By Neale McQuistin
NFU Scotland has welcomed the news that the number of farm deaths dropped from 13 to two in 12 months, but insists there is still work to be done.
To coincide with Farm Safety Week, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) released their report on fatal injuries in agriculture, forestry and fishing in Great Britain 2019/20
Over the last 12 months there have been two fatalities due to on farm injuries in Scotland, which is a marked improvement on the previous year which saw 13 deaths.
Speaking about the latest figures, NFU Scotland vice president Charlie Adam said: “It is clear to see from the latest figures that the work NFU Scotland, the Farm Safety Foundation and HSE is having a positive affect and we are seeing some much-needed improvements.
“Two deaths are still two too many and it shows that there is still plenty of work to be done. These two incidents aren’t just figures on a report, they are two separate farming families who will be grieving and should be treated as such.
“The work that we do with the Farm Safety Foundation, and other stakeholders, during Farm Safety Week is vitally important to spread the message of good health and safety on farm but it cannot be just for the one week a year. Farmers and crofters need to buy into these new farming methods and technologies year round, not just for these five days.”
Market round-up
Harrison & Hetherington Ltd sold 76 clean cattle, 24 cast cows, 2553 prime lambs and 802 cast sheep at St Boswells yesterday.
Thirty-five prime bullocks sold to a top of 245p/kg to average 225p (+3p), while 33 prime heifers peaked at 246p to average 224p (+3p). Eight young bulls sold to 201p/kg.
In the rough ring cast cows sold to £1463 and 179p to average 153p (+3p).
New season prime lambs sold to £119 and 250p/kg to average 217p/kg (-8p).
In the cast ring heavy ewes sold to £125 for Texels and averaged £81, while light ewes peaked at £85 for Cheviots and averaged £50.
Messrs Craig Wilson Limited sold 1938 prime lambs and 889 cast sheep at Ayr yesterday.
Top prices for prime lambs were £118 for a pen of three Suffolk cross lambs and 239p/kg for a pair of Beltex to average 215p (-8p).
In the cast sheep section heavy ewes sold to £171 for Texels, while Texel crosses peaked at £130. Mule ewes sold to £91 and Blackfaces peaked at £66.
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