The Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) national farm family chair Caroline Farrell has urged farmers to be particularly vigilant to ensure their own safety as spring calving is underway.

She has warned that heifers and cows can be unpredictable at calving time and may hit out without warning.

The calving cow is the most dangerous animal on Irish farms

Farrell said that livestock has accounted for 20% of farm fatalities, with the calving cow involved in over half of these fatalities over the past 10 years.

“The calving cow is the most dangerous animal on Irish farms and should not be trusted. Spring is the busiest time of year on many Irish farms.

“Farmers work around the clock, often needing to be up several times a night to check on animals.

“This can lead to severe tiredness, restricting a farmer’s ability to react quickly,” she said.

Tips

The IFA offer these tips during the calving period.

  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help from a neighbour with a difficult cow or heifer.
  • Know your limitations, you may not be as agile as you were this time last year.
  • Make sure the calving gate is operating properly.
  • Make sure the calving jack and ropes are fit for purpose.
  • Cows are a prey animal and the maternal instinct of a cow is to protect her calf, especially after calving - make sure all dogs and children are out of sight before entering the pen.
  • Make sure the cow is correctly locked into the calving gate.
  • Ensure calving pens have appropriate lighting.
  • Remember there is no such thing as a quiet cow.

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