Everyone was divided into groups to go around the various stations, which included a look at overhead power line safety, farm transport, resuscitation training with Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and a look at the HR implications of health and safety with consultant Kate Saker.
We also heard from panel firm Clarke Willmott and Avon and Somerset police. Several members also took the opportunity to have their health checked by the South Somerset Rural Health Hub.
Thanks to everyone who came along. It was great to see so many there. With the statistics for farm accidents not looking good there is clearly more work to do, so look out for further safety events and come along if you can.
The turnover of politicians in Westminster continues unabated. We have a new Prime Minister – and a new Defra Secretary. That is Dame Angela Eagle MP, who had lunch with Mark Humphry, our county chair, when she visited the Bath & West Show during her time as Farming Minister. She was then briefly shuffled into the Home Office, before now coming back to the top job at Defra.
It just goes to show that taking the opportunity to put our case to politicians is always worthwhile, because you never know where they will end up!
With that in mind Mark and Cameron Knee had a chat with the Farming Minister, Stephen Morgan MP, when he came to the Newt Summer Farm Event. At the time of writing, he is still in post…
Congratulations to Cameron for being shortlisted for Farm Manager of the Year in the Farmers Weekly awards.
We are looking forward to our Countryside Day in September, which is when we invite councillors and other key county stakeholders on to farm the hear first-hand about the challenges farmers face.
With local government just about to undergo a big shake up, this is another valuable communication opportunity we will ensure we make the most of.