In a statement, Safer Farms’ Farm without Harm ambassador Lindy Nelson said the incentive scheme encouraged farmers to make their existing quadbikes safer by applying for a heavily discounted device via a redeemable voucher to the value of $400.
There had been very high demand for the vouchers.
About 40% of the first allocation had already been redeemed via Trax or Quadbar, "which is really encouraging".
Demand for the vouchers exceeded supply, she said.
However, the 88 farm businesses which missed out were eligible for a 15% discount on devices from Quadbar.
Ms Nelson, who farms in Wairarapa, said the focus on devices was a result of farmers speaking up about how rollover bars had worked for them and saved lives.
Quadbikes are an integral part of the job for many farmers and installing a crush protection device would make it a safer option for anyone using that bike.
"Crush protection devices provide space underneath an upturned quadbike by spreading the bike’s weight. This protects the rider by creating space for survival or allowing the bike to roll off the occupant," Ms Nelson said.
"We urgently need to find ways to make quadbikes safer. Based on feedback collected from applicants, cost is a major barrier in purchasing a safety device.
"Farmers want to keep themselves and their people safe. There is a big job ahead to make safety devices more widely available for those who want it. We will continue working with our programme partners to implement a long-term plan."
The initiative was spearheaded by Rabobank and led by Safer Farms, with support from ANZCO Foods, LIC, Craigmore Sustainables, PGG Wrightson, FMG Insurance, Silver Fern Farms and retailers Trax Equipment and Quadbar.
"In addition to the 110 vouchers already issued, we were able to provide a further 43 vouchers, thanks to additional funding from FMG Insurance, PGG Wrightson and Silver Fern Farms after the initial allocation."
