The rural farming communities around Coreen and Daysdale are reeling after the tragic death of farmer Broughton Bird.
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And while farmers jumped back on their tractors and headers yesterday morning, less than 48 hours after Mr Bird's on-farm death, the accident has come as a timely reminder to producers during the busiest time of year.
Safe Work Australia reports an average of 41 workers killed each year in the agriculture industry - 85 per cent of them die on a farm.
Of those deaths, 75 per cent involve a vehicle.
The 66-year-old died instantly after sustaining head injuries in a header accident on his property east of Daysdale around 4pm Tuesday.
NSW Police confirmed he had suffered fatal head injuries and died at the scene.
The header driver, a 54-year-old man, was taken to hospital for mandatory testing.
The local football netball club said that while Mr Bird may not have followed the local sporting games, the club decided to cancel Friday night's social event as a sign of respect to the family and wider community.
"As the local community deals with the tragic passing of Broughton Bird, a decision has been made to cancel Friday nights barefoot bowls," Coreen Daysdale Hopefield Buraja United Football Netball Club said in a statement.
"Whilst Broughton didn't know one end of a football field to the other, he and his wife Cherilyn supported the club and district at every opportunity.
"Our sincere condolences to Broughton's family, friends, work colleagues and neighbours during this incredibly sad time."
The hard-working farmer was known across the Riverina, and the country, as one of the best agronomic farmers.
He had multiple properties in the area.
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Mr Bird's death comes as Southern Border Rural Fire Service operational officer John Osmond issued a warning to farmers to be diligent during the hot weather.
"The Southern Border Team has issued a harvest safety alert for farmers in the local government areas of Berrigan and Federation to exercise extreme caution if performing harvesting activities today due to the current and forecast weather conditions," he said.
"It is therefore recommended that harvest operations cease when the Grass Fire Danger Index exceeds 35."
The Bureau of Metereology is forecasting a top of 39 degrees around the Corowa area today and 41 tomorrow.
Safe Work NSW is investigating the death and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
"SafeWork NSW is responding to this matter and as a current investigation is taking place no further comment can be made at this time," a SafeWork spokesperson said