Lamb cutting adds value to farm business
8 January 2011 PR 1483 Husband and wife Andrew and Allison Tyrrell have diversified their 220 acre organic farm business, Lower Hardingsdown near Llangennith on the Gower peninsular, in a number of ways including opening up a tree nursery unit and providing holiday accommodation.
In addition, the couple are now adding value to lamb which they produce from their own flock of 60 ewes and store lambs bought in for finishing, by selling locally through a box scheme. The Tyrrells acquired the new skills they needed to undertake this venture thanks to subsidised training funded by 80% through the Farming Connect Skills Development Programme. Having already done their research and assessed the local market potential, the Tyrrells knew that there was sufficient demand in the area to warrant setting up a box scheme and for undertaking the training to support this new venture. The Skills Development Programme, which is managed by Lantra on behalf of Farming Connect, provided 80% funding for Andrew and Allison to obtain their Food Hygiene Level 2 certificate, followed by a one day lamb cutting course at the Food Centre Wales near Llandysul. With their new skills, the Tyrrells are able to add value to every lamb they produce by processing the carcasses themselves and selling directly to the public. Allison said: “Undertaking lamb cutting and food hygiene training has helped us add value to our basic product and our entitlement to 80% funding from Farming Connect enabled us both to complete the courses. The application process was straightforward and I would recommend all farming businesses take up the opportunities available through this programme. Skills Development Programme Manager at Lantra, Sarah Lewis, said: “Andrew and Allison are a great example of how people can really make a difference to their business through the Farming Connect Skills Development Programme. “Farming Connect funds a wide range of courses including enterprise and management skills, livestock husbandry, health and safety, pest and disease control, lift trucks and plant, equipment use and vehicle operation. Subsidised training is available from a number of approved training providers across Wales and any farmers keen to develop their skills should get in touch with us as soon as possible.” To register for Farming Connect please call the Service Centre on 08456 000 813. For more information on the Skills Development Programme and how it can help you and your business. call Lantra on 01982 552646, email wales@lantra.co.uk, visit www.lantra.co.uk/farming-connect or follow us at twitter.com/FarmingConnect. ENDS ISSUED BY: Vicky Brewin, Lantra Press Office – contact wales.media@lantra.co.uk or call 02476 858 417. PICTURE CAPTION: Allison on her lamb cutting course About Farming Connect Farming Connect is funded through the Rural Development Plan 2007 – 2013, which is financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Assembly Government. The Farming Connect’s Skills Development Programme, managed by Lantra Sector Skills Council, has the aim of improving the performance and prospects of farming and forestry businesses throughout Wales. It provides up to 80% funding of short accredited training courses. Further information about Farming Connect can be found on the Welsh Assembly Government’s website: http://wales.gov.uk/topics/environmentcountryside/farmingconnect/?lang=en About Lantra Lantra is the Sector Skills Council for land-based and environmental industries, working to ensure these businesses access the training, qualifications, skills and knowledge they need. An independent UK organisation, Lantra works with employers and the UK’s governments to address the skills and productivity needs of approximately 230 businesses (one in every ten UK businesses) in: agriculture; animal care; animal technology; aquaculture; environmental conservation; equine; farriery; fencing; fisheries management; floristry; game and wildlife management; land-based engineering; horticulture, landscape and sports turf; production horticulture; trees and timber and veterinary nursing. By working together with the sector, Lantra leads research on skills issues and business needs, sets national standards and develops qualifications to meet modern business needs and help businesses grow through skills. For more information see www.lantra.co.uk.
Tags: