With weather conditions gradually improving and cows springing up, or indeed calving, many farmers will be asking themselves: ‘Has spring sprung?’
While a return to field work and new life arriving on the farm is to be welcomed, it’s imperative to keep safety in mind across the farm this spring.
Slurry
With the closed period for slurry spreading now passed, many farmers are taking advantage of the good ground conditions to get slurry out in view of the well-flagged increase in fertiliser costs this spring.
Slurry handling and spreading is a hazardous activity so please consider the following regarding farm safety:
Preparation
Ensure that children, older adults and family pets are not in the vicinity of tanks when slurry is being agitated/spread.
Ventilation
Make sure all doors in the sheds are open prior to agitating (ideally on a breezy day) and do not re-enter sheds for at least 30 minutes after mixing has ceased. Slurry contains gasses such as methane, carbon monoxide, ammonia and hydrogen sulphide (which is highly toxic).
Organisation
Always remove livestock from the shed before agitating, close agitation points/manholes when unattended and ensure power take-off (PTO) shaft covers are fitted and in good order on agitator and tank.
Calving
The calving season represents a time of the year when farmers are often stretched to their limit.
With long hours and an increased workloads, it’s important to ensure safety remains a priority.
Prepare
A good-quality calving gate with a headlock is a must on all farms with a breeding enterprise. Have the calving jack, gloves, lube, ropes and iodine all to hand before the season starts. Good lighting and bedding are important too, along with shed design.
Know your limits
Never underestimate the cow/heifer and never overestimate your own ability. Be willing to ask for help.
Plan
Ensure that you can quickly and easily get out of a pen if an animal becomes aggressive. Remember to position yourself correctly:
- Never put yourself between the cow/calf;
- Never put yourself between the calving jack and the wall;
- Never turn your back on the cow and make sure the cow doesn’t turn on you to get to the dog;
- Cull.
Do not retain any animal that shows a propensity for aggression.
AXA provides over 25,000 farmers with more cover, more choice and more value than any other provider in Ireland. Its dedicated agri-insurance specialists have the right blend of industry knowledge and experience to help farmers get the most from their cover. It means they can offer tailor-made solutions that fit specific needs to drive you and your farm forward.
Contact your local AXA regional development manager to discuss any aspect of your insurance requirements:
- Barry Clarke: 087 143 7440;
- Brian Prout: 087 938 7004;
- Tom McCarthy: 087 913 6311.
Alternatively, you can call the dedicated AXA farm team based in Athlone on: 090 643 5070, or click here.
AXA Insurance dac is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
