The importance of farm safety was brought to life for visitors at an annual competition - and it got a royal seal of approval. 

Fair-goers at Agrifest South West had the chance to meet farm safety experts from NFU Mutual’s risk management services, as well as other organisations, who demonstrated how to cope in common farm scenarios.

Thousands of people flocked to the annual event which was held at Westpoint Exeter this month. 

HRH The Countess of Wessex visited the NFU Mutual team to discuss the rising numbers of farm accidents in the South West. She also discussed how through educating and informing young farmers, this health and safety knowledge will be instilled in them throughout their careers.

Phil Chalker, of NFU Mutual risk management services said: "We were thrilled to welcome the Countess and explain to her how NFU Mutual is endeavouring to minimise accidents on farms by encouraging good health and safety practice, particularly amongst farmers of the future, and making safety become completely intuitive to them.

"We ran a number of demonstrations with potential scenarios from the farm environment, including quad bike safety, telehandlers and straw chopping, as these help students and young farmers learn how to react to a range of incidents."

Organised by the National Beef Association South West, Agrifest is a celebration of British agriculture and showcases the extent of breeding and production in the region.

During the day, NFU Mutual also ran an interactive quiz encouraging visitors to test their health and safety knowledge.

Entrants were in with the chance of winning a fully funded training course in agricultural safety, as well as farm safety packs to help in the case of an emergency.

Phil added: "We were also explaining the benefits of the NFU Mutual SafetyHub to attendees at the event, an online safety risk management service designed to help small farms actively manage the risks in their businesses and comply with health and safety legislation.

"We understand that every farm is different, so this platform offers bespoke best practice advice that will be easily applicable to day-to-day situations.

"It’s initiatives like this that help to stop accidents before they happen.”

Visit www.nfumutual.co.uk/safetyhub.