Developing the next generation
First Milk offers sponsorship annually for five individuals to attend the RABDF Entrepreneurs in Dairying course and applications for this year's course are now open.
A business training programme for aspiring dairy producers, the RABDF Entrepreneurs in Dairying course covers all the important aspects of running a successful dairy business. These include sessions on understanding the milk market, people management, finance, tax and trading structures, business development and succession planning.
First Milk’s support for those attending the course is underpinned by our commitment to nourishing future generations, one of the three themes helping us deliver our vision of enriching life every day, to secure the future. Through initiatives like this, we are creating opportunities for, and developing talent within, the next generation of dairy farmers and those working within the dairy industry.
Those supported by First Milk comprise a mix of farmer members and young employees. We hear their feedback:
Tom Jones, Begelly, Kilgetty
“The course offers a great overview of the dairy sector, whether you are new to the industry and looking to progress up the career ladder or part of an ongoing business.
“The skills and information I gained has given me a clearer focus on how to run a successful and sustainable dairy business and making sure I have the right people supporting me to achieve my goals.”
Rebecca John, Ambleston, Haverfordwest (pictured)
“I have gained tremendously from attending the sessions which covered areas essential to running a successful dairy enterprise from farm accountancy to people management.
“I am very grateful to First Milk for the opportunity to attend the course and encourage anyone who has the chance to attend to do so!”
Lucy Parr, Business Development Manager, First Milk
“As a ‘non-farmer’ working in the dairy industry, the course helped me understand the challenges and opportunities our farmer members face.
“The course content was varied and current with very knowledgeable and personable guest speakers. I particularly enjoyed succession planning and the session about personality traits in the business environment.
“I would encourage anyone looking to further themselves in the dairy industry to take up the opportunity to attend this course.”