This month sees the return of The Cumbria Farmers’ Conference arranged by The Farmer Network. FutureProof Cumbria are hosting a Cumbria Farm renewable webinar, and working in partnership The Land and Nature Skills Service, Cumbria Adult Learning, Kendal College, and the Digital Dairy Chain have developed a new Digital Skills for Farmers course.
The Cumbria Farmers’ Conference
Following on from last year’s success, The Farmer Network is hosting another Cumbria Farming Conference in November. year’s broad theme is “Building a Future”.
Date: 19th November 10:00 am - 3:30 pm
Time: 10am to 3.30pm
Venue: Rheged Discovery Centre
This year’s theme is “Building a Farming Future”. The morning session will be looking at the process of “Making Changes on the Farm”. Guest speakers include Amy Hughes from Empower Ag, Andrew Robinson from Armstrong Watson Accountants, Oxbury Bank, and farmers Mark and Jenny Lee giving an insight into their own farming experiences in making substantial changes to their farming practices. This session will cover handling difficult family conversations, Succession, business planning, implementing the plan and making it happen.
The afternoon session is “What Future For our Fells?”. Baroness Julia Aglionby will set the scene discussing the current challenges facing upland farmers across Cumbria and look to the future. George Dunn, Chief Executive of the Tenant Farmers Association will offer advice to tenant farmers on difficult conversations with Landlords. Young Lake District Hill Farmers Matthew and Craig Fearon, and Ruby Nicholson, will conclude the day by providing an insight into how they are structuring their business plans.
There will also be Q&A sessions allowing farmers the chance to question the guest speakers and make their own additional comments. The whole event with be hosted once again by Cumbrian broadcaster and presenter Caz Graham, who is expecting some lively debate!
View the jam packed agenda and book your place here
Cumbria Farm renewable webinar with the NFU - 26th November
From Farmhouse to Farm Business - Energy Saving and Renewables
NFU Energy experts Lisa Howkins and James Whilding will explore options for generating renewable energy at farm scale, including solar, wind, hydro and pyrolysis. Drawing on real-life examples from farms already taking action, they’ll explain the potential business benefits and the key things to consider before getting started, including planning requirements and grid connections.
Futureproof Cumbria’s Home Energy Team, Julia Massey and Tina Holt, will look at energy efficiency and renewables in the farm homestead. They’ll share practical ways to reduce energy use and household bills while keeping homes warm and comfortable, with a particular focus on the traditional buildings often found on Cumbrian farms. They’ll also explain the energy advice and renewable energy services available, along with relevant government grants and other sources of support.
Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or are considering your next steps, you’ll come away with practical ideas, examples and guidance to help you make informed decisions about your farm’s energy future.
Register here - Events - Futureproof Cumbria
Do you or anyone you know feel left behind with so many farming-related admin tasks moving online?
Do you need help using farming-related apps?
The Land and Nature Skills Service have been working with Cumbria Adult Learning, Kendal College, and the Digital Dairy Chain to put together a tailored ‘Digital Skills for Farmers’ course. This is a 6-week x 2 hours per week course that will run over the winter. The course will cover the basics of Word, Excel, email, social media, the internet and mobile phone apps to support you in your everyday farm management, record-keeping, and business tasks.
Please let them know if you or someone you know would benefit from this FREE training by completing the Expression of Interest form, and they will get back to you soon.
