Events to help the next generation of farmers thrive in agriculture are being held in Cumbria.
The Farmer Network has helped over 200 young people in the last 12 years, with many of them going on to set up their own business.
The network, with support from the National Lottery Reaching Communities fund and other partner organisations, is currently working with a group of next generation farmers to ensure that they can overcome potential challenges, take advantage of any opportunities, and perhaps set up a viable and sustainable farming, or farm-related business.
Last weekend the group is took part in a two-day training course on farm accounting and book-keeping, and this will be followed by a workshop on Monday January 27 at 7pm at the George Hotel, Penrith.
This will include a business planning session hosted by Fiona Wilson, area director, business banking at HSBC. There will also be a session on applying for farm tenancies led by the H&H Land and Estates team.
Another workshop takes place at 7pm Monday February 3. The online presentation and Q&A session is with Mark Pearson, senior agricultural relationship manager, Oxbury Bank, which specialises in agricultural banking. He will cover the Oxbury New Gen package and what is needed in a business plan and cash-flow for a loan application.
Mark will be joined by two very experienced local farm accountant business consultants Rob Hitch, of Dodd and Co and David Threlkeld, of Armstrong Watson. They have offered to provide individual feedback for those who get a business plan together in the following two weeks.
Mark, Rob and David will also provide general feedback and advice to all who attend at a second online session on Wednesday March 12, from 7pm. A final workshop will also be offered to the group on marketing and promotion, date to be announced.
Farmer Network project manager Kate Gascoyne has managed the Next Gen project for many years.
She said: “It is so important that we give our next generation of farmers confidence through learning the skills needed to plan, create, promote and sustain a new farming-related business.”
Farmer Network managing director Adam Day added: “We are very grateful for the support and guidance offered by our guest presenters and advisors at these meetings. Also, to the National Lottery. Without that support we could not make these events happen. We all share a common aim, to ensure a viable future for our Next Gen farmers”.
More places are available and can be booked now. Email [email protected] or call 01768 868615.
