A recent safety day at Steve Hirshberg’s property in Āpiti, saw 20 local farmers learn how to use their quads and side-by-sides more safely. The event, run by CARNZ, focused on practical skills and real-life scenarios to help reduce the number of accidents we’re seeing on farms.
At Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ), we believe people are the most important asset on any farm. And when it comes to quad bikes, the stats are sobering – too many accidents, too many injuries, and sadly, too many lives lost.
Mikaela Greig, B+LNZ’s Western North Island Extension Manger, who led this event says, “At the end of the day, the most important thing is that everyone gets home safely.
“There has been real interest from farmers in my area for more events and initiatives highlighting farm safety. They want practical, hands-on learning that actually helps them make changes on-farm. Days like this are a great start, with the aim that attendees will take their learning back to their farms and it’ll have a ripple effect – improving safety not just for them, but for their teams and families.
“A massive thanks to Simmo and Opie from CARNZ who led the day with energy and expertise. Their demos were packed with useful info, but the message was clear: know your machine, respect its limits, and ride smart.”
Key takeaways
- Look after your bike with regular servicing
- Check tyre pressures often
- Eyes up - always look where you're heading
- Understand weight limits (front and back)
- Take your time and ride actively
Every year, our industry sees serious injuries and fatalities from quad bike incidents. Training like this helps build confidence and awareness, covering everything from riding techniques to maintenance and loading.
Big thanks to our generous sponsors who made the day possible: Ballance Agri-Nutrients, FMG, Farmlands Co-operative.
Events like this is powered by the B+LNZ Farmer Council and Kāhui.
Want to improve safety on your farm?
B+LNZ’s Knowledge Hub has a range of practical resources to help you build safer work procedures and get your team on board. Access health and safety resources.
Got a specific question about your farm setup? Try asking Bella, your Beef + Lamb Assistant powered by AI, who will help you get the most from B+LNZ’s Knowledge Hub.