Concerns voiced by the NFU were highlighted when a Chinese lantern caused the death of a prize cow.
Sprite, a pedigree Red Poll valued at more than £1,000, died after ingesting the remnants of a lantern. Wire pierced the cow's windpipe, resulting in swelling and death two days later.
Farmer Huw Rowlands, of Cheshire, found Sprite collapsed in the field. He told the Daily Telegraph: "At first we thought it was milk fever and we treated her for that but she went worse and worse. Her neck had swelled right up and she couldn't move or eat or drink."
The NFU is urging people to think twice before releasing the lanterns. Members who have experienced problems are advised to write to any venues nearby and point out the dangers.
NFU comment "While we have not called for an outright ban on their public use, we have contacted Defra and Animal Health to raise member concerns about their use. The wire could be chopped up into small pieces when grass is gathered to produce silage and find its way into animal feed.
"If swallowed, the wire could puncture the stomach lining and cause extreme discomfort, proving fatal in some cases. There's also a good chance that the wire part of the frame could get wrapped around an animal's foot and become embedded in the skin which would be terribly painful.
"Fire is also another major problem, particularly during the summer. These lanterns can pose a serious risk if they land in a field of standing crops or un-baled straw."
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