31 MAY 2018

ICSA rural development chairman Seamus Sherlock has urged all road users to be on their guard over the Bank Holiday weekend and beyond as farming activities ratchet up. “It’s a busy time on farms and there are increased numbers of tractors and other farm machinery using the roads. Coinciding with the sunny spell and the bank holiday, patience as well as extreme caution must be exercised by everybody using the roads,” he said.

Mr Sherlock also implored farmers to pay close attention to farm safety. “Silage cutting and slurry spreading are in full swing and farms are a hive of activity. ICSA are asking farmers to think about safety at all times and never to take unnecessary risks where machinery and equipment are concerned. Slurry gas is also a silent killer and extremely dangerous. Slatted tank agitating points should not be left open for any longer than necessary. Farmers also need to be very careful to have proper PTO shafts in place on slurry and silage equipment. It only takes a split second lapse in concentration for accidents to happen, sometimes with tragic and fatal consequences.”

“After one of the longest winters in living memory, many farmers are still trying to cope with the financial ramifications and stress associated with dealing with nine months of challenging conditions. It will take more than a few sunny days for farmers who experienced the perfect storm to recover. However, safety must be a priority at all times; it’s a busy time but let’s make it a safe and happy time for everyone.”

ENDS