A new health and safety protocol has been put in place on one farm, new farrowing arcs have been built to reduce farrowing mortality on another and, importantly, the managers’ confidence and people skills have grown.

Each candidate achieved a certificate in First Line Management from the ILM after a series of management training sessions, course work and practical application on farm. The awards were presented at a celebratory dinner at Sandburn Hall near York.

A special Student of the Year award also went to Jason Riby of Ling Farm, East Yorkshire. Jason manages a 1400-sow breeding herd and six staff. Having worked on the farm for over two decades, originally as a farrowing house man, he has now been promoted to general manager of the unit.

Mr Riby said: “My communication with staff has improved and I understand that each person is different which helps me to manage them and the unit more efficiently.“ His manager agrees that his confidence has improved significantly.

The ILM course is designed for anyone responsible for leading people or who will take on the responsibility in the near future.

For video interviews with the successful managers go to www.bpex.org.uk/2ts/training and click on ‘ILM Award.’

Contact Tess Howe for information on future courses: 07779 321078 or [email protected]