Face-to-face Soil Nutrient Health Scheme (SNHS) training opportunities will be made available for farmers over the coming weeks.
These will be delivered by Countryside Services at a number of venues across Northern Ireland.
A key part of the SNHS is the completion of training developed by the Collage of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprises (CAFRE).
It will be a conditionality to receive payments under future farm support schemes.
This training will help farmers to understand and interpret their SNHS soil analysis report, make best use of organic manures, and learn how to create a nutrient management plan.
Countryside Services’ Andrew Kerr commented:
“The training can also be accessed on line through the CAFRE website.
“In our own case, we are expecting between 1,400 and 1,500 hundred farmers to attend the venues that have been scheduled over the next six weeks.
“The actual training will be delivered by members of the Countryside Services’ team.
“For those who do not have access to online training, there is now provision for face-to-face training, which will involve viewing the videos available online in a theatre setting.”
SNHS training
The coming weeks will see soil testing take place across SNHS Zone 3 with the work required to complete Zone 4 undertaken in 12 months time.
“Farmers across all four zones can attend the upcoming training events. However, farmers in Zones 1 and 2 will be able to take part having already received their soil test results and the relevant data.
“The team at Countryside Services are delighted to be appointed to deliver this training. We know from our experiences that online training can be a challenge for some and we are glad to be able to offer the training face to face to ensure no one misses out.
“It is important everyone gets the opportunity to learn how to maximise the value of inputs such as fertilisers to contain costs and maintain water quality.
“We are also pleased to be partnering with other rural stakeholders in delivering this training,” Kerr said.
Details of the various training venues are available from Countryside Services.
“Pre-registration of attendance will be required. This will entail the provision of all relevant farm business details.
“Farmers attending each of the venues must bring photographic identification with them,” Kerr added.
