Southland’s Murray Donald has been confirmed as chair of Safer Farms, the industry-led group focused on lowering harm, injuries and fatalities in farming.

“I feel privileged to be stepping into this role,” says Donald. “After more than 40 years in farming, I know first-hand the realities of the job.

“The hard truth is that too many good Kiwi farmers, workers and family members are getting seriously hurt or killed just doing their jobs - producing meat, milk, wool, fruit and vegetables for New Zealand and the world.

“The human cost is huge and it’s mates and rural towns picking up the pieces. On top of that, farm injuries are costing more than $124 million in ACC claims, with millions of days lost off farm - time farmers simply can’t afford.”

As well as owning his Southland sheep and beef farm, Donald’s current roles include chairing the Mount Linton Station board. He is also a trustee of the Agri Women’s Development Trust.

His 30-plus years of governance service have included serving on the boards of FMG, Alliance Group, Farmlands and Southern Institute of Technology.

Previous Safer Farms chair, Wairarapa farmer Lindy Nelson, will remain as a director and as ambassador for Farm Without Harm, the sector’s own strategy to stop preventable harm.

Nelson says she is looking forward to continuing to support the programme.

“This change will allow me the opportunity to do what I love and lean more fully into the Farm Without Harm ambassadorial role, helping bring our vision of everyday farming people protecting one another from preventable harm to life.”

Donald says overseeing the delivery of Farm Without Harm is Safer Farms’ key responsibility and it was encouraging to see how the industry was engaging with it.

“It’s been signed by 170 organisations who regularly engage with over 40,000 farmers and farm workers, because this isn’t about ticking health and safety boxes. It’s about changing culture. Letting farmers farm but making sure we can fail safely and still get home at the end of the day.

“Since 2015, ACC claims for the sector have dropped by more than 26 per cent and farmers deserve a lot of credit. However, there is still much work to be done and we need all farmers on-board.

“Real safety starts with caring - looking out for each other, spotting risks early, fixing systems, and ditching the old ‘she’ll be right’ mindset. Experience is gold, but good systems are what protect us when things don’t go to plan.

“Safer Farms understands farmers and has the trust to lead change. I’m looking forward to getting out and about, talking with farmers, and working together so we can all farm without harm.”