13 November 2019
We live in a digital age which is why most progressive farm and forestry businesses in Wales are already tapping into the benefits of information technology, or ‘IT’ as it’s more commonly known, to aid maximum efficiency and profitability.
According to Eirwen Williams, director of rural programmes with Menter a Busnes, which together with Lantra Wales delivers Farming Connect on behalf of the Welsh Government, if you’ve got the right IT skills, you already have a head start to help both you and your business prepare for the future!
Farming Connect’s focus at this year’s Winter Fair (Llanelwedd, 25-26 November) will be to showcase the fully funded IT training and support services that are available for all registered farmers and foresters in Wales. Whatever your level of expertise, from complete beginners to those already up to speed but wanting to integrate more advanced technologies into their businesses, Mrs Williams says this is a training offer you won’t want to miss.
Drop into Farming Connect’s first ever ‘IT hub’ in the Lantra Building (Avenue K) to find out how you can benefit and apply for the wide range of training on offer. See at first hand the ‘new look’ Farming Connect website and BOSS platform, where you can check out dates and locations of all upcoming training courses; receive guidance on completing your Personal Development Plan (PDP) and access a range of recently expanded, ‘new look’ e-learning modules.
You will also be encouraged to find out how Storfa Sgiliau / Skills Store, Farming Connect’s new secure online digital tool, will ensure you have all the continuous professional development (CPD) records you need within minutes, in either an online or downloadable report. This new system will automatically capture all Farming Connect knowledge transfer and training activities undertaken by registered clients during the current programme and also give you a dedicated ‘My space’ area where you can store and update all your own personal records.
You might also want to pop over to the Lantra building on the Tuesday as there will be a drone demonstration where you can try out ‘virtual reality’ goggles from a drone demonstration. There will be Introduction to Drones workshops beginning in January 2020, so come along!
There will also be a health and safety Wales Farm Safety partnership demonstration at the Lantra building on Monday and Tuesday afternoon regarding health and safety when working from height – look out for scaffolding and a mannequin at the Lantra building.
You’ll find Farming Connect staff ready to signpost you to the package of services and support tailored to your requirements in a number of locations, including the Lantra building (Avenue K), the first-floor balcony of the livestock building; at the Coed Cymru stand and in the South Glamorgan Hall where they will be part of Welsh Government’s presence .
“We are here to help you plan ahead and signpost you to the package of services which will meet your requirements.
“This period of time is crucial to the industry, to prepare for the future and reach full potential across all areas of work,” said Mrs Williams.
Farming Connect, which is delivered by Menter a Busnes and Lantra, is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and Welsh Government.