Harper Adams and Pickstock Telford join forces to educate young farmers on farm safety

Posted 4 October 2016

Nearly 30 young farmers have so far attended a General Farm Safety Training Course at Harper Adams University to learn about the potential risks they may face on the farm. 

The young farmers, aged from 10 to 18 years old, travelled from as far as Chester and Welshpool to attend.

Martin Anderson, senior lecturer at Harper Adams, who helps deliver the two hour course, said: “I am really encouraged to see so many young farmers interested in improving their own safety. If even one young farmer takes a safety message back to their farm that prevents an accident or illness it has been worth it.” 

Pickstock Telford, who have over 40 years’ experience procuring livestock and working closely with farmers throughout the country are providing and sponsoring the course.

Micky Rowles Lloyd of Pickstock Telford explains: “Our future young farmers are able to drive the tractors on their own farms from the age of 13. This is obviously a very exciting time for them, however, there is currently no health and safety training widely available to young farmers who are aged between 13 and 18. 

“We wanted to do something about this, and with the kind support of Harper Adams, we’re delighted to be able to offer this course.”

Martin Anderson added: “Agriculture, fishing and forestry remain the most dangerous professions with 1.5 per cent of the working population, yet contributing 20 per cent of all deaths to workers in Britain each year.

“The course consisted of a frank discussion on the dangers present in agriculture as well as some of the ways in which young people could look at reducing risk to themselves and others on their own farms. 

“A hazard spotting activity was undertaken across campus, where the young farmers had the opportunity to practise some of these techniques.”

The course will be available at regular dates throughout the year at Harper Adams, and attendees will receive a certificate of attendance, awarded by Pickstock Telford. 

If you, or someone you know, would be interested in attending this course, please call Micky Rowles Lloyd at Pickstock Telford on 07496 732208 or email micky@pickstocktelford.co.uk