Farming Connect has announced the expansion of its training programme, offering nine new courses designed to help Welsh farmers improve their skills and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving agricultural sector.

With more than 130 training courses now available, farmers can access valuable learning opportunities, subsidised by up to 80 per cent, to develop expertise in various key areas.

The new courses cover a wide array of topics under four main categories: business, land, machinery and equipment, and livestock.

One of the additions to the programme is the International Certificate for Digital Literacy (ICDL) – Extra course. This training offers farmers the chance to enhance their digital skills, with a focus on word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and software selection. By improving their productivity through digital tools, participants can streamline tasks and improve efficiency on the farm.

For those in the forestry sector, the Lantra Professional Tree Inspection course is a valuable new offering. Aimed at experienced woodland managers, the course teaches the skills necessary to conduct detailed tree inspections. Participants will learn how to identify defects, assess risk, and follow legal and safety guidelines when recommending actions for tree management.

Farming Connect has also added a course to strengthen food safety in farming operations: Level 3 Award in HACCP for Food Manufacturing. This course offers advanced training in Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) for food manufacturing. It covers essential steps such as hazard identification, risk assessment, and ensuring food safety practices are maintained throughout production.

Soil health is another critical issue for sustainable farming, and the Soil Science (IBERS) course addresses this by providing in-depth knowledge on soil formation, properties, and the crucial role soils play in food production. Farmers will gain insights into sustainable soil management practices and how human activities impact soil health. The course teaches participants how to apply effective strategies to improve soil quality.

Another new offering is the Sustainable Supply Systems (IBERS) course, which focuses on creating more resilient and sustainable food supply chains. This course examines the challenges and opportunities facing the food sector, from innovative technologies to collaborative strategies. It teaches participants how to evaluate sustainability approaches and manage the relationships that contribute to long-term success in food production.

For those involved in the wool industry, British Wool and Elite Wool Industry Training UK will be offering wool handling courses. British Wool is providing a one-day practical course for beginners to advanced participants, while Elite Wool Industry Training UK offers a two-day course suitable for all skill levels. Both courses provide training on fleece handling, sorting, preparation, and storage, ensuring wool is market-ready and meets industry standards.

Other training options now available include Emergency First Aid at Work (+F), which is essential for maintaining a safe working environment, and Livestock Production Science, which explores the latest developments in livestock farming practices and animal health.

For more information, farmers can visit the Farming Connect website or contact their Local Development Officer or the Farming Connect Service Centre at 03456 000 813.