21 March 2018
The Farming Connect mentoring programme has been running for two years and over 100 farmers and foresters have already used the service, totalling over 750 hours of peer to peer support. To address growing demand, the search is on for farmers who have experience of farm diversification, family succession and health and safety in particular.
Candidates must have at least 15 years’ experience of running a farm business in Wales have the necessary skills and expertise to act as one-to-one mentors, supporting fellow farmers by asking insightful questions and providing a sounding board to drive forward business and personal development.
Once recruited, successful candidates will be responsible for mentoring a wide range of individuals ranging from new entrants to established farmers considering a significant change of direction such as diversification, adding value, expansion and new enterprises.
A growing number of farmers are investigating diversification opportunities to establish alternative income streams. New ventures have historically centred on accommodation provision, tourism and adding value to food products which are still lucrative options for many but there is growing interest in niche sectors such as alternative livestock (including deer, meat/dairy goats, dairy sheep), horticulture, bee keeping. Farmers that have diversified into traditional or niche sectors and are willing to share their experiences to support others are strongly encouraged to apply to become a Farming Connect mentor.
Succession is another theme driving an increasing amount of farming families to seek support. Farming Connect are looking for farmers who have been through the succession process and would be willing to support other families as they approach the task on their own farms.
We are actively looking to recruit mentors with a farm health and safety specialism. These mentors will be able to provide guidance to other farmers on adopting safer farm practices and will share their experiences of assessing on-farm risks. Farm health and safety mentoring will be offered as part of a package of services available via the Wales Farm Safety Partnership. Farmers who have experience in ensuring high levels of farm health and safety are urged to apply.
Einir Davies, Development & Mentoring Manager with Menter a Busnes, which delivers Farming Connect on behalf of the Welsh Government, says that aim of the mentoring programme is to offer a confidential service which capitalises on the wealth of knowledge possessed by Welsh farmers and share that knowledge to enable other farmers to benefit from their life lessons.
“All applicants will be put through a rigorous recruitment process to ensure that we get the best people to fulfil the role and have a sufficiently diverse pool of experience and skills to match mentors and mentees to best effect.
“You’ll need to be a good listener, have great communication skills, the ability to ask insightful questions and be prepared to provide honest, constructive feedback.
“Mentoring takes a very different approach to that of consultancy and an effective mentor needs to possess several specialist skills in order to nurture a successful relationship. Recipients of the service will need to be able to voice their concerns freely and know that in return they can expect to receive an impartial, independent and informed perspective.
“Many mentors will be able to share their own personal experiences, because hearing about the successes or difficulties faced by others often helps people to have a fresh perspective on their own options,” added Ms Davies.
In addition to providing a soundboard to ideas, mentors will facilitate the process of decision making by suggesting other options that can be based on their personal experiences or wider knowledge of the industry.
They can also signpost mentees to other contacts and networks for personal and business development opportunities through the wider Farming Connect programme and beyond.
If you are interested in applying for a role as a Farming Connect mentor, you will find a detailed job specification and application form here. The closing date for receiving applications is Friday, 27 April at 12.00. Alternatively contact the mentoring programme manager, Einir Davies on 01970 636297 or email: einir.davies@
This project has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.