I would like to sincerely thank all those who have worked with us over the past few weeks in highlighting the importance of farm safety. I would like to particularly thank all those families that have recounted accidents on their farm in a bid to try to make others aware of the devastation that can occur. Through our partnership with ESB Networks we released videos this week on farmersjournal.ie of families speaking of the deep pain and heartache that remains long after the event. Meanwhile, in our special Focus supplement, supported by IFA and FBD we hear from the Kennedy and Ormiston households, which have far reaching lessons for all farm families.

We are eternally grateful to Donal and Elizabeth for sharing their stories because we know it’s not easy and we know these are intensely private and family issues. The irony in both accidents is that both farmers who were injured, one fatally injured, were experienced operators.

It just goes to show and highlight that farms are dangerous places and ultimate care and caution is needed. Every farm has a different risk threshold because of the different people who live and work on the farm.

If there is a mix of old and very young people living on the farm, then the risk category is very high. We can see from the statistics that both the young and old are high-risk and are involved in many more serious farm accidents.

If you are one of those family farm households with young and old, then today you should make a pledge to have your farm “safety” assessed and to make those changes that will make your farm a safer place.

Don’t put it on the long finger for one day more.