Wools of NZ partners with Asthma & Respiratory Foundation
Wools of New Zealand says it has chosen to partner with the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ in an effort to educate Kiwis around the health benefits of wool carpets.
WorkSafe is urging farmers to focus on keeping kids safe on the farm over the summer holidays.
WorkSafe's agriculture programme manager, Al McCone, says, "Children are a vital part of farming life. Many farmers learned about farming from their parents and want to enjoy their farms with their own families and friends. We want that to continue.
"The sad fact is that 23 children (aged between one and 15) have died in work-related farm accidents since 2000, and eight of those died in either the month of December or January."
McCone says farmers need to change their thinking from that of working alone, to having the kids around while they do their tasks.
"Of the 10 deaths of children under the age of five, seven involved the child being near the parents working. If you are used to working alone, and get engrossed in a task or problem, then it is easy to forget about the kids. Farmers need to be aware of this and take steps to ensure the kids stay top of mind."
Taking practical steps like fencing ponds, covering pits, locking chemicals away and being aware when using hot water in dairy sheds will reduce the risk of accidents.
McCone says locking doors to stop children getting into areas they shouldn't and removing keys from vehicles are all good ideas.
"Even if you have safety guards on machinery, these may still have holes small enough for children to put their hands through," adds McCone.
"Kids love playing around vehicles. Like the Safekids' driveway safety campaign says 'Check for me before you turn the key'. Walk around the vehicle first and check children are a safe distance away before starting the engine. A few seconds extra care will prevent what could be a tragedy."
Eight of the 14 deaths involving children aged between five and 15 involved a child operating a vehicle. Making sure vehicle operators are competent and suited to the vehicle is essential for their safety.
Cash flow budgeting is going to be critical for dairy farmers in the coming season.
Southland farmers are welcoming moves by the Government to repeal intensive winter grazing rules.
Third-year student Cady Burns has won the Waikato Regional Council Prize in Water Science for 2024.
Sam McIvor has been appointed OSPRI’s next chief executive.
The Rural Change programme, providing free private mental health professional sessions to the rural industry, is set to continue its next chapter within Rural Support Trust from 1 July 2024.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand chief executive Sam McIvor will step down in July.