Awarded: £3,480

Farm Steps is a collaborative project providing education to agricultural workers. They will deliver ‘The Sustainable Livestock Worker – Tools for Resilient Farming’ weekend course in Cumbria, looking at livestock behaviour, handling and nursing care; appropriate use of livestock medicines; utilising farm data to reach net zero and the carbon cycle, carbon footprints and farm emissions.

Key findings

• A laid-back and dynamic learning environment supports not only teaching but also formation of meaningful connections within the group
• Our marketing was successful in creating a pool of 35 applicants, most were appropriately experienced to take part
• The response was extremely positive with suggestions of further meet-ups with the same group, or further courses in the future in other parts of the UK

Recommendations for further research and activity

• We plan to run further residentials following the same format.
• There is a knowledge gap within livestock workers lacking traditional agricultural education regarding carbon on farm, along with health, welfare and handling.
• Residential format, group accommodation and family style meals promoted connection and continued contact between group members after the course.