RABDF launches dairy farmer business training

Dairy farmworkers looking to take on their own business can take part in a new training and mentoring scheme this year.

The Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF) has launched a training programme to teach farmers’ sons and daughters, herd managers and other farmworkers how to run a business on their own, on a contract or through a joint venture.

See also: Farmers Weekly Academy for agricultural online training

Students on the course can attend eight three-hour sessions in as many weeks on succession planning and business management, and will be assigned a mentor who can offer guidance over the next 12 months.

RABDF policy director Tim Brigstocke said it was important to give specialist help to those looking to progress up the management ladder.

“We are fully aware that farming can be a lonely career and that our course participants would benefit from a ‘guardian angel’ to call up to discuss issues which will enable them to make better business decisions for themselves,” he said.

“We believe the opportunity for mentoring is an important element to business training that has been sadly lacking in agriculture while it is commonplace in others.”

The Entrepreneurs in Dairying scheme, which will start on 30 September, will be run in collaboration with DairyCo, the NFU and consultant the Andersons Centre.

It will run at three colleges: Cannington in Somerset, Gelli Aur in Camarthenshire and Newton Rigg in Cumbria.

There are 15 places available at each college for students who are at least 21 years old.

Those wishing to take part should apply at www.rabdf.co.uk before 31 July. The course costs £250 plus VAT.