Arla farmers can now build an official training record through the Dairy Pro CPD scheme

Arla farmer-owners in the UK taking part in Arla Foods’ sustainable dairy farming initiative, Growing Together, will be able to register all their development activity through the Dairy Pro Continuous Professional Development (CDP) Scheme, in a first-of-its-kind partnership.

Arla’s Growing Together is part of Arla’s European-wide sustainable dairy farming strategy and workshops cover key issues facing dairy farmers, including feeding, breeding and managing the future health of the herd. Under the new partnership each workshop will be independently assessed and Dairy Pro points will be awarded to farmers attending the workshops, providing them with the opportunity to build an official training record.

Growing Together was initiated by farmers during 2013 to assist with their ongoing effort to be more efficient and sustainable. The initiative offers practical, farmer-sourced solutions to help Arla farmers operate efficient and commercially competitive farms through a series of on-farm practical workshops.

Dairy Pro workshops will be covering topics including improving feed efficiency and reducing antibiotic use

Vicky Porteus, Arla’s Senior Manager for Quality Assurance and Sustainability, said, “Partnering with Dairy Pro is a logical progression to give formal recognition to the training and development delivered, and convey the professional standards of our members to customers and consumers.

“In the past Arla farmers have been involved in various workshops and events.  Making this part of a formal strategy means farmers gain the recognition they deserve for participating in the programme.”

Helen Brookes, Dairy Pro, said, “We are very pleased to have Arla farmers as our first corporate members. It shows recognition for the advantages of the scheme, adds critical mass that will benefit all members, and gives a clear signal of support to all those already involved in the Dairy Pro initiative.

“It also shows that the dairy industry is catching up fast with other sectors. There has always been great expertise within the dairy sector, but Dairy Pro is now plugging skills gaps and showing the outside world just how serious we are about doing an excellent job for our consumers and wider society.”

John Allen, Kite Consulting, which is working with Arla to deliver the programme, said, “The workshops will be looking at sustainably increasing milk solids production, improving feed efficiency, gaining from genetics, and reducing antibiotic use.

“The programme is very practical, with each workshop focusing on a specific subject. Capturing farmer involvement in this activity and keeping a track of progress is critical. That’s why working with Dairy Pro is so important.”