Are you looking for a route into agriculture?

Do you have what it takes to compete for the opportunities?

What do you need to do to secure that dream tenancy or joint venture?

 

Event itinerary

Venue: Bryn Parc, Betws‑y‑Coed, LL24 0HD 
What3Words: deleting.glides.composed 
Dates: Wednesday 4 February – Thursday 5 February 
Cost: Fully funded (all sessions, meals, visits and accommodation included)

 

Programme overview

The Farming Connect Business Bootcamp is an intensive residential programme designed for individuals seeking a route into agriculture. The two‑day course provides new entrants with the confidence, skills and strategic understanding required to identify opportunities, compete for tenancies or joint ventures, and establish efficient, resilient businesses.

Participants will engage in structured learning sessions, practical farm visits, and facilitated discussions focused on business development, financial discipline, sustainable production systems and long‑term career progression.
 

Day 1 – Wednesday 4 February

10:30 – Registration and welcome

  • Participant arrival and sign‑in
  • Welcome briefing and overview of programme objectives
  • Introduction to the themes, which are: opportunity, competitiveness and business readiness

Morning programme – Strategic foundations for new entrants

This session will explore the core competencies required to enter and progress within the agricultural sector. Themes include:

  • Entry pathways and progression routes: Joint ventures, contract rearing, share farming models and tenancy opportunities.
  • Building financially robust businesses: Budgeting, cash‑flow management, financial discipline and assessing business viability.
  • Low‑input, grass‑based livestock systems: Principles of rotational grazing, grass budgeting, soil health and efficient livestock management.
  • Diversification and enterprise development: Evaluating additional income streams, renewable energy, tourism and value‑added products.
  • Innovation and sustainability: Integrating renewable technologies, improving efficiency and preparing for future market and policy expectations.
  • Personal development and leadership: Confidence building, strategic thinking and long‑term career planning.

This session draws on the collective expertise of the Bootcamp’s contributors, ensuring participants gain practical, relevant insight into the realities of establishing a successful agricultural enterprise.

Afternoon programme – Farm visit: Iwan Roberts, Ty’n Ddol

  • Guided tour of Ty’n Ddol farm
  • Examination of dairy system, renewable energy, tourism and infrastructure and operational decision‑making
  • Discussion on sustainable land management and business strategy in practice

Evening Programme – Guest speaker; Brian Jones Castell Howell & Networking Dinner

  • Networking dinner at the Royal Oak with after dinner speaker
  • Return to accommodation for those staying overnight

 

Day 2 – Thursday 5 February

09:00 – Morning farm visit: Llyr Jones, Derwydd

  • Second farm visit providing comparative insight into alternative business models
  • Exploration of enterprise structure, livestock systems and operational challenges

Late Morning – Refreshments & reflection

  • Lunch and review

Afternoon programme – Panel discussion

  • Multi‑speaker panel exploring business strategy, opportunity access, financial planning and sector trends
  • Open Q&A to address participant priorities and challenges

Accommodation

  • Fully funded overnight accommodation is available at Bryn Parc
  • Participants may alternatively choose to return home between programme days
     

For more information and to book your place on the Business Bootcamp, contact Eiry Williams:

07985155670 / eiry.williams@menterabusnes.co.uk