Agriculture apprentices recently attended a farmer workshop entitled ‘Weaning the Suckled Beef Calf’ delivered by Black Sheep Farm Health at North Bellshill Farm.
The afternoon covered theory and practical aspects of ensuring this high-risk period goes smoothly and the day provided Stockperson Apprentices (Level 2 Agriculture) with in-depth knowledge to protect and meet the needs of suckler cattle – allowing them to increase both profitability and health and welfare. The workshop was also a chance to discuss with fellow farmers what steps they take to make weaning a smooth transition.
Claire Gibson, Land and Environment Lecturer, said: “Attending the workshop was an excellent opportunity for our Stockperson Apprentices. They gained new knowledge and skills, networked and made links with other more experienced farmers working in and around Northumberland, and improved their confidence in sharing their own ideas and experiences with others.”
Black Sheep Farm Health are keen to work with the apprentices on future training needs and have suggested the popular ‘Mastering Medicines’ course for farmers, which fulfils the recent requirement of Red Tractor for medicines training, as a possible next course. The apprentices also received a certificate of attendance to add to their portfolio.
Harvey Robson, Stockperson Apprenticeship, added: “We learned about the needs of cows and calves at housing and weaning at the farmer workshop. Going out on visits to other farms, and attending different training events, helps to make us more employable now and in the future.”
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