Farm management development course opens for applications

Applications are open for a two-week course aimed at people entering farm management or about to start running the family farm.

The course, which was run for the first time in 2015, will be delivered at the new Riseholme showground campus in the north-east of England, which is part of Bishop Burton College.

It is being supported by The Prince’s Countryside Fund, which has pledged £45,600 to provide 50% bursaries for successful applicants over two years.

See also: How to get a job as a farm manager

There are 12 places available, with the course running for one week from 14 November 2016 and a second week starting on 13 February 2017.

The course will cover topics such as business evaluation, marketing, business planning, costs of production, people management, leadership and communication.

Alex Olivant, who attended in 2015, said: “The key points that were highlighted for me were time management, the importance of the costs of production and communication.

“Being honest and open with everyone was a recurring theme and one I will use to gain respect within my job role, along with paying attention to cost of production and finding ways to reduce this and increase the profitability of the farm.” 

Ms Olivant said the course had also made him think more about diversification opportunities on the farm.

“The second week expanded on what we had learned in the first week, putting it into practice and continuing to expand our agricultural, business and management knowledge”.

Claire Saunders, director of The Prince’s Countryside Fund said: “We recognise to be successful as a farmer you need to have a wide range of practical skills and abilities. One of the most important of these is business acumen.

“Making a career in farming can be immensely satisfying, but the precarious nature of the industry means we need people coming into the industry who understand business and know how to build a resilient one.

“This project provides the farmers of the future with these skills and we are delighted to be supporting Bishop Burton College’s project.”

Following successful completion of the course, participants will be eligible to apply for an assessment module accredited by the Royal Agricultural University.

The closing date for applications is 30 September 2016. Successful applicants will be invited for interview on 10 October 2016.

To find out more, visit the Centre for Agricultural Innovation webpage.