Improving safety important as farmers age

Farm liability insurance provides coverage for the risks inherent in farming, but it's also essential to take a proactive approach to improve farm safety in the first place. This is all the more true as farmers continue to age, which could increase the likelihood of incidents such as falls.

The agricultural industry is ageing as a whole, with fewer young farmers entering the fields to balance the average age of workers in the sector. According to a July 2014 study by Rural Industries R&D Corporation (RIRDC), the number of farmers under the age of 35 has decreased 75 per cent since 1976.

What's causing this demographic shift? The report revealed that the largest impetus has been the decreasing number of farms. Aggregation has driven this factor, which has led to fewer opportunities for younger farmers to enter the field. Additionally, potential farmers are spending more years in education, delaying their entry into the workforce.

Nonetheless, Australia's agricultural industry remains comparatively young, in a global context. The study noted that only New Zealand had a younger crop of farmers among developed countries. Additionally, analysts observed that younger farmers were particularly prevalent on larger farms - where the majority of the country's production occurs.

Despite this relative advantage, the fact remains that many farmers are getting up in years. This was an area of focus at the Farm Health and Safety Conference held in Launceston, Tasmania, Stock & Land reported.

At this event, Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety researcher Noeline Monaghan explained that the average age of farmers (53) is higher than the mean age Australian workers as a whole (42) - a situation that carries safety implications.

"The ageing of the workforce poses challenges for an intensive sector like agriculture where the physiological changes associated with ageing may lead to an increased injury risk," she said.

"Older people can fall more readily. When you are 20 you can slip and recover and walk alongside the tractor; as you get older you don't duck as fast."

Young or old, farmers have every reason to prioritise safety on their farms.