Through the course, they have changed the way their teams work together and improved pig productivity, as well as their own personal development as people and managers.

One of the group, Andrew Palmer of Dent Ltd, said that the programme is exactly what the pig industry needed – a course that looks at people skills and team management. It has led to major improvements on farm, from staff motivation to better conception rates and reduced piglet mortalities.

John Dunning of Kenniford Farm, who received the course student of the year award, said: “I would like to convey a huge thank you to everyone at BPEX and Alistair Gibb at Cedar Associates for putting together such an excellent course. It was truly overwhelming just how much training support there is from within the core of the industry. I strongly urge anyone out there looking to improve their businesses to apply for a position on the course next year.“

Course leader Alistair Gibb of Cedar Associates said: “The combination of people we had in the group and the way it was set up which led to the outcomes and their impact at work has been the absolute peak moment for me in my training career of 12 years.“

Hear more from the managers and Alistair by watching their video at www.bpex.org.uk/2TS/training

Applications for the next course open on 1 July 2011, with interviews taking place in the autumn. All who are interested in joining the next course can contact Helen Brookes, 07891 214335, or Tess Howe.

The PMDS is a culmination of the integrated skills offer that the pig industry now has and continues to build upon. The concept first came from Agskills, a forward-thinking group of pig industry people, was promoted by the National Pig Association, developed by the Pig Industry Skills Strategy Group and then implemented by BPEX.

Further invaluable partners include Defra, Lantra, the NPTC and Landex.

Timetable for PMDS applications this year:

Applications open - 1 July 2011
Closing date - 16 September 2011 (5pm)
Candidates invited for interview - 14 October 2011
Interview date - 8 November 2011, (Peterborough)