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Exciting new programme for beef and sheep farmers

By Paul McHenry, Beef and sheep Business technologist, Greenmount Campus, CAFRE

What is it?
This is a new short course called the Business Challenge developed by CAFRE Development Advisers, to help farmers identify ways of improving the profit and sustainability of their farm business. It is run over 6/7 evenings during the winter period by locally based CAFRE Development Advisers.
Its premise is this: if you can measure your costs, you can manage your costs!
Outside speakers such as bankers and accountants are also brought in to help cover specialist areas on finance and taxation applicable to farm businesses.
The programme uses an approach where farmers learn together in small groups of approximately 15 people. The Development Adviser facilitates the training of the group but equally important is that the group members learn from each other.
What is involved?
The Business challenge is made up of three core units covering
  1. Benchmarking,
  2. Financing the business and business planning
  3. One optional unit of learning covering either co-operation and marketing or effective and efficient labour use.
Each unit consists normally of two evening sessions delivered either on a Focus Farm or convenient meeting room.
How many farmers have participated on the programme so far?
During the year 2009/10, 125 farmers registered for the Business Challenge for cattle and sheep farmers programme. It is anticipated that Beef and Sheep Development Branch advisers will each facilitate a new group during 2010/11 in their area, but spaces are limited.
Qualification available?
For those farmers interested in obtaining a qualification there is one available for those who successfully complete the Business Challenge. If a farmer chooses not to go forward for the qualification they can still take part in the training.
How do you find out more?
If you would like more information on how you could join a group in your local area contact: Paul McHenry, Beef and Sheep Business Technologist, Greenmount Campus, CAFRE. Tel: 028 9442 6922
Participants taking part on the first night of the new Business Challenge programme in Larganess Centre, Tully, Florencecourt, Co Fermanagh facilitated by CAFRE, Development Adviser William Johnston
Participants taking part on the first night of the new Business Challenge programme in Larganess Centre, Tully, Florencecourt, Co Fermanagh facilitated by CAFRE, Development Adviser William Johnston
Participants taking part on the first night of the new Business Challenge programme with CAFRE, Beef and Sheep Business Technologist, Paul McHenry
Participants taking part on the first night of the new Business Challenge programme with CAFRE, Beef and Sheep Business Technologist, Paul McHenry