Heavy load of physical work not key to farm profitability
That’s the conclusion of Teagasc research studies, which indicate that the keys to better profitability are cost-effective livestock management or crop performance, and keeping the physical work time to a minimum.
Teagasc has followed up their findings with a work organisation training module that can help full-time or part-time farmers, across a range of enterprises, to maximise their potential.
John McNamara, Teagasc Health and Safety Officer, said: “Our labour studies indicate that farm buildings and facilities need to be designed or adapted to allow the efficient use of labour, while increased scale can also lead to more efficient labour use.” He advised farmers to plan their use of time. A training DVD has been sponsored by AIB Bank to show how farmers have achieved high labour efficiency and lifestyle benefits by adopting labour efficiency measures.
There could be life saving improvements for farmers who don’t give sufficient attention to managing their work time, according to a health and safety survey conducted by Galway University. They found that pressure of work is one of the most frequent causes of stress among farmers, who have high levels of disability due to injury and ill-health.
