Teagasc to Hold Special Training Conference

"Creating an Effective Learning Environment for Students on Master Farms" is the focus of a major national training conference for Master Farmers which takes place in Dublin next month.

The conference, which is designed for master farmers and host farmers  who provide placements for trainee managers in agriculture, horticulture and forestry, aims to enhance the training and learning experiences of Master Farmers and their students.

Sponsored by the FBD Trust, the conference takes place at the Red Cow Moran's Hotel on November 2nd and continues with working visits to the Botanic Gardens and UCD's Lyons Estate farm on November 3rd, 2005.

Liam Myles, Teagasc Education and Development Directorate, says: "This annual training conference is the highlight of the training for hosts and Master Farmers who provide valuable learning opportunities during placement of students participating in the various Teagasc training courses."

He says the conference is geared to Master Farmers and hosts from all disciplines - agriculture, horticulture and forestry. "Issues such as realising the full potential of students and effective learning during placement will be explored and discussed at the conference."

Speakers include Dr. Claire Lyons, University of Limerick; Declan Coyle, ANDEC Communications; Master Farmer John O'Brien, Bandon, Co Cork and students Thomas Baldwin from Waterford and Eileen Woodbyrne from Dublin.

Teagasc staff addressing the conference include Liam Myles, Malachy Byrne, Education Officer, Westmeath; John O'Dwyer, Teagasc Curriculum Unit  and Teagasc Regional Education Officer, Bernard O'Farrell.

The second day of the conference will feature visits to the College of Amenity Horticulture, the National Botanic Gardens and the UCD Dairy Herd at Lyons Estate. Dr Paul Cusack, College Principal, Botanic Gardens, and Dr Myles Rath of UCD will host these visits.

"The real purpose of events such as this conference is to ensure those who take students on placement will better fulfil their training role and responsibilities in Teagasc programmes," concludes Liam Myles.

Over 1,200 farmers in total are classified as Master Farmers, with almost 300 horticulture host farmers and some 50 machinery and forestry hosts.