Ciaran Roche
FBD Risk Manager
Safety precautions to take when showing livestock
Show day is an exciting day, and showing your cattle is a wonderful and memorable experience. But it is important to ensure that basic safety precautions around livestock are followed so that everyone has a safe and enjoyable day out.
As sponsors of the FBD National Livestock Show at the Tullamore Show, we’ve seen first-hand the incredible work that goes into getting animals ready for a show. However, it is important not to forgot about safety in the excitement of the day.
Show organisers make a significant effort to ensure the safety of everyone who attends their show. They put event management plans in place, conduct risk assessments, implement safety controls, and ensure that they have adequate stewards on site to manage safety before, during, and after the event. It is essential that all members of the public, whether showing livestock or attending the show, follow these safety procedures, pay attention to safety signage, and cooperate with show stewards.
Vehicles
Vehicles and livestock pose the most significant hazards at any agricultural show. To help prevent vehicle accidents, it is essential to follow the route dedicated for livestock traffic and to drive at a safe speed. Be vigilant for pedestrians, especially young children.
Handling
Safe handling of livestock starts at home. Before ever getting to a show, ensure that the livestock are used to being handled, trained to walk with a halter, used to getting in and out of a trailer, and that they have an appropriate temperament for showing. In addition, ensure that you wear safety footwear with a steel toe with a good grip.
Farm Safety Live
At FBD Insurance, we’re delighted to see the return of the Farm Safety Live demonstration arena at the Tullamore Show & FBD National Livestock Show on Sunday, August 10, 2025. We’re proud to continue the longstanding partnership with FRS, the Health and Safety Authority, and the Tullamore Show committee to bring these vital interactive farm safety demonstrations back to the show for the tenth year!
This year's Farm Safety Live demonstrations will emphasise the safe operation of tractors and quad bikes. Fittingly for the day of the FBD National Livestock show, handling of livestock will also be a central feature of this year’s Farm Safety Live demonstrations. For the first time this year, the Farm Safety Live area will also feature a new chainsaw safety demo. Throughout the day, farm safety experts will offer practical tips and demonstrations that can be directly applied to everyday farming practices.
It’s a must-visit stand at the Tullamore Show and we strongly encourage farm families attending the Tullamore Show to visit Farm Safety Live at stand L100.
Calm
After arriving on site, check on your livestock before unloading to ensure that they are not agitated. If livestock are agitated and not calming down, it is best not to unload that animal. Only unload livestock at the dedicated unloading bays and follow the instruction of show stewards.
In control
Ensure livestock are safely controlled at all times by competent and physically-able persons. Only walk livestock on the designated pathways and lead them with a halter. Always keep livestock physically secured when in stalls and don’t do anything that might spook them. Remember that livestock can be temperamental and easily agitated. It is essential that you keep a close eye on your animal, stay alert to the potential risks associated with the environment, and ensure that safety is managed at all times.