Rural firms can improve skills with training grant (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Rural firms can improve skills with training grant

10:56am Friday 3rd July 2009

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RURAL businesses throughout the North East are urged to apply for their share of a £1.2m training grant.

LandSkills North East wants to help agricultural and forestry businesses with training and skills development.

The project, part of the Rural Development Programme for England, offers up to 70pc funding.

There are currently two main strands on offer how to comply with legislation relating to animal health and nutrient management and how best to influence and manage supply chains to market, product development, and general business management skills and development.

However, the project is demand led so if people have a training need not currently available the project will try to source a provider. This was done for the North Northumberland Training Organisation, who organised a series of specialist farmer discussion groups over the winter period.

A group of experienced young farmers attended on-farm meetings where specialists advised on interactive animal health plans, low intervention sheep management, wintering options for cattle, high welfare handling systems for efficient management and marketing benefits through improved animal health and welfare.

Other projects have included training Teesdale farmers for the Level 2 NPTC Sheep Dip qualification; leading agricultural discussion groups on animal health and welfare; and helping young farmers in Durham to practise their stock judging.

The project is currently arranging workshops on soil management using PLANET software in conjunction with ADAS and Strutt and Parker.

It is also working with five veterinary practices to train farmers on the ways to spot, control and prevent disease and other health conditions in flocks and herds.

Contact project manager Peter Nailon on 01388 517 199 or visit www.lantra.co.uk/landskillsnortheast for more details.

ENDS

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