drains’.

The storm follows recent flooding in Scotland over the past two weeks, resulting in significant damage to farmland, crops and infrastructure. RSABI launched a fund to help those worst affected.

NFU Mutual urged farmers to take steps to protect themselves and their businesses, as there is a risk of localised flooding across the UK, storm force winds and damage to property.

The rural insurer offers a guide for property owners on how they can secure their property before a storm or flood.

NFU Mutual’s storm resilience guide

• Make sure all doors and windows can be securely closed.
• Prepare for power cuts: Have torches and batteries to hand and make sure any generators are ready to use if required. If you are using candles, make sure you use them safely and extinguish when leaving the room, and make sure nothing hangs over the candles.
• Inspect your property and make repairs to things like loose fence panels or gates.
• Make sure gutters are not leaking and are clear of leaves and other debris.
• Have a space to put loose outdoor furniture like garden chairs and trampolines. If you do not have an indoor space in which to put them, ensure you have a means of tying down or otherwise securing the furniture.
• Safely check that tiles, slates and roofing sheets are in place, securing any that are not.
• Inspect trees on your property, removing loose or overhanging branches which may cause damage to your or others’ property in a storm.
• Repair or unblock any faulty drains.
• If you have a garage, clear a space for your vehicle in the event of a storm. If you do not have a garage, plan where you can park vehicle during a storm – this should be away from any walls, fences or branches which could fall and damage the vehicle.
• Protect and lag water pipes in vulnerable areas and know where the water supply is so that you can turn it off in the event of burst pipes.
• Stay alert for Met Office weather warnings in your area.
• Have your insurer’s emergency helpline number available.

Additional advice for business owners:

• Ensure you have emergency contact details for employees to maintain contact during an extreme weather event.
• If you have company vehicles, make sure these are parked away from walls, fences or branches which could damage the vehicles.
• Make sure outdoor signage or displays can be secured or brought inside.
• Ensure you have adequate signage warning customers of things like wet floors that may be more common during extreme weather.
• Prepare an emergency evacuation route in the event of unexpectedly severe weather.
• Ensure central heating will come on during freezing weather to avoid frozen pipes, and consider procuring sandbags to protect your business in the event of a flood.
• Make sure you have a way of communicating closures with customers.
• Consider transport routes to the business and whether traveling will be safe and practical.

While driving:

• Drive slowly and steadily and leave larger gaps between vehicles. Wet conditions can increase stopping distances by ten times.
• In windy weather, leave plenty of room when passing other road users, particularly vulnerable road users like walkers, cyclists and motorcyclists.
• Avoid braking suddenly, slowing down gently before corners and junctions.
• Accelerate slowly, keeping revs low.
• Take care coming up to junctions where road markings may be less visible.

The post Weather warnings in place as Storm Babet threatens rural areas appeared first on Farmers Guide.

With extra maize planted this year and record yields predicted due to ample rain over the summer, the rural insurer is concerned of an increased risk of mud being deposited on roads during harvest.

“Many dairy farmers have put more fields down to maize this year or grown the crop for the first time to counteract the high costs of bought-in feed,” said Hannah Binns, NFU Mutual rural affairs specialist.

“Plenty of rain over the summer has led to very heavy crops in many parts of the country, and we are concerned that harvesting these could lead to problems including mud left on roads by tractors and trailers.”

She explained this is a typical problem with crops harvested in the autumn when heavy rainfall is likely.

“We’re advising farmers harvesting maize to prepare for poor conditions by putting in place plans to use measures such as field wheel washers, warning signs and road sweepers to reduce the risk of a road traffic accident which could lead to deaths or injuries – plus the risk of prosecution.”

Other crops harvested in autumn – including sugar beet and potatoes can also lead to mud being let on roads. Moreover, tractors moving between fields during ploughing and other cultivation operations can lead to large mud clots being left on roads which can prove hazardous to road users, and particularly motorcyclists.

From a legal standpoint, farmers must take steps to prevent mud being left on the roads by their vehicles, NFU Mutual confirmed.

If mud is inadvertently left, farmers are responsible for cleaning it up as soon as possible and putting in place warning signs while there is a hazard.

NFU Mutual Mud on Roads Checklist

The following checklist was compiled by NFU Mutual Risk Management Services to serve as a guideline for farmers operating machinery on public roads during harvest:

• Do everything possible to prevent mud being deposited on the road – including cleaning mud from vehicles in the field, as far as practicable, before they are taken onto the road
• Buy or be prepared to hire-in equipment such as wheel washers and self-propelled road sweepers to clean up accidentally deposited mud – avoid manual clean-ups to keep people off the road as much as possible
• Keep to your own private farm roads and minor public roads whenever possible
• Keep to low speeds – especially when travelling short distances – to help retain mud on the vehicle
• Keep a written record (e.g. a simple note in a farm diary) of your decisions on whether or not to deploy signs and/or to clean the road
• If there is a danger of mud being accidentally deposited on roads, use ‘Slippery Road’ signs with a ‘Mud on Road’ sub plate to alert other road users
• Make sure signs are positioned to give maximum visibility to other road users, especially at sharp corners and blind summits
• Clean the road as often as necessary during the working day – and always at the end of the working day
• Ensure that staff and equipment are available for clean-up work (including high visibility clothing for operatives working on the highway) and is suitable for the soil and weather conditions present
• Where a farm contractor is used, ensure that prior agreement is reached on who is responsible for mud on road issues – including wheel washing in fields, use of signage and clean-up

The post Higher risk of mud on roads expected this harvest, NFU Mutual warns appeared first on Farmers Guide.

Agriculture is known for having the poorest safety record of all industries in the UK, accounting for 18% of all workplace fatalities despite employing just 1% of the population (July 2023 figures).

The latest statistics reveal farming, forestry and fishing were responsible for 12 out of the 27 work-related deaths between April and June this year, an alarming rate considering there were 21 fatalities in the sector for the entirety of last year.

Tom McNeill, partner at law firm BCL Solicitors, commented: “Today’s workplace fatality figures show that April to June this year was a particularly severe quarter for UK agriculture, with 12 fatalities.

“This, sadly, reflects an ongoing trend in the sector for having the highest fatal accident rate compared to other industries.”

Mr McNeill went on to say that the latest statistics are a concern for employees as well as farm business owners in terms of the consequences that may follow a fatal accident.

Like other businesses, farms must also comply with rigorous health and safety guidelines, with unlimited fines and imprisonment possible for those failing to do so.

“What sets agriculture apart from many other industries is that over half of farms are sole traders, and often business owners and managers are involved in day-to-day operations.

“Following a fatal accident, this means an increased risk for farmers of being prosecuted for manslaughter; and for farms that are operated through a corporate entity an increased risk of corporate manslaughter,” he warned.

“For individuals, a manslaughter conviction will likely mean a significant prison sentence. For organisations, corporate manslaughter means higher fines than even draconian health and safety penalties, and for smaller organisations a greater risk of being fined out of existence.”

The above risks may affect how farmers wish to structure their businesses, he continued, with a case involving a fatal accident requiring robust defence from the get-go.

“A proactive and strategic approach will mitigate the risk of corporate manslaughter, and protect individuals from the risk of prosecution, as well as mitigating health and safety risks for organisations,” Mr McNeill said.

The latest quarterly fatal injury figures are available to download at hse.gov.uk/statistics/fatalquarterly.htm

The post HSE reports highest workplace fatalities in agriculture sector appeared first on Farmers Guide.

Storm Agnes is forecast to hit the UK on Wednesday and Thursday and is the first storm of this storm naming season, which runs from 1^st September until 31^st August every year.

The Met Office warns of damaging winds of up to 75mph in many parts of the UK, with gales of 80mph possible in more exposed areas.

Gusts of 75mph could be strong enough to rip roofing sheets and cladding off rural homes and farm buildings, while fallen trees, branches and debris could cause damage to agricultural vehicles, machinery and livestock. Heavy rain could also lead to localised flooding.

NFU Mutual rural affairs specialist Hannah Binns said: “We know isolated rural communities, farms and dwellings are more at risk from extreme weather and with more storms likely to hit between now and the end of winter, we are urging everyone to plan ahead and take great care if working outside in stormy conditions.

“Safety for farmers, family members and workers should always be the number one priority and while fully understanding the pressures farmers are under, it is vital they avoid taking risks which could lead to injury or fatalities,” she stressed.

Ms Binns urged farmers to stay away from barn doors in windy conditions and to always let someone know where they are working and for how long.

She also encouraged farmers to plan ahead while the weather is calm and designate areas where livestock can be moved to in the even of a flood. This is also the time to carry out any outstanding repairs on buildings, fences and walls.

“It is also worth checking alternative fuel and power sources in case of a power cut or disruption, such as making sure generators are in working condition and able to run at full load for long periods of time,” she added.

Keeping up-to-date with weather warnings is also important, and NFU Mutual has a network of 295 Agency offices who are on standby to progress repairs after the storms, including making emergency payments and settling simpler claims immediately.

“We also work closely with loss adjusters specialising in agriculture, so we are able to quickly deploy people who understand your farming businesses,” Ms Binns assured.

Protecting yourself and your farm in a storm

To help farmers take the necessary precautions as the storm season gets underway, NFU Mutual has issued advice on what to do before, during and after a storm.

Before the storm 

• Stay alert for Met Office weather warnings.
• Regularly inspect your farm and keep on top of maintenance by carrying out necessary repairs to buildings, fences and walls whilst the weather is calm.
• Check that tiles, slates, and roofing sheets are in place and put away any items that cannot be secured.
• Avoid being near barn doors if there are high winds.
• Make sure gutters are not leaking and are clear of leaves and other debris.
• Protect and lag water pipes in vulnerable areas and know where the water supply is so that you can turn it off in the event of burst pipes.
• Ensure you have a good tree inspection programme in place, paying particular attention to trees bordering buildings, roads, railway lines and rights of way.
• Prepare for power cuts: have torches and batteries to hand and make sure any generators are ready to use, and can run at full load for long periods of time, if required.
• Plan evacuation routes to get staff and livestock to safety in the case of extreme weather such as floods – identify higher ground that you can move livestock to in event of flooding.
• Have your insurer’s emergency helpline available. Call NFU Mutual’s 24-hour commercial helpline freephone number on 080028265.

During the storm

• Do not leave the house or make journeys unless absolutely necessary.
• If you need to leave the house, avoid the sheltered side of walls when walking.
• If journeys are essential, drive slowly and carefully, staying aware of high winds on exposed roads and ice and water on the road.
• Do not attempt emergency repairs during the storm.
• Keep all building doors and windows closed.

After the storm 

• Be aware after a storm or weather event, power cables or powerlines may have been brought down.
• Do not enter any buildings that could be unsafe following a storm.
• Report any damage to NFU Mutual as soon as possible.

The post Farmers issued safety advice ahead of Storm Agnes appeared first on Farmers Guide.

The post Transporting sugar beet safely – guidance on the rules appeared first on Farmers Guide.

With the harvesting season upon us, now is the perfect time to examine the risks of processing and storing grain.

Machinery has revolutionised farming by increasing production and reducing the number of hands needed. It has also created some of the highest risks of injury and/or death. The farming industry has a high rate of workplace accidents, so health and safety should be at the front of everyone’s mind.

With the harvesting season upon us, now is the perfect time to examine one of the lesser-known risks – processing and storing grain. Here are some of the main risks to be considered when working with grain.

Confined spaces – grain silos

Grain silos are dangerous due to the high risk of engulfment, a lack of breathable air, and the mechanical hazards of sweep augers. If possible, you must avoid entering these spaces. If the hazard is unavoidable e.g. for essential maintenance, a detailed risk assessment and Permit to Work are necessary to anticipate the many risks a worker would face.

A rescue plan should be outlined and rehearsed ahead of emergencies occurring to prevent rescuers from being overcome.

Grain goes through a vigorous process before it is ready for distribution, including ensuring the temperature is kept constant to dry the grain out. Climbing up onto the silo to check grain temperature carries high risk and even a small mistake could prove fatal.

Although the grain may seem solid, anyone stepping onto it risks being engulfed as the grain cannot support an average person’s weight. People have also slipped and fallen to their death while checking grain temperature. These incidents, although rare, have a high fatality rate. The suction-like action and weight prevents victims from resurfacing and makes rescue incredibly difficult.

Before inspecting grain silos, a rescue plan should be outlined and rehearsed.

Falls from height/slips and trips

Ladders and stair access to equipment present a high injury risk – falls from height are the most common type of fatal injury at work with 40 deaths in 2022. Added to this are slip/trip risks from obstructions and uneven floors.

Good housekeeping and regular maintenance of access equipment plus staff training on working at height safely reduce the risks considerably.

Harvest machinery

Machinery, such as screw conveyors, rotary valves, roller mills and mixers, can all cause serious injury if operators don’t follow all health and safety procedures.

Hazards with machinery usually occur during maintenance, cleaning or when refilling the silos. A detailed risk assessment must be carried out to identify risks and controls before anyone operates any machinery. These should be regularly revisited and updated. We recommend annual risk assessments as a minimum to ensure any damage is identified and additional controls are put in place where needed.

All machinery during harvest season can pose a danger to you and all others on your farm.

Transporting grain

Lift trucks and trailers when moving around site or tipping grain present high risks to pedestrians. A site-specific traffic management plan including vehicle/pedestrian separation and sufficient banksmen on site will control significant risks.

Manual sack handling

Heavy sacks should be mechanically lifted/handled wherever possible with manual handling kept to a minimum.

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL)

Noisy machinery and equipment can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss for workers. Aim to reduce exposure to as low as reasonably practicable by reducing shift lengths and modifying the plant, machinery, and working environment. Ear protectors are a last resort as the least effective measure.

Are protectors are the least effective measure to reduce hearing loss.

Hazardous substances

Commonly used chemicals such as chlorine, hydrochloric acid, and sulphur dioxide can harm workers. Tight controls and high awareness of how to handle, store and dispose of hazardous substances is essential.

Bottles require clear labelling with the relevant icons identifying the danger, i.e. ‘corrosive’ or ‘flammable’. This is a legal requirement.

Grain dust

Exposure to excess grain and flour dust can cause occupational asthma. This is a big one. 33% of all food industry compensation cases are to do with asthma contracted as a result of working with flour and grain dust. If not properly controlled, milling and other manufacturing processes can generate a lot of airborne dust. This is easily inhaled by workers, who are then vulnerable to asthma, rhinitis (runny/stuffy nose), conjunctivitis (watery or prickly eyes) and other irritant effects.

Good ventilation at source will prevent excess generation of dust.

Regular monitoring of dust levels is vital, as is maintenance of associated machinery and equipment. Health surveillance should be put in place for all workers exposed to dust hazards.

Plenty to think about

If you have made it this far, you’ll know that there are dangers in every part of the harvesting process. Make sure that the handling of grain is at the top of your priority list during this harvest season.

The post Handling grain – 8 hazards and dangers to consider appeared first on Farmers Guide.

Stock photo for illustration purposes.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue were called to a field near Ipswich yesterday (16^th August) after a combine harvester fire spread to around three acres of crop.

Services were called at 4.30pm to the field in Henley Road, Akenham.

Four appliances and a UniMog were deployed to bring the fire under control, using hose-reel jets on the combine and field.

No casualties were reported but the fire generated large plumes of smoke which could be seen for some distance.

A spokesperson for the fire service said the blaze was brought under control fairly quickly and a ‘Stop’ notice was issued shortly after 6pm, indicating that the situation had been contained and no further assistance was required.

Crews may be working for some time at the site but the incident was declared closed at 10pm.

The post Combine harvester blaze in Suffolk spread to three acres of cut crop appeared first on Farmers Guide.

Stock photo for illustration purposes only.

Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious road traffic collision involving a tractor and a lorry near the A1120 and Angel Hill junctions in Little Stonham.

Suffolk police officers were called to the scene just before 12:40pm where the casualties were being attended by locals before handing over to the emergency services, counting one ambulance, two Hazardous Area Response Team vehicles, two ambulance officer vehicles and Essex and Herts Air Ambulance.

The driver of the tractor, a man aged in his 30s, was airlifted to Addenbrooke’s hospital having sustained potentially life-threatening injuries. The driver of the lorry, a man also in his 30s, also sustained injuries and was transported by road ambulance to Ipswich Hospital.

The condition of the drivers is currently unknown.

Among the first witnesses to arrive to the scene was farmer and conservationist Graham Denny, who alerted the emergency services and provided first aid to the tractor driver.

In a Twitter post, he described approaching the smashed tractor as ‘heart stopping’ and said all those present were ‘in shock and running on adrenaline’.

Working in collaboration with strangers, Mr Denny stabilised the man who appeared to be in critical condition and was covered in diesel leaking from the tractor, meanwhile speaking to the switchboard and ensuring traffic is diverted off the A140 to allow easy access for emergency services.

After handing over to a paramedic, Mr Denny attempted to identify the man by contacting farmers in the local area and was eventually able to uncover his identity using the number plate of the tractor. He continued assisting at the scene and directing traffic until 8pm.

The A140 was blocked in both directions between Coddenham Crossroads and Mendlesham, whilst emergency services attended to the collision and police investigated the scene. The road reopened at approximately 11:50pm.

Suffolk Police are urging any witnesses to the collision, any motorists with dash cam footage and anybody with information to come forward by contacting the Roads and Armed Policing Team and quoting CAD 137 of 2^nd August.

Information can also be provided by filling out the online form here.

The post Tractor driver seriously injured in collision with lorry appeared first on Farmers Guide.