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Farmers Targeted in Safety Campaign

July 19th, 2011

Farmers are being targeted in a renewed campaign for greater safety on farms. NFU Cymru said it wanted to raise the profile of the problem in the wake of the 34 deaths in the UK agriculture industry in the year to March.

A union safety summit was held in January to raise awareness and a meeting was staged a few days ago. Speaking at the Royal Welsh Show in Powys, NFU Cymru president Ed Bailey said he was working with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Farming unions and the HSE have targeted farmers previously, but Mr Bailey said NFU Cymru’s latest campaign included organisations from across the Welsh farming industry, including the Farmers’ Union of Wales, Wales Young Farmers’ Club, the Welsh Government and the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution.

The latest figures available show 34 farm workers were killed in the UK between April 2010 and March this year, down slightly from 39 the previous year. Mr Bailey said: “One death in the statistics is too many in my view so farmer safety is the theme for this year’s show season.

“During the Royal Welsh Show, and the subsequent county shows where NFU Cymru has a presence, we will be working with HSE to highlight farm safety and provide advice and guidance to members on farm safety and best practice.

“This is not going to be a quick-fix campaign unfortunately. All organisations involved in the farm safety summit are agreed we are in this for the long term with a dogged determination to get farmers thinking of their safety – first and foremost.”

Meanwhile, a World War II Lancaster bomber is expected in the skies above the showground in Llanelwedd on Tuesday afternoon in tribute to a former show stalwart.

The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society’s ex-treasurer Richard Moseley, who died in 2007 aged 82, was a veteran of more than 30 Lancaster bomber missions over Germany during the war. He served as a rear gunner, which was regarded as the most dangerous position to have been in the RAF’s Lancaster.

The fly-past was to have taken place in 2009, but it was scuppered by poor weather. Show officials said the huge aircraft, from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, would fly at just 100ft (30m) above the showground.

Elsewhere at the show, the RSPB is holding a a reception to celebrate its centenary with deputy Agriculture Minister Alun Davies the special guest.

Environment Minister John Griffiths is also at the show. Monday’s attendance of 48,610 was 3,800 down on last year’s, and 2,000 below the Llanelwedd show’s five-year average.

Officials blamed the tough economic climate and poor weather conditions for the drop in visitors.

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The Royal Welsh Show Kicks Off Today

July 18th, 2011

Thousands of people are pouring into Powys for one of Europe’s largest agricultural shows which began today. The Royal Welsh Show in Llanelwedd, near Builth Wells, regularly attracts more than 200,000 visitors over the four days.

The judging of horses, cattle and sheep started at 8am this morning, while a motorcycle display team and a regimental band will entertain the crowds this afternoon.

Meanwhile, about six anti-wind farm protesters have confronted First Minister Carwyn Jones at the show. Mr Jones was approached by campaigners from Montgomeryshire Against Pylons as he left an event on the showground.

They are opposed to plans to build wind turbines, pylons and an electricity sub-station in Powys.

The group told Mr Jones they recognised the Welsh Government’s support, but felt that suggestions of using less obtrusive structures would not meet the needs of the power generating companies, so it was an approach that was not effective.

They appealed to Mr Jones to see for himself the situation, and he agreed on the condition that UK government ministers were also involved in any visits.

Meanwhile, as the rain came down at the show on Monday morning attention turned to the main ring’s new drainage system. Show organisers hope the new £200,000 system will ensure the smooth running of the event.

Wet weather at three of the last four shows has turned the main ring into a mudbath making it difficult to show animals at their best and to stage spectacular displays. It was installed over the winter and is designed to handle 20 times as much rain as previous years.

It increases the drainage rate from 2mm (0.07in) per hour to 150mm (6in) per hour.

Show director Harry Fetherstonhaugh warned that despite the improvements, the ring may still have to be vacated during showers to allow it to drain and avoid surface damage.

Despite last year’s weather, more than 230,000 people attended the Powys show ground.

Cuts have forced some public bodies to scale down their presence at the event, with Brecon Beacons and Pembrokeshire national parks withdrawing completely.

But the show’s secretary Barry Jones says other organisations have stepped in to take over the stalls.

“There have been public bodies that have had to look at their budgets and cut back as they see fit,” he said.

“But we are so fortunate for the support we have from Wales and beyond to the extent that if a vacancy, a space becomes available then it is quickly filled by those who want to attend.”

Meanwhile, it has been announced the Duke of Kent will visit the show on Wednesday, while a World War II Lancaster bomber from the RAF’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will be in the skies about the event on Tuesday.