2026 Safer Farms Report reveals agricultural death statistics

A new safety report has revealed 53 lives were lost and a further 182 people were seriously injured on Australian farms in 2025, bringing the nation’s farm death toll to 427 lives since 2019 – an average of more than one person every week for seven consecutive years.

While Tasmania has so far recorded no deaths or injuries this year, the figures released in the 2026 Safer Farms Report give weight to a national campaign encouraging every person in agriculture to recognise the influence they have on the people around them.

One person who is determined to influence the next generation of farmers is Campbell Town wool producer and member of the Safer Farms ambassador network program, Josie Chester.

For the past 11 years she has been helping Julie Howard with the MAIB-funded quad bike and side-by-side safety training sessions at Campbell Town District High School.

The program has expanded to include driving lessons through RACT and first responders first aid training with a farm focus through St John’s Ambulance.

With safety always at the forefront of mind on Camelford farm, she said she felt being involved in the national campaign was another way to promote conversations around farm safety, encourage safe behaviour on farms and connect to fellow farmers around the country.

“It’s also about reminding farming families that children are always watching and it’s our job to set them up for success,” she said.

She said more ambassadors were needed and she encouraged Tasmanians to apply for Cohort 2 on the Farm Safe website with applications opening on July 27.

“The more we learn the more we can share to make our industry safer – even if it helps just one person it’s worthwhile,” she said.

The Safer Farms Report contains the latest national injury and fatality data, emerging issues, information on practical resources and the voices of farmers across Australia.

WFI Insurance executive general manager Damien Gallagher said the report reflects the value of industry working together to create meaningful and lasting change.

“For many years, WFI has proudly supported the Safer Farms Report because meaningful change starts with understanding the risks, challenges, and opportunities facing Australian agriculture,” he said.

“This report combines evidence, practical ideas and the voices of farmers themselves to help strengthen safety across our industry.”

Mr Gallagher said improving farm safety was a shared responsibility.

“Every conversation about safety has the potential to prevent an injury, strengthen a business and protect a farming family.”

This year’s National Farm Safety Week campaign, ‘Set the Standard: Show ‘em how it’s done’, is built around a simple idea: the standards demonstrated every day influence the standards others adopt tomorrow.