Smallholder Training

At South Yeo we have developed a number of affordable practical courses for smallholders covering a range of smallholding related topics. We know that starting out can be daunting so why not come along for a day to gain a little confidence before launching into keeping your first livestock or digging a pond? Courses have been run now for a number of years and we always welcome suggestions for new topics; if we cannot run one ourselves, we will find someone who can! If the dates don’t suit or you have a group, do contact usas we may be able to put on additional dates. All courses involve a mix of both practical and classroom sessions and are very relaxed enabling you to ask questions throughout.

The new training room

We deliver most of the courses ourselves: Gillian draws on her experience having run the farm business and worked for 7 years as a Farm and Rivers advisor for the Westcountry Rivers Trust where she also delivered environmental training courses, while Ian has a lifetime’s experience from growing up on the farm with his hands permanently inside various bits of machinery! In addition, he is a professional audio engineer and we therefore also offer a couple of courses on Audio Systems for those who need help managing sound systems in their halls, churches and venues.

Tractor and machinery maintenance training day in action

All the courses are run at our farm and usually involve practical sessions outside, so please bring clean outdoor clothes, wellies, and a notebook should you want to take notes, although appropriate handouts and a multitude of leaflets to take away are provided. Teas, coffees and biscuits are provided but to keep costs down we ask that you bring your own pack lunch.

To reserve a place on any of the courses below, please send details of your name, address, telephone number, email (for confirmation, agenda, directions etc.), and a cheque for £40 per person (accompanied children under age 16: £25) (prices include VAT) made to ‘South Yeo Farm East’ to South Yeo Farm East, Northlew, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 3PS and be sure to indicate which course it is for. We will acknowledge your booking upon receipt and send details of any special requirements or equipment you may need to bring, and look forward to seeing you on the day. Your details will be held in confidence and will NOT be passed on to any third parties.

Please contact us for further details or to book on of any of these courses.

Our courses are restricted to 10 people, fewer in some cases (eg poultry dispatch) and anyone is welcome. 5 places are reserved on the sheep and pig keeping courses for South Yeo 2010 customers.

New for 2010:       Beginners Poultry Keeping Evenings

We have been asked to run some shorter mid-week evening sessions on ‘Starting with Poultry’ so are pleased to offer the following summer dates here in our training room & outside with the chicken:

Date: Wednesday 12th May;  7:00 - 9:00pm
          Wednesday 16th June;  7:00 - 9:00pm 
          Wednesday 14th July;  7:00 - 9:00pm

Cost: £25 per person (inc VAT)

They will cover all the basics of poultry keeping from choosing a breed, housing, feeding, daily care, to potential problems - all be it at whistle-stop speed! Although, if you have more time, our day long courses (detailed above) are more in-depth and give greater opportunity for hands on and questions.

For further details contact us or send your booking details as for the regular daytime courses but make sure you specify which evening date you are interested in.

In addition, our neighbour across the road also offers training and their introductory days to smallholding are an great start if you want an overview before taking the plunge. For further details and to make a booking for their courses on:

An Introduction to Smallholding (1 or 2 day courses)
Living with Livestock days

Click here

Accommodation for Courses
If you are interested in attending a course but are coming some distance, some local B&Bs are listed on our links page for your convenience.

Testimonials
Don’t just take our word for it, here is what some past participants have said about our courses:

Poultry keeping:
“ Great day. Really good value for money. Amazed at how much we managed to get through in one day. “

“ A most interesting day and I feel better informed and more able to look after my ducks, geese and chickens. Even small things like cleaning out houses - things people don’t think to tell you about were covered “

“ It was a fantastic day - well run and really helpful tutor “

Tractor & machinery maintenance:
“ As a tractor ‘novice’ I felt it was delivered at the right level. It has increased my confidence “

Living willow structures:
“ A bit of a wet day but we all enjoyed ourselves and had a good mix of theory and hands-on “

Example agenda below:

POULTRY KEEPING FOR BEGINNERS
Want to keep chicken but don’t know where to get started, then why not come along?
Bring your questions and join other like-minded people for a fun & informative day

The event will include both practical ‘hands-on’ sessions and theory and will look at:

• Regulations
• Housing and runs
• Choosing a chicken breed
• Where to buy birds & what to look for
• Feeding and watering
• Daily & seasonal management & care
• Eggs
• Hatching and rearing chicks
• Common poultry problems
• Tea, coffee, cake and biscuits provided; please bring a packed lunch, notebook and clean outdoor clothing
  

Coming soon: Training room hire

Over the last few years we have been converting a traditional cob barn in our farmyard as a focal point to use for the training days. Once complete we hope to offer it for hire to groups of up to 15 in number that wish to get away for small conferences, away days, training and meetings where they will not easily be disturbed by the outside world. Owing to the thick walled cob construction mobile reception inside is limited! All the usual conference facilities will be available such as an overhead data projector, flip charts and pads, and refreshments. If interested in using this space, please contact us and we can tell you more.