Last week was Farm Safety Week. This was a collaborative campaign that was initiated by the Farm Safety Partnership in the UK, that brought together farming organisations from Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England on the subject of farm safety. In Ireland, Farm Safety Week was led by the IFA and was supported by Teagasc.

This initiative came about by the appalling record of fatal accidents and serious injuries that take place on farms in Ireland and the UK. Ireland, in particular, does not have a great record when it comes to farm safety. 

Figures released last Monday by the UK Health & Safety Executive (HSE) showed that there were 27 fatalities on farms throughout the UK during 2022/23. What makes this figure stand out is that agriculture represents only 1% of the workforce in Britain, yet the fatality rate in agriculture accounts for 18% of all deaths in the workforce. These figures may sound worrying and indeed they are, but Ireland does not fare any better.

In the same period (2022/2023) there were 12 fatalities on farms in Ireland. According to the Central Statistics Office (CSO) Labour Force Survey, agriculture represents 8% of the workforce in Ireland but 40% of work related fatalities came from farms.

Summer time is a very busy period on farms. More people are around, extra staff are hired and, with the school holidays, more children are also around on the farm. This is a good reason to be ever more vigilant when it comes to farm safety. However, Farm Safety Week should not be just focused on the farming community. Landscapers, grounds people, greenkeepers, and foresters also experience similar dangers in their working environment, particularly while operating machinery.

The fatality figures already mentioned are far too high and they need to come down. We may have a far too casual attitude when it comes to farm safety, especially when operating equipment. Our industry has a care of duty to inform our customers of the dangers associated with farm equipment. Asking our customers to read the safety manual and to keep it close by is very important. Encourage them to send in faulty machines for repairs, especially when it comes to missing or faulty pto guards. Allowing farmers to carry out major repairs should be discouraged. Such repairs should be left to the experts in our industry i.e. the mechanics in the dealership workshops.

Modern tractors are now capable of faster speeds than ever before. This is very handy for highway driving but such high speeds are not necessary around the farmyard. Again, we should highlight this fact when selling new tractors. The dangers from quads must also be pointed out, which are getting very popular on farms. Last Tuesday Farm Safety Week focused on quad safety.

This poster is free to download from Teagasc. Click to get a copy

Perhaps posters highlighting farm safety could be displayed in prominent positions throughout our showrooms. Our sales reps could also carry spare posters to hand out to our customers. There are many farm safety posters that are freely available to download and print online. If we did that these posters would alert our customers to the dangers that exist with operating machinery.

Let us lead the way to support farm safety. It is in all our interests.

John Deere has launched a resettlement programme for military service personnel, offering new career opportunities working on their agricultural and professional groundscare machinery.  

Members of the armed forces have been identified by the manufacturer as ideal candidates to bring their unique skill sets and experience to technician roles within Ireland and UK dealerships.

The manufacturer says that responding to a global shortage of qualified technicians in the machinery sector, their Military Hiring Programme will follow in the footsteps of a successful scheme launched in the United States which attracts more than 1,000 potential new recruits a year.  

“We are passionate about finding a way to give back to those who have served our country,” says Allan Cochran, John Deere branch training manager.

“The armed forces produces people who are highly skilled, motivated and extremely competent, and many already have the engineering skills needed to become qualified technicians.  

“It’s the perfect fit for John Deere - we are able to play our part in supporting those resettling following careers in the armed forces while also attracting a different pool of people into the business.”

Signaling its commitment, John Deere has this week signed the Armed Forces Covenant; a pledge to ensure that those who serve, or have served, in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly. 

Military personnel have been identified as a key source of talent for the machinery sector as many have already worked with some of the systems and products John Deere uses, making the transition straightforward.

“Those who have served are experts at working under pressure and logically solving problems in order to keep a machine operational,” Allan says. “These are the skills John Deere dealerships need to keep the wheels turning.”

Deere says those signing up to the programme will be offered free technical training to help them apply their current skills to the company's products and services. There are more than 70 courses on offer. 

“Everyone who signs up will be assigned to an employee from the John Deere network who has served in the armed forces who will be there to support each individual during the resettlement process,” Allan says.

Interested service members and ex-service members can learn more and fill out a contact card by visiting here. 

After making contact, they will be put in touch with an individual from the John Deere network who has resettled following a career in the armed forces to discuss all potential options. 

Service Dealer are delighted to announce that Yamaha and Societe Generale Equipment Finance will both be returning to our Conference & Awards, as a Gold Sponsor.

This year's theme has been announced as Taking Care Of Business and a new venue, the Crowne Plaza at Stratford-Upon-Avon will take on hosting duties - with the date to mark up in your diaries being 30th November 2023. 

Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke  said, "We are really pleased that once again Yamaha will be joining us in supporting the independent dealer network. We have such a fantastic day planned for our attendees and will have much more to share with everyone over the coming weeks."

Matt Taylerson, divisional manager, marketing at Yamaha added, "We are thrilled to be supporting the Service Dealer Awards for a second year.

"Yamaha continue to support our dealer network, including those attending the Awards this year. Congratulations to all those who win."

Duncan also said, "Having Societe Generale Equipment Finance join us again this year is also great news. We can't wait to have them back."

Steven Davies, head of agriculture, Societe Generale Equipment Finance added, "Societe Generale Equipment Finance UK (SGEF) is delighted to be a sponsor of the Service Dealer Awards for the second year.

"Service Dealer’s focus on sustainability aligns closely with SGEF’s commitment to build together with our clients and partners a sustainable future through innovative and meaningful finance solutions."

Look out for further announcements, including this year's keynote address and confirmation of seminar and breakout sessions, soon.

The STIGA Group has announced that they experienced another year of record revenues in 2022 with sales of 637 million Euros (+11% versus 2021) and an EBITDA of 63.9 million Euros (+4% versus 2021).

In a statement the manufacturer said these results are "remarkable" considering a complex 2022 marketplace. The company cited challenges last year such as an economic downturn, global inflation, supply chain disruptions and geopolitical uncertainty. "Nonetheless," the statement said, "the Group’s solid strategy and nimble approach to business enabled continued successes and investments to further elevate its positioning in the market, which currently counts with a 9.8% market share in Europe (+9% versus 2021)."

Sean Robinson, CEO STIGA Group, said, “Our 2022 financial performance is a remarkable testament to our people and the Group’s collective efforts to bring to market innovative, sustainable solutions.” He added, “In 2022, we invested 13.1 million Euros in research and development, focusing on technology introductions and competitive improvements that create quality products able to enrich the everyday lives of our end users”.

The company says their record sales are a result of continuously increased performance in all markets and distribution channels in which it operates, particularly driven by the French, German and export markets.

Doosan Bobcat has announced the appointment of Gary Hornbacher as the company’s new President for the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region.

Gary Hornbacher

He will be based in Dobris, Czech Republic, where the company has consolidated its manufacturing facility, R&D center, training institute and EMEA headquarters onto one campus spanning an area of 120,000 m2. 

The manufacturer says Gary Hornbacher has served in a diverse number of roles during his 36-year tenure. He brings extensive experience in sales & marketing, product management, strategy, and total quality management. His most recent position before coming to EMEA was as Vice President of channel development & raining at Doosan Bobcat North America.

Scott Park, CEO and vice chairman of Doosan Bobcat said, "Gary’s previous experience as Senior Vice President Commercial in the EMEA region coupled with his diverse background with Bobcat positions him to effectively drive forward our strategic vision and motto - we empower people to accomplish more."

In this role, Gary says he will focus on a people-first culture by creating a collaborative environment where people can thrive and by leveraging individuals’ talents to accomplish amazing achievements.

"I am thrilled to join the dynamic Bobcat EMEA region, and I look forward to again serving alongside our team,” said Gary.

He will assume his new role effective 1st July 2023 and will report to Scott Park, CEO and vice chairman of Doosan Bobcat.

The latest figures from the Health and Safety Executive report that in the last five years, ATVs were involved in 14 deaths in agriculture, which makes it the largest cause of death amongst moving vehicles in the agricultural sector.

To ensure ATV users are riding safer and smarter, Can-Am say they are introducing their top tips for safer riding, underpinned by its Responsible Rider Charter to mark Farm Safety Week (17-21 July).

The manufacturer believes their user guidance will reinforce rider best practices while sparking discussions about responsible riding and will challenge users to rethink how they approach rider safety. 

Rachael Turner, BRP commercial manager UK and Ireland, said, “14 deaths involving ATVs is 14 too many. As a business, we are committed to educating users on the importance of responsible riding, whether that be through our top tips and charter or by directing users to undertake the training offered by ATVEA or EASI. We look forward to users benefiting from what we are doing when it comes to rider safety, so they can be safe when riding and can educate friends or colleagues to ensure they are safe as well.”

Can-Am off-road rider safety top tips: 

• Make sure that the loads carried on the racks are secure and evenly balanced and do not exceed the capacity of the ATV (check the manufacturer’s recommendations). 
• Always be aware of your surroundings and keep your eyes peeled for any pedestrians, livestock, obstructions or other vehicles. 
• Regularly Inspect the ATV before use to ensure that it is in good working order.
• Avoid sudden increases in speed as this is one of the common causes of an overturned vehicle.
• Always wear the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) such as a helmet, boots, long sleeve shirt and trousers when out riding.
• When riding across a slope, keep your weight forward. When going downhill, slide your weight backwards, select a low gear and use engine braking, which leads to the reduction in the need to use the brakes.
• When working a new area, make sure you walk the route before riding through it. This will give you a better perspective of the dangers or obstacles that you could come across. 
• You cannot predict the British weather, as one minute it could be bright sunshine and the next it could be pouring with rain, so be aware of changes in ground conditions as these could affect the loads you are carrying or the attachments you are pulling. 
• Always read the owner’s manual.

Robert Hafredal ihas been appointed Husqvarna Group’s new EVP Global Information Services and Group CIO, effective August 1, 2023. 

Robert Hafredal

Robert has held the position as acting EVP Global Information Services since December 2022. 

“I am proud to pass on responsibility for the future development of Global Information Services into Robert’s capable hands and pleased to welcome him to the Group Management Team. With his leadership, broad experience, and dedication he will further strengthen our IT work that truly is the backbone of all our operations.” said Pavel Hajman, CEO at Husqvarna Group. 

Since joining the Husqvarna Group in 2010, Robert Hafredal has held various leadership positions , including as Vice President IT Services and Solutions within Husqvarna Forest & Garden, Vice President Digital Commerce and Vice President Group Supply Chain Management. 

“Digital technology is a central part of our product and service offering and this will only expand as the digital and physical worlds combine to create great customer experience. I look forward to further developing the continued success of Husqvarna Group by empowering our business through sustainable technology and data”, said Robert Hafredal.