3C Young Farmer Groups to Expand Further
23 March 2010
Macra na Feirme and Teagasc are aiming to expand their 3C young farmer discussion groups from dairy and develop the initiative further by entering into beef, sheep and tillage groups with the support of the FBD Trust.
The 3C initiative caters for young farmers who have specific knowledge requirements when they are starting out in business, and sometimes may find it difficult initially to ‘gel’ with or contribute to a well established discussion group that their piers or parents are members of.
Each 3C group consists of young farmers who meet regularly throughout the year and are facilitated by a specialist Teagasc advisor. To join a 3C group farmers have to be under 35, closely involved in the decision making on the farm and interested in discussing their farm business with other young farmers.
In the current difficult trading environment the importance of being a member of a discussion group has never been greater and discussion groups are recognised as a great learning experience as the group discussions are conducted onsite combined with visits to demonstration farms and are facilitated by specially trained technical advisers.
Commenting on the initiative, Macra na Feirme, national president, Michael Gowing said he welcomes the support of FBD Trust to further develop the 3C initiative which will support young farmers in developing their farm enterprise. We currently have a number of very successful groups in existence especially in the dairy sector and with the help of FBD Trust we and our partners Teagasc aim to continue to cater for dairy farmers along with expanding into the beef, sheep and tillage sectors.
Paul Cuddy, Area Representative FBD Portlaoise stated "FBD are very proud to sponsor the 3C Young Farmer Discussion Groups. We see this as an investment in the future of Irish farming and it is imperative to FBD to support young farmers in order to enable them to make the best decisions for their business"
Commenting on the initiative, John Donworth acting Programme Manager for Dairying said, the benefits of being a member of a discussion group are many and varied. Teagasc are pleased with the growth in the number of discussion groups, as it is one of the most effective channels through which technical knowledge is transferred to farmers. We would encourage any young farmer interested in improving the technical performance and profitability of their farm to get involved in establishing a discussion group in their area by contacting Teagasc. We would also encourage those already involved in 3C groups to persuade like minded farmers in their area to do likewise.
The title 3C highlights the fact that groups are committed young farmers who are interested in contributing in a group and who are willing to respect the confidentiality of information disclosed at meetings.
‘If you are interested in joining a Macra/Teagasc 3C discussion group text ‘3C’ with your name and address to 51444.’
