The Institute of Agricultural Secretaries and Administrators (IAgSA)held its 42nd national conference over three days, at Barnham Broom in Norfolk recently. The title ’Broaden Your Horizons’ expressed the need for the farming community and especially those administrating farm business to look further, and with more innovation, at the way farms work to maximise their efficiencies in these difficult times, whilst understanding the needs of the farming communities.
Jeremy Robson acted as Chairman for the conference and Patron Jim Paice, MP and Minster of State for Agriculture and Food, was the key note speaker on the final day. The IAgSA are particularly honoured to have Jim as their Patron, as he brings a new dimension to the Institute and in addition valuable support and advice. His comments to members included, ’You are a critical part of the farming industry in many ways and are the unsung heroes.’
The Conference had an excellent blend of speakers, from in depth informative and educational content, to specific farming charities, plus a more personal presentation from Colour Me Beautiful.
Billie Johnson , Vice Chairman informed members ’Norfolk Branch of IAgSA have pulled out all the stops and managed to broaden the horizons of all conference delegates with some thought provoking speakers’
David Lawrence , Principal of Easton College was the guest speaker at the Gala Dinner. He has increased the intake from around 700 to over 3000 full and part time students. The college has also recently completed a ’10million expansion programme for a Centre for Contemporary Agriculture which will develop a new generation of agriculture and food workers in the industry.
’IAgSA Chairman, Tim Cartwright said, ’These are exciting times for the Institute particularly with our ability now to offer a series of bespoke training courses that provide a career path for new farm administrators to enter the industry’.
All in all it was an excellent three days and everyone went back stimulated and enthusiastic about how they can make a real difference and play their part even better in helping and supporting farms.
