Newsletter!
“We want Stockmen UK to become a voice that is heard in the industry and which has a significant input to the future of UK milk production by supporting and representing anyone who milks cows. We must appeal to and be as relevant to a dairy student as to an assistant herdsman or a herd manager. Career development, training and representation are fundamentally important at all levels.”
Stockmen UK will be run by a national Council made up primarily of herdsman members. A regional structure, based on the RDA regions will be implemented within twelve months. Membership will cost £50 per annum and the association is committed to making the maximum proportion of subscription income available for a programme of Continuous Professional Development (CPD).
All members will be required to participate in the CPD programme which will be tailored to their needs. “We will be working with a number of training providers and organisations to ensure a balanced programme of well-designed and delivered courses is available and asking members to help shape the programme. In addition members will be able to gain CPD points by attending a number of trade events and exhibitions.
“Members will also be able to attend a range of meeting and events arranged by the regional committees as a way to keep in touch with others in the industry. We will produce a regular newsletter and hope the website will become a centre for communication between herdsmen.”
The website which is currently under construction will draw a wide variety of information into one place and will also include a number of forums and discussion rooms. “Our research tells us that herdsmen are keen to share ideas with their colleagues and our website will make this a reality on a nationwide basis
“To support people who are new to the job or move areas we will be setting up a mentoring scheme.”
Mr Day believes Stockmen UK will also play a vital role in representation. “At present herdsmen do not have a voice. Although essential to the success of farm businesses, they are not heard. This has now changed. Stockmen UK will ensure members’ views are heard and by so doing we can address many of the issues that have resulted in poor retention and recruitment of new entrants into the industry.”
Stockmen UK will have a stand at the Dairy Event (Exhibition Hall 1, stand 140) and at the South West Dairy Event and will be running a programme of recruitment meetings during the autumn. The first President of Stockmen UK will be announced at the Dairy Event.
“Stockmen UK fills a major void in the industry and we are confident it will become a significant player in the continued development of our industry,” Mr Day concludes.
ENDS
For more information Michael Day
01981-241627
Issued by Phil Eades, Mardle Consulting
01332-541610
07939-597981
Notes to editors
Michael Day will be available for interview at both the Dairy Event and South West Dairy Event. Interviews can be booked via Phil Eades at Mardle Consulting.
Michael Day is currently managing director of Dairyforce, the UK leaders in contract herdcare. He has over 30 years experience of working with herdsmen and in agricultural recruitment and is a fellow of BIAC. He is an ardent advocate of the need for training and career structures and has provided the impetus to create Stockmen UK.
