Requiring visitors to a farm to sign in and account for their time on the premises is an option to consider when trying to improve farm security, according to the the IFA.

The increased accountability this system could provide to farmers would allow incidents of unauthorised activity on their farm to be investigated and possibly prosecuted, the IFA said.

The farming association has issued five key tips to improving farm security when when dealing with employees, contractors or other visitors.

The IFA also said that a unique security number should be used by farmers to mark their property, which clearly identifies ownership and will deter thieves.

TheftStop.ie is an initiative run by the IFA which provides members with their unique security number. TheftStop will then maintain a database of all stolen equipment for members to view online.

In the event that property is stolen this unique security number could allow items to be returned if they are recovered, according to the IFA.