The farm message is being taken to schoolchildren, who are now invited to enter the Northern Ireland Health and Safety Executive child farm safety poster competition.

The HSENI and the Farm Safety Partnership NI launched their 2024 child safety poster competition recently with a focus on rural primary school pupils, and special educational needs schools’ students.

Ideally, entries should relate to the four key dangers on farms, namely Slurry, Animals, Falls, and Equipment; however, drawings of other dangers children may see on the farm are also welcome.

There will be 12 winners selected, with each receiving a £50 ‘one-for-all’ voucher, and they have their entry considered for inclusion in a 2025 safety calendar.

Camilla Mackey, Head of the HSENI Agri/food team, said: “We are delighted to be able to again launch our Child Safety on Farms poster competition this year.

“The calibre of the artwork we receive year on year is absolutely fantastic. It is important that every poster depicts a critical farm safety message.

“Many children will become our future farmers and it is essential that we encourage them to think and work safely.

“Through play, colouring and producing farm safety posters, children can learn about farm safety in a fun and imaginative way.

“Children are important influencers, and by creating our Farm Safety Calendar from 12 winning entries, we can get our farm safety messages into the heart of rural homes.

“We are confident that our safety messages will help farmers and their families to stop and think SAFE.”

The competition runs for the month of June, and the full competition terms and conditions can be found at https://tinyurl.com/yapv4n5s.