Farming trio are future pioneers
THREE farmers from Macclesfield have been chosen to take part in the Co-op’s Farming Pioneers programme – the retailer’s unique, national training course that nurtures young agricultural talent.
Andy Venables, from Henbury, Paul Billington, from Lower Withington, and Richard Goodwin, from Wincle, will be joined by 17 other delegates from across the UK, after going through a rigorous selection process in order to earn their place.
First launched in April 2016, Co-op Farming Pioneers was created with the aim of developing 60 of the agricultural industry’s future leaders over a period of two years, equipping participants with the knowledge, business skills and personal awareness to develop growing, resilient businesses, which will thrive in a fast-changing world.
Andy, 29, has turned his back on a career in digital marketing to return to the family dairy farm in Henbury.
He said: “It’s great to see so many farmers from our region in this year’s intake. I’m very excited to learn more about the Co-op and how it works with its farming partners and supply chains.”
Paul, 30, who is a partner in his family’s dairy farm, added: “I’m passionate about farming and want to run my own farm in the near future. Young Pioneers should equip me with a unique range of new skills to help me do this, as well as helping me increase my contacts across the sector. I’m very excited to be chosen.”
Richard 35, who runs a dairy, turkey, beef and sheep farming business, sees it as a fantastic opportunity. He said: “I’m thrilled to be a part of the Co-op’s Farming Pioneers programme – it’s fantastic to see a national retailer backing farming so much. I hope the skills I gain from this will enable me to expand my current farming business more strategically.”
Ciara Gorst, the Co-op’s head of agriculture, said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming Paul, Andy and Richard into the 2017 Farming Pioneers programme.
“For these young people, it really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity where they’ll have a chance to learn from some of the agriculture industry’s leading lights, share their experiences and adopt these principles in the businesses they have a stake in.”