Upskilling for the modern farmer

The Farm Business Skillnet (FBS) is a learning network specifically for farm businesses and smallholders in the agricultural sector. Training courses are available for farmers that aim to increase their confidence, farm productivity and skill levels, while also giving them an opportunity to liaise and network with each other.

Courses in IT and agricultural apps, strategic planning, health and safety, lean farming and finance are just some of the available options.

FBS, now in its 12th year running, is the training division of the IFA, but farmers do not need to be IFA members to apply. The programmes are a part of Skillnet Ireland, a national agency that focuses on promoting and facilitating workforce learning in Ireland.

“Year on year we have seen the Skillnet training offering to the farming sector diversify and grow. However, it is also clear to us that there is a need for rigorous and ongoing upskilling and the adoption to technological advances within the farming sector,” said Skillnet Ireland chief executive Paul Healy.

The participants work together to share their best practice and respond to the technical and non-technical skill needs of farmers.

FBS claims to have flexible training programmes in communication, teamwork and problem-solving. It also hosts conferences, seminars and other learning and networking events.

Over 1,100 farmers were trained by FBS last year alone and an increase is expected this year. There are on average 1,000 farm businesses in the network each year.

Former participant

Angus Woods completed the Young Leaders Programme by Skillnet in 2014, which included several FBS courses, such as developing a business plan and communication skills. He is a livestock and sheep farmer from Co Wicklow and is the chair of the IFA National Livestock Committee.

Woods stressed the importance of being with other farmers and learning from each other, which is a key component of the courses.

“[My experience was] very good. The success of the programmes is generated from within the room by the farmers involved.

“As farmers, we’re often on our own. We don’t have the chance to sit around and chat with each other and have a cup of coffee,” he added.

Technology and upskilling

The use of IT and technology is one facet of the courses and Woods emphasised how “critically important” they are for farmers.

The IFA man noted that farmers have plenty of apps available to them for things such as recording data, recording medicines and checking the weather forecast – which is especially important with the recent heatwave.

“You’re always working on your own in farming. There’s nobody really to sit down with you and show you the new apps, or the latest farming technology,” he said. Woods would recommend the programme to other farmers, adding that he thinks it is very important for them to take the opportunity to upskill and educate themselves.

“All education in life is cumulative. Every small piece of education builds on the last,” he said.

Another IFA member who understands the importance of the programme is Nigel Renaghan. Elected as IFA Ulster/North Leinster regional chair late last year, the Monaghan farmer is also chair of the FBS.

“As with other professions, farmers need to prioritise and engage in lifelong learning. There are emerging technologies, changes in legislation, health and safety measures – and these are all areas where the Farm Business Skillnet can support and improve farmer’s day-to-day business practises,” Renaghan said.

FBS is conducting research on the use of digital technology by farm businesses in farming practice and management. It wants to better understand attitudes towards current and future technology.

Training courses

The courses are available on demand, but sufficient numbers are necessary. Course capacity varies from six to 25 people, depending on the interest in the topic. If a farmer requires training in something that is not already covered by an existing course, they are encouraged to get in contact and the FBS will try to source a trainer in that area. The price varies depending on the type of course, the length of the session and the number of participants. Funding support covers roughly 25% to 40% of the overall cost.

Job seekers and people on Farm Assist can get a place on the course for free, depending on course availability.

Participants are usually aged between 30 and 70, but all farmers are encouraged to take part. For farmers under 40, the Macra na Feirme Young Farmer Skillnet Ireland Programme runs similar courses and events, with the aim of making farms more profitable and sustainable.

How to apply

Anyone interested in applying to the courses should visit www.skillnetireland.ie/networks/farm-business-skillnet, or apply on the IFA website at www.ifa.ie/skillnet. They can also contact the FBS office at 01-4260324 for further information. CL