Around 150 farmers, growers and industry representatives were at the event at Newark Showground on 21 January to look at ways to stay safe on farm and consider rural crime and its prevention.
The event was hosted by the NFU, Newark Showground, Newark & Notts Agricultural Society, Nottinghamshire Police and the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden.
Delegates took part in interactive demonstrations and heard talks from a range of guest speakers, including Richard Bate, President of IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health), Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer Damien West and Phillip Smith of Risk Management Services, on ways to help boost safety and security on farm, as well as support employees.
And Pc John Skelton of Nottinghamshire Police Transport Unit, discussed the latest laws and regulations around agricultural machinery to help farmers and their staff stay compliant and safe on the road.
“These events are vital in our fight to consign preventable farming accidents to the history books.”
Gabriella Gregory
There was also a rural crime panel discussion featuring Mr Godden. Supt Andrew Huddleston of National Rural Crime Unit, and Sam Durham, NFU National Rural Crime Lead.
The Lady Eastwood Centre was packed with stands and exhibits all aimed at the event theme, and included a Notts Fire & Rescue Service fire engine with staff showing visitors around the appliance and demonstrating its capabilities.
Gabriella Gregory, NFU Nottinghamshire County Adviser, who organised the event, said: “It was fantastic to see so many farmers and agricultural workers attend this event and demonstrate how seriously they take being safe on-farm.
“We hope delegates got a lot from it as there was lots of practical advice to help them boost farm safety and security."