DairyCo

How does it work?

Farmers asking for a mentor will sign up for two on-farm visits. This level 1 package of 7-8 hours of their mentor's time will be funded by those supporting this scheme, with the farmer making a small commitment of £50 as a joining fee. But the scheme has further support packages they can buy from their mentor if they feel they want more help.

The initial supporting partners for the scheme are DairyCo and EBLEX - both funding three mentors and up to nine farmers asking for help, the National Trust - funding one mentor and up to three farmers this year - and BGS, hopefully with assistance from the Duchy College Rural Business School VTS funding through the Rural Development Programme for England in the south west - funding two mentors and up to six farms.

Nine mentors were trained in June 2009, three of which are funded by DairyCo, and they are keen to find more farmers who want help with their grazing management.

Designed to suit different needs:

Level 1 - Kick-start

Producer wants to improve grazing results and may already have some ideas and is looking for a knowledgeable second opinion. Farmer pays just £50 joining fee.

Level 2 - Reassurance

Producer wants a valued second opinion, but also wants the reassurance of having someone at the end of the phone or via e-mail as he/she gets the new system up and running. Farmer pays an extra £50.

Level 3 - Hand-holding

Producer wants to make more of his grass, but needs ideas and regular on-farm input during the growing season to support changes. Farmer pays an extra £200.