Meadow Foods launches young farmer training scheme

UK dairy processor, Meadow Foods has unveiled its Young Farmers Initiative to provide the next generation with key business skills and dairy industry knowledge.

The program, scheduled to begin in October 2018, will recruit 20 candidates between the ages of 20 and 35 – although the milk buyer added there is no formal upper age limit.

See also: Young farmers grant scheme opens in Wales

All applicants must already be Meadow Foods suppliers.

Successful applicants will receive six hands on training days across the two-year program, covering subjects such as sustainability, accounting, milk-price forecasting, cost management and purchasing.

The courses will be taught by industry experts and Meadow Foods management staff and all travel training, travel and accommodation costs will be covered as part of the scheme.

Course sponsorship 

Beyond the two-year program, applicants will also be sponsored by the processor to undertake an on-the-job agricultural or business course of their choosing.

“Supporting young farmers is critically important to maintain the future of the industry, said Mark Chantler, chief executive at Meadow Foods. 

“By establishing this exciting new programme we aim to support the next generation of farmers and provide them with the hands-on training and funding needed to gain a wider understanding of the industry and further their careers in farming.”

Interested applicants should contact the Meadow Foods liaison team on 01244 680 071 or visit Meadow Foods’ website for an application form. 

The deadline for applications is 31 July 2018.