Cotton growers across Australia are gearing up for National Farm Safety Week, happening from July 14 to 20. The campaign, which includes a full week of themed safety messages and events, aims to raise awareness of farm safety, thereby reducing the number of people who lose their lives in agriculture.

The Queensland launch, hosted by Darling Downs cotton grower Jamie Grant on his Queensland farm, provided attendees with the opportunity to connect with other growers and exchange practical safety tips. The week includes events such as the 2024 Safer Farms Report launch, covering topics like support, child safety, remote working, first aid, livestock handling, aging on farm, and vehicle and machinery safety.

Jamie Grant, hosting the event on his Queensland farm, emphasized the importance of training for farm safety: "People have got to be better trained," said Grant. "It's not a matter of hitting people on the head because they're doing something wrong, it's teaching them how to do it in the first place."

The Farm Safe Australia 'In Safe Hands' campaign will be rolled out next week, encouraging farm businesses to embrace safety as a personal responsibility.