THE Wurzels’ 70s classic, Combine Harvester, has been re-released to highlight the importance of farm health and safety.

The group, who originally released the song in 1974, has joined forces with The Farm Safety Foundation (FSF) to create new lyrics highlighting the risks of modern farming.

To complement the new words, there is a music video produced by students from Moreton Morrell College in Warwickshire, bringing home a serious message to farmers of all ages.

Band member Pete Budd said: “Farming is a great way of life, but working long hours with huge machinery means you’ve got to keep your wits about you to stay safe.”

Farming is one of the UK’s most dangerous occupations, with statistics showing 27 people died in the year to April 2014 due to agri- cultural-related activity.

Rob Jones, trustee of the FSF, said: “While our video makes for enjoyable viewing, it has a serious message – too many farmers and their families are suffering as a result of unnecessary injuries or fatalities at work.”

According to a survey by the FSF, 51 per cent of farmers between 18-29 years were prepared to take risks when doing certain jobs around the farm, with 16 per cent admitting to following instructions from someone, even when they knew it is not safe.

Mr Budd said: “We have always had a big following from young farmers so we are horrified there are so many accidents taking lives.

“A number of factors contribute to the terrible on-farm death toll, including the use of high-powered machinery, incidents involving livestock and working long hours.”

Joe Stevens, a student at the college who produced the video, said: “It is important people understand the power social media can have in spreading the important message about farm safety in a more engaging way.

“Even though we are just starting out in farming, we all know a family which has been devastated by a death following a farm accident.”

Farm Safety Is The Key has been produced as part of the Yellow Wellies farm safety campaign, launched by the FSF in 2014.

To watch the video, go to yellowwellies.org/wurzels.