College Lecturers Day 2009
University of Reading
The 2009 RABDF College Lecturers Day was held at the Univesity of Reading on Wednesday 14th January.
More than 20 delegates representing 16 agricultural colleges located throughout the UK were brought up to speed with the latest developments in the dairy sector at the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers’ annual college lecturers day, this year hosted by the University of Reading.
The event, specifically designed for agricultural lecturers, featured a series of presentations examining the current challenges facing the dairy industry, including those influencing its future genetics, nutrition and management. Training and skills requirements for the next generation of farmers also came under the microscope along with advice on how to engage young people in the latest farm health issues. Almost 95% of attendees said the event improved their knowledge transfer; 89% indicated it provided new ideas for course material, a similar number agreed it offered the opportunity to network, while 67% appreciated the chance to link with industry. Furthermore, the lecturers unanimously called for a similar event to be staged by RABDF in 2010. One of the delegates, Dr Sarah Winson, of Rodbaston Campus, South Staffordshire College commented: “The event offered a unique opportunity to meet and question people who are leading specialists within the dairy industry in addition to networking with lecturers from other colleges. This exchange of up to date knowledge is very useful in helping lecturers to convey enthusiasm for the industry to students through their lectures.” RABDF chief executive, Nick Everington said: “We carefully designed the programme to inform college lecturers of our very complex and ever changing sector. Judging from the feedback, it not only helped to improve their knowledge, but also encouraged them to instill some enthusiasm for dairying into their college students, who are our future life blood.”
Click on the attached links to view the presentations: