Last call for GBS

Farm record keeping is not the most popular of farm chores for most farmers. Since the introduction of Mid Term Review proposals it is becoming increasingly important in the day-to-day running of the farm. Keeping abreast of the rules and regulations covering identification, registration and movement of cattle and sheep is an essential component of CROSS COMPLIANCE, as well as avoiding cattle statuses and subsequent movement restrictions imposed on animals.

The Introductory Good Business Sense (GBS) Course covers cattle and sheep traceability, farm accounts, partial budgets and the farm records required to meet Farm Quality Assurance Scheme(FQAS) standards.

The Introductory course is open to all farmers and their family members. As the programme is currently government funded, farmers who actively farm at least three hectares of LFA land will receive a £100 training allowance for completing the four sessions of the Good Business Sense Introductory course. These courses are held locally and in the evenings were possible. In addition, participants receive a farm records file and recording pack, to assist with record keeping.

While the farmer funding ends this spring the GBS Introductory and Intermediate courses will still be offered free of charge as short courses.

The Good Business Sense courses are assessed by the Northern Ireland Open College Network (NIOCN) and successful candidates will receive a certificate for their effort. This may be useful when applying for the New Entrant Scheme as well as future grants or subsidies.

If you are interested in enrolling on the Good Business Sense introductory programme or obtaining further information on any of the GBS intermediate workshops (Gross margin, VAT, Time management) please contact: Greenmount Campus, on (028) 9442 6819. Applicants can also complete the application form on the Greenmount website http://www.cafre.ac.uk(Click on short courses)

A group of farmers undertaking a Good Business Sense Introductory Course in Carnlough. Funding for this course ends this Spring, so anyone wishing to avail of the training allowance must apply prior to 31 January 2005.