Following the success of its three-day Roots to Resilience workshop in December, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has announced another workshop from its ground-breaking programme, running in May.
The innovative Knowledge Exchange programme challenges farmers to stop thinking in black and white and unlock their full potential. Given the success of the December workshop, AHDB is extending the offering to four days to enable farmers to get even more out of the experience.
Samantha Charlton, Head of Engagement for Beef and Lamb, said, “The popularity of our December workshop just goes to show that there is a willingness from farmers to invest in themselves and their business and challenge themselves to reach their long-term goals.
“The workshop helps farmers make the rules and regulations of the industry fit into their business, help them become more profitable while keeping environment and nature in mind and in a way that they want to farm. Through peer-to-peer learning it can help them come up with new ideas and build a network to learn and gain support from.”
Andy Martin, a beef, sheep and arable farmer from Ludlow in Shropshire went to the workshop in December and said, “To those thinking about signing up to the Roots to Resilience workshops I would say be brave, take the opportunity to meet like-minded farmers, be confident, learn as much as you can and have fun! Through my experience my confidence has improved, and I have been able to implement changes in my business that are going to see a better future for my family.”
Ed Bray, a sheep farmer from Market Rasen in Lincolnshire also attended the workshop and said he would recommend attending, “It seems like a big sacrifice taking time away from the farm for a few days, but I saw it as a real investment in myself personally and in the business. It gave me a fresh perspective and I came home with lots of new ideas and skills – it’s definitely worth it.”
Charlton explains what you can expect from the course, “This will be very different to what you have done before and thinking and talking about what you want could feel uncomfortable for some. However, Dallas Mount, known for his Ranching for Profit course, has years of experience in facilitating these conversations so you will be in good hands. Ultimately, we want you to come away feeling empowered and in control of your farm’s future and knowing the next steps for achieving this.”
There are just 54 spaces available for May’s four-day workshop running from 20 – 23 May in Shipley, West Yorkshire.
Booking opens at midday on Friday 29 March. Spaces sold out within a matter of days for December so don’t delay when booking opens.