Massey Ferguson recently held its first ever farm machinery safety workshop with members of Wales YFC.
Eryri and Ynys Mon YFC joined forces with the Emyr Evans Massey Ferguson Dealership in Gaerwen to learns about safety and Machinery Maintenance.
Upon arrival, members received an informative presentation provided by Andrew Purnell, Massey Ferguson area sales manager and Gwynedd Evans, Emyr Evans sales manager.
Emyr Evans runs a three-year Apprenticeship Scheme in Agricultural Engineering run in conjunction with MF’s parent company, AGCO and Cambria Llyfasi College.
The pair introduced the full line of the brand’s tractors, combines, balers, loaders and telehandlers, as well as detailing some of the history behind the famous red tractor.
As part of the learning exercise, a tractor was set up with a number of faults and members were asked to identify them to test their awareness skills. This included items such as missing bulbs, mirrors and bolts.
Members were asked to carry out an assessment on a tractor, led by Michael Butland,
Massey Ferguson Technical service specialist.
Butland also advised the young farmers on how to carry out daily checks on their machinery and operate the tractor in a safe manner.
The UK’s most dangerous industry
Dafydd Jones, Wales YFC rural affairs chairman said: “As it stands, around 20% of work-related deaths in the UK occur in the farming industry and as the next generation of farmers we have the ability to make a change.
“It was great to see members addressing the daily checks on the tractors, learning about how to use the tractors and other farm machinery in a safe manner as well as sharing good practices.”
Purnell, MF’s area sales manager, said the event had been a positive experience.
“As a leading manufacturer of agricultural equipment, Massey Ferguson is committed to the promotion of safety and the correct use and maintenance of machines,” he said.
“This workshop at Gaerwen was a pilot and we are very pleased with the positive feedback from Wales YFC members. As a result, we look forward to supporting more events like this in the future.”
Gwynedd Evans said it had been a pleasure to work with the group.
“Members showed a high level of interest in the workshop and their attendance clearly showed they understand the need to give safety on the farm high priority,” he said.
“At Emyr Evans, we want to do all we can to assist in lowering farm machinery-related accidents. Workshops like this are an excellent way of building awareness.”
