A new initiative to support the next generation of farmers who have taken on a farming enterprise has been launched by Harbro, the feed company that provides high quality livestock solutions.

'Backed by Harbro' will see the company select and work with two of the UK’s most promising farmers, who have recently taken on a livestock farm, by providing advice and nutritional products to help support the performance and profitability of their businesses.

“We are focused as a company on driving improvements and efficiencies, while future proofing not only our customers but, the livestock industry as whole," said Harbro beef and sheep director, David MacKenzie.

"As a business, our approach is driven by leading academic research that informs the advice we pass on to our customers who are crucial to the nation’s food supply chain.

“Encouraging new entrants to farming, particularly the younger generation is vital to the livestock industry. We have a fantastic team of trusted advisors, specialising in nutrition, which is full of excellent talent and we want to connect and help develop the next generation of farmers who are going to have the future of agriculture in their hands.

“Backed by Harbro is aimed at supporting two British farmers aged 18-40, who have recently stepped out on their own, by giving them the tools to build a progressive, profitable business. We also want to demonstrate that farming is not just a viable career option, but an attractive one as well.”

As part of the initiative, Harbro is on the hunt for two beef and/or sheep producers who have ideally been farming in their own right for less than five years, to take part. The company will then offer an exciting bespoke range of support across a year long programme including:

• Nutritional advice and support

• Livestock enterprise benchmarking through Glasgow Vet School

• Sustainability and futureproofing guidance

• Industry mentoring

• £3000 credit on Harbro account.

With strong links to the supply chain within both beef and sheep, Harbro has also teamed up with leading industry influencers who will mentor the chosen farmers, offering them a unique insight into the wider food sector and a meeting environmental challenges.

This is designed to create greater understanding around the needs of retailers and the wider supply chain, helping the young farmers adapt their practices to meet the needs of the industry.

David MacKenzie added that as part of the programme, the two farmers would have access to leading industry professionals and producers who can help set their strategy for the future.

“With the unique benchmarking tools and performance monitoring programmes we’ve developed, we’re working with progressive farmers to challenge how they’re managing their businesses and to help them make improvements,” he said.

“In our experience, it’s often the next generation that are open to looking at things differently and are happy to be challenged. That is why they are so vital to the future of the industry and it is why we feel it is so important to support them in their journey.”

For more information and to apply please visit: www.harbro.co.uk/backed-by-harbro/

Deadline for entries is June 27, 2021.