20 March 2019
Farming Connect is currently recruiting new Demonstration Sites throughout Wales. Expressions of interest from farmers and foresters are invited no later than Monday 15 April 2019.
Demonstration Sites are a key part of the Farming Connect knowledge transfer programme. The new sites will become operational in September 2019.
If you are keen and ambitious to develop your business through being a Demonstration Site for three years, please get in touch with Farming Connect and complete the ‘Expression of Interest’ form.
Dewi Hughes, technical development manager with Menter a Busnes, which delivers Farming Connect on behalf of the Welsh Government, says that the programme offers a fantastic opportunity for ambitious business owners keen to safeguard the future of their business by taking the necessary steps to become as efficient and productive as possible, in order to manage and cope with the opportunities and challenges of future trading conditions.
“In the last year alone, our demonstration sites have raised standards across numerous areas of working which has enabled them to decrease inputs, increase outputs and see that all-important impact on their bottom line, as they learn from first-hand experience and are able to see for themselves what works and what doesn’t.
“With trials and projects running throughout the year, not only have these businesses benefited from the regular support and assistance from Farming Connect’s technical team, but they have also received significant support and guidance from fully-funded sector-specific industry specialists brought in to advise them,” said Mr. Hughes.
A critical component in the success of the Farming Connect knowledge transfer programme is its role of sharing best practice and cascading information to the wider industry. Through a programme of high-profile demonstration site events and promotional tools, Farming Connect is able to share the findings and outcomes of numerous projects and trials across a wide range of sectors, ranging from grazing management to animal health and husbandry, with innovation and new technologies at the forefront.
“As with our current demonstration site network, each business selected will have clearly defined key performance indicators and outcomes agreed from the outset so that there are clear goals and mechanisms to monitor progress,” said Mr. Hughes.
All the new demonstration sites will be encouraged to tap into other areas of Farming Connect support available to eligible, registered businesses, including the Management Exchange programme, which provides an opportunity to not only visit exemplar businesses in Europe but to also host experts who can support your own business development objectives.
For more information on what you can expect if you are selected to participate in the Farming Connect demonstration network, click here where you’ll find detailed reports and outcomes from some of the current businesses involved.
NB the closing date for submitting your Expression of Interest form is Monday 15 April 2019.