Athenry News & Views Spring 2026

Spring 2026

As spring settles across the Irish countryside, farms move into their busiest and most demanding period of the year. Calving and lambing are underway, slurry tanks are being emptied, fertiliser is being spread, and machinery is operating long hours in fields that are only beginning to dry. It is a season of growth and renewal, but it is also the time when farm accidents traditionally increase . Farming Safety During Spring

shaft and should always switch off engines before carrying out maintenance. Wearing a seatbelt in tractors, especially on uneven ground, significantly reduces the risk of serious injury in the event of overturning. Children should be kept well clear of working machinery, and keys should never be left in unattended vehicles.

Livestock handling presents one of the most significant risks during spring. Cows with newborn calves can become highly protective and unpredictable. Even experienced farmers can be caught off guard. Entering a pen without a clear escape route, turning your back on a cow after calving, or attempting to manage a difficult animal alone are common factors in serious injuries. Proper use of calving gates and handling equipment, along with keeping children out of sheds and pens, can greatly reduce danger. Fatigue from night checks further increases risk, slowing reaction times and impairing judgement. Adequate rest is not a luxury at this time of year — it is a crucial safety measure.

Slurry agitation remains one of the most lethal tasks undertaken on Irish farms. The release of hydrogen sulphide gas can overwhelm within seconds. Before agitation begins, all sheds should be fully ventilated by opening doors and outlets. People, particularly children and older family members, must be kept away from the area. Farmers should always remain upwind and must never enter a slurry tank under any circumstances. Choosing appropriate weather conditions and avoiding calm, still days further reduces risk. There are no safe shortcuts when dealing with slurry. Yard safety requires constant vigilance, particularly as longer evenings mean children spend more time outdoors. Ladders and loft access points should be secured, slurry pits fenced, and clear “no-go” zones established.

Physical barriers are far more reliable than verbal warnings alone. Guidance and seasonal safety advice are available from organisations such as I.F.A., Teagasc and the Health and Safety Authority. Their practical resources are designed to address the specific hazards faced by Irish farmers during peak periods. Spring represents hope and renewal in rural Ireland, but the drive to complete urgent tasks must never override basic precautions. Taking the time to plan work carefully, to rest adequately and to follow established safety practices protects not only individual farmers but also their families and communities. A safe spring lays the foundation for a successful farming year.

Machinery use also intensifies in spring. Tractors, fertiliser spreaders and other implements are back in daily operation. Power take-off (PTO) shafts pose a particular hazard if guards are damaged or missing. Operators should never step over a rotating

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