THE Prince’s Dairy Initiative is looking for traditional family dairy farmers to join the the third year of this innovative programme offering support and business advice to those running small and medium-sized herds.

The Initiative aims to improve the diversity and long-term sustainability of the British dairy sector by offering free practical workshops and an important local networking opportunity.

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This year 20 dairy farmers located within driving distance of Appleby-in-Westmorland are being sought.

Eligible farmers should have a dairy herd of fewer than 200 cows, supply their milk on a standard contract and not already be active participants in discussion groups and workshops.

The workshops are delivered locally by experts in the dairy sector and cover topics such as herd health, soil, nutrition and financial management.

Since 2012, 125 dairy farms have participated in the programme.

The workshops will take place between November 2014 and Spring 2015.

The Prince’s Dairy Initiative is inspired by The Prince of Wales and his long-held concern about the future sustainability of UK dairy farming. It is delivered in partnership with charity Business in the Community, sector body DairyCo and with the support of the major UK dairy processors and feed companies.