Farmers must keep farm safety at the front of their minds in the busy weeks ahead as they work tirelessly to ensure livestock have adequate water and feed supplies, Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers’ Association (ICMSA) farm business chair Pat O'Brien has said.
It comes in response to what he described as a “frightening surge” in farm-related incidents and tragedies.
O’Brien expressed ICMSA’s sincere sympathies to the families and friends of those who have tragically lost loved ones in farm incidents in recent times.
“Many farmers have been working around the clock to keep water troughs filled and animals cared for during challenging weather conditions.
“Their commitment is unquestionable, but they also need to look after themselves. After a long and demanding spring, the respite of summer has not materialised, and fatigue is becoming a real concern on farms."
Older farmers
He also highlighted that the association has recently met with Age Action Ireland to discuss - among other things - the high proportion of farm fatalities involving older farmers.
"Obviously there’s an important place for retired farmers to remain active on farms, sharing their experience and continuing to contribute. But first and foremost, farms must be safe and secure workplaces. Agriculture is a workplace and we must always remember that."
Agriculture continues to have one of the highest workplace fatality rates in Ireland, with 25 confirmed farm fatalities in 2025, accounting for almost 40% of all workplace-related fatalities, he stated.
Financial supports
He encouraged farmers to avail of the financial supports available to improve safety on their farms, including the 60% grant available under TAMS for farm safety.
“There’s also a scheme for PTO shaft covers, 60% grant aid subject to a maximum eligible cost of €100 per cover for up to four covers.
“In addition, the Accelerated Capital Allowances (ACA) Scheme allows farmers to write off 50% of the cost of eligible farm safety and adaptive equipment each year over a two-year period.
“I fully appreciate that, for some farmers, simply putting food on the table for their families is the immediate priority. However, no matter how difficult things become, we cannot allow farm safety to slip. No job on the farm is so urgent that it cannot be done safely.”
Farmer dies while trying to get water for livestock in river
Man, 90s, killed in Leitrim farming incident
Boy airlifted to hospital following incident with tractor in Clare