After winning the Farm Machinery Skills competition for a second year, the team from Pembrokeshire claim taking part could save a life.
The competition, sponsored by Kramp, which was held during NFYFC’s Competitions Day in July, challenges YFC members to operate machinery safely, tackle a first aid scenario and identify on-farm hazards.
“For me, it’s probably one of the only competitions that saves a life,” said Ryan Bevan who was part of the winning Pembrokeshire team this year and in 2023.
“Even learning how to operate machinery safely and then on the back of that with the accident as well, if something does go wrong you can treat it as well.”
Supported by The Farm Safety Foundation, the national final was held in the weeks leading up to this year’s Farm Safety Week (22-26 July).
Megan Bailey, Farm Safety Campaign Coordinator for The Farm Safety Foundation, facilitated the hazard identification task at the final.
“We are really keen supporters of the competition,” said Megan who gave teams one minute to identify as many hazards as possible on a virtual farmyard.
“The reason why we gave them a minute is because we encourage farmers to take that minute before they start work on the farm each morning to look around them, see what hazards there are, what could go wrong, and how they can make that situation safe.”
As well as toolkits from sponsors Kramp, the winning team also won a VIP trip to tour JCB’s factory.
The national final is made possible thanks to the generous support of Rea Valley Tractors, JCB, Treagle, CFMOTO, Arley Medical Services, Border Plant Sales and The Farm Safety Foundation.
