WE go back to Cumbria exactly 20 years ago , in the dark days of the 2001 foot and mouth epidemic . Even after the disease was beaten , many farms , particularly those which had not been wiped out , were in difficulty . Help was needed . The Rural Futures project started in April 2002 with funding from Defra . Over 3 years , this project aimed to help farmers recover from foot and mouth and to increase collaboration between farmers .

Many farmers benefitted and slowly but surely there was light at the end of the tunnel . When the funding ended , a number of farmers wanted the support to continue . Under the guidance of Managing Director Paul Harper , and farmer Chair Will Rawling , the Cumbria Farmer Network was born in 2005 . The Yorkshire Dales Farmer Network was to follow in 2009 .

16 years from its inception , the ethos and aims of the non-profit company have not changed . The Farmer Network is all about supporting its members to run viable

Adam Day

and sustainable businesses , adapting to every challenge and every opportunity . The Farmer Network remains a unique farmer support organisation and in tune with its members , is reacting to their needs .

“ This is the whole point ” says Managing Director Adam Day who has spent a lifetime working in the farming community . “ we ’ re run by farmers for the benefit of farmers . Our members tell us where they need support , and we go out to try and deliver it ”.

The concept of farmer networking is growing . Groups of farmers in Northumberland , Lancashire and the North York Moors have all expressed interest in forming their own networks under the Farmer Network umbrella . Start-up funding is being sought to create the new networks for these farming communities across the North of England .

“ It is clear that there is a need for this type of support ” says Senior Project Manager Veronica Waller . “ We ’ re an independent network but we try to work with government agencies , other organisations and companies which want to support farm businesses . We do this by undertaking farmer led projects , covering a range of business , environmental and livestock health issues . This is about farmers working with farmers , giving them the knowledge to make informed business decisions ”.

The Farmer Network seeks to help members improve revenues , explore diversification opportunities and obtain available grant funding . It also

seeks to help members save costs .

“ Our membership offers are always popular ” says Senior Operations Manager Donna Gough . “ We operate a group fuel buying scheme for members , purchasing several million litres each year . We work with insurance and utility companies , and we can even offer training grants when funds allow ”.

The Network is well known for its support towards young people entering the industry through its flagship project “ Farming Ambition – Business Support for Young People ”. It is also engaged in several other projects relating to animal health , farm business support , and farm / environment .

We ’ re in unprecedented times ” says Rob Hitch current network chair having been involved at board level for many years . “ We can ’ t sit back and wait to see what happens over the next few years . To do so may have dire consequences for some farm businesses . We

Veronica Waller

Donna Gough

will do all we can to keep members informed and in tune with any changes and any opportunities to strengthen the business ”. Adam Day hopes more farmers will embrace the concept of networking to a greater degree in future .

“ We constantly look to offer value for money within the Farmer Network and focus is always on our members . I would urge all farmers to give membership a try . You will be surprised what you can get out of it , and we are only a phone call away ”!

Currently there are more than 1150 farmer members across Cumbria and the Yorkshire Dales . The Network also has more than 60 corporate members that have links to farm businesses and several sponsors who generously contribute to core funds .

For more information on the Farmer Network please contact Head Office for a chat about membership on 01768 868615 , email admin @ thefarmernetwork . co . uk or go to www . thefarmernetwork . co . uk .