SECONDS MATTER: FARM SAFETY AND THE FIRST RESPONSE
OUT NOW – SEASON 2 EPISODE 1
THE HFG PODCAST – SECONDS MATTER: FARM SAFETY AND THE FIRST RESPONSE
Check out the latest Episode of The HFG Podcast!
Seconds matter in farm emergencies. In this special episode of the HFG Podcast, host Martin Clay speaks with frontline fire service professionals about farm safety, first response, and what to do when accidents happen.
WHY FARM SAFETY MATTERS
Agriculture remains the most dangerous industry in the UK, with farmers and rural workers facing a far greater risk of fatal and life-changing injuries than any other sector. Despite employing just 1% of the workforce, farming consistently records one of the highest fatality rates in Great Britain.
When incidents occur — whether it’s a machinery entrapment, fire, or road traffic accident — the first few minutes are critical. Knowing how to respond can save lives.
ABOUT THIS EPISODE
In this episode, host Martin Clay is joined by two guests bringing both professional expertise and on-the-ground farming experience:
- Matt Horne – GW Watch Manager at Basingstoke Fire Station, Hampshire Fire & Rescue
- Dave Wills – Precision Ag Support Specialist at Hunt Forest Group and Retained Firefighter with Romsey Fire Station
Together, they discuss:
- Why agriculture continues to have such a high rate of fatalities and serious injuries
- The most common farm emergencies: machinery entrapments, field fires, and rural road traffic incidents
- Essential first response measures – from first aid and emergency planning to fire prevention
- How farmers, contractors, and rural businesses can access training, safety workshops, and resources through the fire service
This conversation offers practical, actionable advice for anyone working in agriculture, underlining the importance of preparedness, awareness, and safe working practices.
RESOURCES AND FURTHER INFORMATION
Find Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service’s farm safety guidance here: https://www.hantsfire.gov.uk/safety/safety-outdoors/farm-fire-safety/
Workshops can also be arranged directly with the fire service, providing hands-on advice for fire prevention, first response, and compliance on your farm or rural business.
LISTEN NOW
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Entrapments remain one of the most serious and life-threatening incidents on farms. They can happen in seconds — often with little or no warning — and knowing how to react could save a life.
Common causes of entrapments
On farms, the most frequent causes include:
Lone working
Fatigue
Distractions
Livestock handling
Loose clothing or long hair getting caught in machinery
Narrow rural roads leading to road traffic collisions (RTCs)
Inexperience with equipment or processes
Moving or operating machinery without full awareness of surroundings
Immediate actions to take
If someone becomes trapped:
Call 999 immediately and remain calm.
Only approach if it is safe to do so — never put yourself or others at risk.
If trained, provide first aid until emergency services arrive.
Managing major bleeding
Use the D.D.I.T. method – Don’t Delay, Irrigate, Treat.
Apply direct pressure to the wound.
Elevate the injury if possible.
Do not remove the first bandage — the first clot is the best clot.
Keeping the casualty warm is essential to slow bleeding and reduce shock. Jackets, coats or foil blankets can help, especially in colder conditions.
First aid kits – are yours ready?
Every second counts during an entrapment. Make sure your kits are:
Fully stocked and in date
Suitable for the type of work you’re doing
Located where you’ll most likely need them — tractors, combines, pickup trucks, workshops, and areas with heavy machinery.
Final word
Entrapments happen fast, but preparation slows the panic. Review your risks, check your first aid kits, and make sure everyone on the farm knows what to do in an emergency.
August 2025 – Isuzu UK has launched a powerful new finance campaign to support customers looking to purchase the award-winning Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Automatic, including the striking V-Cross Steel edition. Just in time for the September new plate rush, this limited-time offer delivers flexible and affordable finance options tailored to suit a wide range of customer needs.
0% APR Finance Now Available
From 1st August 2025, Isuzu customers can take advantage of the following finance offers:
0% APR Hire Purchase over 24 months with a minimum 50% deposit
3.9% APR Hire Purchase over 24 months with just a 10% minimum deposit
8.9% APR HP & PCP Finance with terms up to 60 months and a £2,000 customer deposit contribution
These finance options offer customers greater choice and affordability, whether they prefer a shorter-term deal with zero interest or a longer-term option with lower upfront costs.
Affinity Member Exclusive Benefits
In a first for Isuzu, this campaign can now be combined with Affinity Partnership discounts — meaning eligible members of farming, countryside, and shooting associations can stack their existing discounts alongside these finance offers. It’s an unbeatable combination of value for loyal customers.
Flexible Leasing Option Also Available
For those preferring to lease, the Contract Hire option offers even more flexibility — with monthly payments from just £389 + VAT on the V-Cross Automatic. This is a great route for business users or customers looking for lower commitment and peace of mind.
Offer Ends 30th September
All qualifying finance proposals must be accepted by 30th September 2025, with vehicles registered by 31st October 2025. Stock is available, but customers are encouraged to act quickly to secure their preferred specification.
Ready to Get Behind the Wheel?
Visit your nearest Hunt Forest Group dealership or call us to discuss your finance options and test drive the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross today.
📞 Contact: Gareth Thomas 07725 555 720
📍 Hunt Forest Group – Isuzu Sales Manager
📧 gareththomas@huntforest.com
🌐 huntforest.com
Isuzu UK marks the first anniversary of its ARB Hub dealer programme with an exclusive open day for dealers and the introduction of ARB’s most luxurious rooftop tent yet, Altitude, now available through Isuzu dealers nationwide.
On 15th July, Isuzu hosted its inaugural ARB Hub Open Day, welcoming ARB-specialist Isuzu dealers from across the country to showcase the latest range of premium ARB accessories available for the award-winning Isuzu D-Max. Dealers were presented with exciting new offers, exclusive promotional support, and innovative point-of-sale solutions designed to enhance the customer experience for adventurers seeking to maximise their pick-up experience.
At the heart of the event was the announcement of ARB’s flagship electric Altitude rooftop tent, now available through Isuzu dealer network. The Altitude redefines camping convenience, combining automated open and close functionality at the touch of a button with panoramic 360-degree views, premium materials, and clever storage solutions. Drawing on nearly 50 years of ARB engineering expertise, the Altitude is the ultimate choice for those who want to explore off-grid in style and comfort.
Growing success of the ARB Hub programme
Launched in 2024, the ARB Hub programme has established a dedicated network of Isuzu dealers specialising in ARB’s world-class range of 4×4 and camping accessories. The programme provides participating dealers with access to exclusive stock and priority ordering, tailored point-of-sale kits, seasonal promotions, bespoke showroom displays, training sessions, and an annual Open Day supported directly by ARB staff.
Customers visiting an ARB Hub dealer can expect expert advice, hands-on experience with ARB products, and the ability to equip their Isuzu D-Max with everything from roof tents and camping accessories to recovery gear and storage systems, all backed by ARB’s renowned quality and Isuzu’s trusted dealer network.
Exclusive dealer promotions and training
To help dealers further grow accessory sales, Isuzu UK unveiled new promotions, including:
- Showroom Offer: Spend £5,000 on ARB accessories and receive a complimentary retail gondola display (worth £350+).
- End of Summer Promo: Spend £1,000+ to receive free ARB Basecamp chairs or purchase an Esperance 2 rooftop tent and accessories for additional free camping gear.
In addition, dealers benefit from hands-on training sessions from ARB specialists, with modules covering roof tents, camping accessories, recovery equipment, drawer systems, and more, as well as webinars on product positioning and sales techniques.
Speaking at the ARB Hub Open Day, Dan Wallis, ARB UK Sales Manager, commented: “It’s fantastic to see the Isuzu ARB Hub network grow so successfully in its first year. The programme has enabled dealers to create exciting lifestyle displays, offer specialist knowledge, and give customers more ways to enjoy the great outdoors. The launch of the Altitude rooftop tent is a perfect example of how ARB continues to innovate and deliver products that exceed expectations.”
Darren James, Isuzu UK Group Resources Director, added: “The ARB Hub programme represents an important step in Isuzu’s journey into the lifestyle market, enabling us to support our dealers with premium products, training, and promotional tools. One year on, it’s clear this partnership is delivering real value for dealers and customers alike, and with innovations like the Altitude rooftop tent, the future looks very exciting.”
As part of our ongoing farm safety series, this week we’re looking at what you should do while waiting for the emergency services – especially in the event of a fire.
In the chaos of a fire, it’s easy to panic – but these key steps could make all the difference:
✅ Ensure people, livestock, and the public are out of harm’s way
✅ If safe to do so, move machinery and vehicles clear of the fire line
✅ Start creating firebreaks with discs or cultivators to help contain spread
✅ Be ready to direct fire crews quickly to the scene
💬 Communication is key. Stay calm, provide clear info, and don’t take unnecessary risks.
Stay safe out there – and thank you to everyone doing their part during this high-risk harvest season.
As Kramer marks its centenary year, we’re inviting HFG followers to join the celebrations by taking part in our Kramer 100 Year Photo Competition.
We’re looking for high-quality photos of Hunt Forest Group-supplied Kramer machines in action, whether on the farm, in the yard, or out on site. Selected entries will be featured in our official 2026 HFG calendar, as well as across our digital channels.
🎉 Competition Prizes
1st Prize: Kramer Merchandise Bundle
2 Runners-Up: HFG Kramer Branded Trucker Caps
📩 How to Enter:
Please send high-resolution images to marketing@huntforest.com, including a short description of the machine and its location.
🗓️ Deadline: 29th August 2025
By entering, you confirm that your photos may be used for marketing and promotional purposes.
We’re proud to represent the Kramer brand and look forward to showcasing the incredible ways our customers are using their machines.
Following last week’s reminder on fire prevention during harvest, this week we’re focusing on what to do in the event of a fire – because being prepared can make all the difference.
If you ever need to dial 999 for a field or machinery fire, a clear and calm call can save lives and reduce damage. We understand how stressful these moments can be, so here are some important tips to help emergency services respond quickly and effectively.
Sharing this guidance with your team, contractors, or local farming network could help prevent serious injury or damage this season.
Let’s look out for each other during what is one of the most intense times of the year.
Following its world-first unveiling at the Commercial Vehicle Show 2025 at the NEC, Birmingham, Isuzu UK has officially announced the pricing for The New Isuzu D-Max EV, the first fully electric pick-up in Europe to offer a 1-tonne payload, 3.5-tonne towing capacity, and full-time 4WD.
The production-ready model will launch with two premium trim levels based on the brand’s best-selling specifications, DL40 and V-Cross, featuring a dual-motor system, 66.9 kWh battery, and the same no-compromise durability that defines Isuzu D-Max.
Isuzu has also confirmed the official naming for the electric variants of its popular pick-up models in the UK. The previously referred to DL40-equivalent and V-Cross-equivalent trim levels will now be known as D-Max eDL40 and D-Max eV-Cross, respectively. This naming convention aligns with the existing diesel-powered range, reflecting the fact that the EV versions retain the same core capability, premium features, and rugged DNA as the internal combustion engine D-Max DL40 and V-Cross models, now with the added benefits of electric power.
The New Isuzu D-Max EV will be offered in a selection of colours. eDL40 models will be available in Splash White as standard, with optional premium finishes including Mercury Silver Metallic, Obsidian Grey MICA, Onyx Black MICA, and Biarritz Blue Metallic. The range-topping V-Cross model shares the same palette but also gains access to an exclusive Dolomite White Pearl finish. These carefully curated colour choices complement the vehicle’s bold stance with EV-specific blue design elements and D-Max EV badging.
D-Max EV Range at Glance
Model | CVOTR (Ex. VAT) | Drivetrain | Cab Types | Colours | Key Features |
D-Max eDL40 | £59,995 | Full-time 4×4 | Extended | Splash White (Solid) Mercury Silver (Metallic) Obsidian Grey (MICA) Onyx Black (MICA) Biarritz Blue (Metallic) | Chrome styling, 8” infotainment, 7” driver information display, heated front seats, Bi-LED headlights, leather upholstery*, dual-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors, Rough Terrain Mode, and a 6-speaker premium sound. |
D-Max eDL40 | £60,995 | Full-time 4×4 | Double | Splash White (Solid) Mercury Silver (Metallic) Obsidian Grey (MICA) Onyx Black (MICA) Biarritz Blue (Metallic) | Chrome styling, 8” infotainment, 7” driver information display, heated front seats, Bi-LED headlights, leather upholstery*, dual-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors, Rough Terrain Mode, and a 6-speaker premium sound. |
D-Max eV-Cross | £62,495 | Full-time 4×4 | Double | Splash White (Solid) Mercury Silver (Metallic) Obsidian Grey (MICA) Onyx Black (MICA) Biarritz Blue (Metallic) Dolomite White (Pearl) | Dark grey styling, 9” infotainment, 7” driver information display, heated front seats, Bi-LED headlights, leather upholstery*, dual-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors, auto dimming rear view mirror, Rough Terrain Mode, 8-speaker premium sound |
All prices are exclusive of VAT and additional charges. There is no charge for Splash White colour. For special paint finishes, an additional £600 (excluding VAT) applies. *Leather and other materials.
Neil Scott, National Sales Manager at Isuzu UK, commented: “We’re incredibly proud to launch the D-Max EV at a competitive price point for a fully electric, fully capable, and work-ready 4×4 pick-up. There’s nothing else like it in the market today that combines zero-emission driving with full commercial capability. With high levels of equipment as standard, refined ride quality, and Isuzu’s legendary toughness, the D-Max EV offers true value and a sustainable solution for fleets and professionals alike.”
Pre-sales will begin later in 2025, with first UK arrivals in February 2026. Customer deliveries are scheduled to follow in March 2026. Right-hand drive demonstrator vehicles will be made available to fleet customers in advance.
For full specifications, model details, and the latest updates on the New Isuzu D-Max EV, visit: www.isuzu.co.uk/electric-pickup.
Club Car, a global industry-leading manufacturer of small-wheel, zero emissions vehicles, has signed a new agreement to remain as an Official Supplier of the DP World Tour until the end of the 2027 season, and as a Worldwide Supplier of the Ryder Cup until 2027.
The longstanding partnership between the DP World Tour and Club Car began in 1999 and its vehicles are vital to the staging of DP World Tour tournaments around the globe, supporting numerous aspects of tournament operations and logistics from rules to television production.
For the Ryder Cup, Club Car has supplied team cars, support vehicles and staging fleets for the last 16 editions.
The Augusta, Georgia-based organization elevated its status to become a Worldwide Supplier to golf’s greatest team contest for the 2023 match in Rome, and will continue that designation for the 2025 and 2027 matches, at Bethpage, New York and Adare Manor, Ireland respectively.
Marco Natale, Vice President EMEA for Club Car, said: “Our partnership with the Ryder Cup and the DP World Tour has been a cornerstone of our commitment to the game of golf for over 25 years.
“This enduring relationship reflects a shared passion for excellence and innovation, and we are proud to have played a part in the phenomenal growth of both competitions.”
Max Hamilton, Executive Commercial Director of the DP World Tour and the Ryder Cup, added: “Club Car has been a trusted partner for over two decades and their products are vital to the smooth operation of our tournaments.
“Their global distribution network and excellent local support service make them the ideal partner for a global Tour that visits new countries each week, and one of the biggest and most complex single events in sport in the Ryder Cup. We look forward to continuing our successful partnership.”
The DP World Tour’s Club Car tournament fleet is currently in action supporting the European Swing, a run of six events across the continent over eight weeks. A combination of Tempo golf carts and Carryall utility vehicles will provide crucial support in the set-up and delivery of the events, travelling from one to another on double-decker lorries.