New young beef farmer programme launched

Macra na Feirme's Young Farmer Skillnet has announced the launch of its Young Beef Farmer Sustainability Programme in association with Dawn Meats.

The programme is designed to help ambitious young farmers to develop their farming skills, their business and commercial awareness.

Macra Young Farmer Skillnet and Dawn Meats are inviting young farmers to apply for a place on the programme, which runs for eight months and will equip participants to analyse and evaluate their own business and to make choices for future growth and efficiency; understand the customer requirements in the retail marketplace and how as beef farmers they can meet those requirements; identify practices on their individual farms that can enhance sustainability and profitability; share and communicate the knowledge gained from the programme with their fellow young beef farmers; and perfect their communication style when dealing with people - from farm staff and contractors to the bank manager.

Speaking at the launch of the programme James Healy, National President of Macra na Feirme said this initiative is an exciting opportunity for young beef farmers to help them improve the efficiency, sustainability and margins of their farms.

Applicants can apply for the programme online at www.macra.ie/ybfsp. 

Places are limited so applicants should apply early before the closing date of 3rd September 2017.  

The successful participants will be introduced at the National Ploughing Championships in Screggan, Tullamore in September.