Tenant dairy farmers who have been farming for less than six years are being offered a free business appraisal by the charity Dairy Futures.

“It is a very difficult time for tenant farmers in the dairy sector and even more so for new entrants, who are still in the early stages of setting up their businesses,” says Dairy Futures chairman and tenant farmer David Homer.

Dairy Futures charitable objectives are to help new entrants through the first 10 years of running their own business, through offering business support, mostly in the form of mentoring and reviewing business plans. The objective of these one-off farm appraisal visits is to help the tenant understand the financial status of their business, to equip them with tools to monitor progress, to identify areas for improvement and to signpost appropriate sources of further help.

Tenant dairy farmers in Scotland, England and Wales can apply. Priority for the appraisals will be given to those deemed most in need of support, via telephone interview if necessary, although it is hoped that help can be offered to all eligible applicants.

For an application form please see www.dairyfutures.org.uk or phone 01926 711941.