Dairy Development Group aims to connect with younger farmers

The group group will look to improve their understanding of how the industry works
The group group will look to improve their understanding of how the industry works

Plans to engage with younger dairy farmers have been unveiled by the NFU with the launch of its new Dairy Development Group.

Applications for the group, which will look to improve their understanding of how the industry works and how they can get the most from it, will open today (Wednesday) to coincide with UK Dairy Day being held in Telford, Shropshire.

NFU national dairy board vice chairman Tom Rawson said it is the "perfect way" of introducing the next generation of dairy farmers to further their knowledge of both the NFU and the sector.

“The new NFU Dairy Development Group is a fantastic opportunity for enthusiastic, dynamic and forward thinking younger dairy farmers to get involved with the NFU’s policy work and find out about core lobbying and political activity,” said Mr Rawson.

“Having input from the next generation of farmers is vital if we are to be effective - many of the decisions dairy farmers make today will have a major impact on our industry for years to come.

“I hope that any ideas generated within the new group will be things they can take back to their regions for further discussion and action."

The one-year programme will offer an exclusive insight into the supply chain and dairy industry organisations. It also offers the opportunity to learn new skills to develop a dairy business.

The application window will open from September 14 for one month. Events will run from November 2016 to April 2017.