Farmers encouraged to take part in #Take5StayAlive campaign
1st July 2025
The NFU is calling on farmers and growers from across the country to take part in the #Take5StayAlive campaign and make their own farm safety pledges.
This call follows the move made by NFU Council members who have already made unanimous pledges to take personal action on farm safety.
During the June council meeting, each member was anonymously asked to commit to one thing they will do differently to make their farm business safer, as part of a collective moment of reflection and personal commitment in a sector where too many lives are still lost or changed forever by preventable incidents.
With almost 600 farm-related incidents reported last year, taking five minutes before any task to pause and think has never been more important.
Farmers and growers have now been called to make their own pledges – whether it is checking machinery, wearing a helmet on an ATV or looking out for a neighbour.
‘We think it will never happen to us’
NFU deputy president David Exwood said: “Farm safety is something we must all take personally. Too many people are suffering serious or fatal injuries while doing their job, and behind every incident is a family left to pick up the pieces.
“This unanimous commitment by NFU Council members is a powerful statement that we can, and must, do better. Whether it’s changing a routine, replacing worn equipment or simply taking a moment to think, small actions can save lives.
“It’s easy to think farm safety is something for someone else to worry about, but the reality is it can happen to any one of us. We all need to lead by example by making one change on our farms because that one change could be the one that saves a life.
“I know from personal experience how quickly things can go wrong and how vital it is to not become complacent.”
Mr Exwood has shared that he has nearly been killed three times during his farming career.
He added: “We think it will never happen to us. But of course, when it does, it’s a devastating personal tragedy with consequences that go on and on.
“Safety has to be our first thought, not our last. We have a responsibility to ourselves, our families and our staff to make smart choices on farm.
“Let’s lead by example, speak up when something’s not right and make sure everyone gets home safe.”
Farmers can make their own pledge online here and share on social media with the hashtag #Take5StayAlive.
READ MORE: ‘I am vital to UK agriculture’ – new safety campaign launches
Read more farm safety news.
After asking NFU council members to pledge one thing to improve safety on their farm, NFU Deputy President David Exwood (@DavidatWestons) tells us what they will do at Westons to keep safe on farm.
— National Farmers' Union (@NFUtweets) June 24, 2025
Find out more and make your pledge here👉https://t.co/RYejzDb8Rj#Take5StayAlive pic.twitter.com/PbS3fyPYaL
