Lakeland Dairies has launched a new farm safety campaign targeting its supplier farms across Northern Ireland during the busy summer period.
The campaign is aimed at encouraging practical actions to help reduce accidents and injuries on farm.
According to the co-op, the initiative “comes against a stark backdrop”, noting that farming remains Northern Ireland’s “most dangerous industry, accounting for 40% of all work-related fatalities in 2025 despite representing just 4% of the workforce”.
“Figures from the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) show that there have been 51 farm-related deaths over the past decade”, it said.
The campaign will engage Lakeland Dairies’ farmer suppliers across Northern Ireland through a series of regular communications including the co-operative’s monthly ‘Farm Notes’ bulletins, social media, and other digital channels.
These will involve practical safety reminders that farmers can apply in their day-to-day work.
Farm safety
Lakeland Dairies launched the campaign at a special farm safety discussion, attended by Bryan Monson, deputy CEO of HSENI, alongside Lakeland Dairies’ chairperson, Niall Matthews.
Also in attendance was Dr. Rebecca Orr, medical doctor and researcher at Queens University, who is also chair of the Northern Ireland Agri Rural Health Forum, and a member of the Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) Rural Affairs Committee.
Attendees at the launch heard from Barclay Bell, sheep and beef farmer, a past president of the UFU and a trustee of Air Ambulance NI.
Farm accident survivor Thomas Bowen recounted how he was attacked by a bull at Clogher Mart, requiring life-saving emergency attendance by Air Ambulance Northern Ireland (NI).
Lakeland Dairies milk supplier Avril McCann also recounted her experience of being attacked by a cow on her family farm near Newtownards, suffering a range of injuries including broken ribs.
‘Real concern’
Lakeland Dairies CEO Niall Matthews said: “Farm safety is a very real concern for farm families and rural communities.
“As a farmer-owned co-operative, Lakeland Dairies has a responsibility to support our dairy farmers not only in their business, but in their wellbeing.
“This campaign is about practical reminders, real conversations and encouraging safety as part of everyday farm life.
“Behind any ‘statistic’ is a person, a family and a community whose lives can be changed in an instant.”
HSENI deputy CEO Bryan Monson said: “The reality is that far too many lives continue to be lost or changed forever because of farm accidents.
“Safety must be a constant priority, particularly during busy periods when pressure and fatigue can increase risks.
“Campaigns such as this help to keep safety front of mind through clear, practical messaging and open discussion within the farming community.
“The key message is that every single accident that is prevented protects the lives and livelihoods of people, farm families and rural communities across Northern Ireland.”
Lakeland Dairies said the campaign also reflects its continuing association with Air Ambulance NI, highlighting the critical importance of emergency response services when serious farm incidents occur.
The co-operative said its goal is to engage proactively and positively with farmer suppliers on an issue that affects farm families and communities, while reinforcing the message that simple daily safety checks and actions can make a truly significant difference for everyone.
Tips and advice on farm safety are available on the HSENI website.