How training is improving farm performance and efficiency

In addition to Lantra’s work as a leading land-based organisation, developing training and qualifications, we also undertake research into labour workforce requirements and training needs.

Being part of the Sustainable Dairy Project was another good opportunity for us to update our current data and findings following a report we released in 2024 exploring barriers to bringing new entrants into the agricultural workforce.

The findings from the Sustainable Dairy project showing that labour challenges factored high again, which isn’t surprising, sadly. The issue seemed to be second only to investment concerns and the lack of confidence facing farming businesses currently.

However, there was acknowledgment around the importance of training and how businesses saw it to be critical, not only the farm, but also for the development and retention of current staff.

The importance of training needs to be viewed as how a tool to improve a business’ performance and efficiency, ensuring the farm’s staff are equipped to work safely, productively, and sustainably.

Giving agricultural teams skills to identify problems on the farm and work on solutions and action plans to address the challenges.

© Lantra

Furthermore, it is also just as important to have a mechanism for checking and reviewing changes made and measure the improvements.

All this seems to be a long way from the bedrock of traditional on-farm training, with key training focuses tending to be on, areas such as: how to drive machinery; how to operate equipment; and carry out key tasks associated with keeping livestock.

However, good quality training represents the next level that most businesses should be looking at now, and into the future.

This next level of training also plays a key part in staff retention and feeling of being involved in the business, making staff feel they can make a difference.

Evidence and research like the Sustainable Dairy Project, are key to helping us understand what changes are needed and gives us a chance to reflect on how the industry and those who work in are changing.