The Farmer Network

Introduction to the Farmer Network

 

The Farmer Network is a farmer owned and run not-for-profit company, limited by guarantee. It has recently expanded and now incorporates the Cumbria Farmer Network and the Yorkshire Dales Farmer Network, both are serviced from the main office at Penrith. The work of each Network is driven by local farmers and overseen by separate elected Management Councils, one for Cumbria and another for the Yorkshire Dales. Each Council has a maximum membership of 10 elected farmers, plus any advisers they co-opt. The Yorkshire Dales Network has a shadow Management Council as a temporary measure to help establish this group, and they will be organising their first AGM to elect the Management Council in the near future.


The Farmer Network was started in Cumbria in 2005, and has developed a track record of help, support and guidance to individual members. It is especially known for encouraging local farmers to work together to improve efficiency, increase knowledge and skills, educate the public, cope with paperwork and increase revenue. The Network employs local farmer coordinators to support members.

 

What We Do

  1. develop company strategy
  2. company funding
  3. manage CFN (Cumbria Farmer Network) and YDFN (Yorkshire Dales Farmer Network)
  4. provide central office admin support
  5. apply for funding
  6. manage project finance
  7. source sponsorship
  8. oversee projects
  9. collect membership fees

 

Structure

Both the Cumbria Farmer Network and The Yorkshire Dales Farmer Network are managed by the Farmer Network and are serviced by the company office, based at Penrith. The company organisation is shown below:

 

 
Farmer Network Ltd
6 Board members (2 elected by each area) a Network Managing Director and a co-opted member) Responsibilities include company strategy, applications for funding, management of project finance, company funding, central office admin support. Sourcing sponsorship, overseeing projects, wages and membership fees for the whole company
  
 
   
 
Cumbria Farmer Network
Separate operations group guided by an elected Management Council of 10 elected farmer representatives. Responsibilities include selection of an assistant manager and local coordinators. Identification of Cumbria projects and priorities. Help to secure local sponsors, support local groups, and overseeing how funds allocated to Cumbria are used. Working with the MD to make sure targets are met re public funded projects
Yorkshire Dales Farmer Network
Separate operations group, guided by an elected Management Council of 10 elected farmer representatives. Responsibilities include selection of an assistant manager, and local coordinators. Identification of Yorkshire projects and priorities. Help to secure local sponsors, support local groups and overseeing how funds allocated for Yorkshire are used. Working with MD to make sure targets are met re public funded projects