Farmers in Ayrshire are being encouraged to register for a free workshop to help them develop their farm business plans.

The workshop, which is being held at the Lochside Hotel in New Cumnock on Wednesday February 4, is the final stage of the national “Planning for Profit” initiative being run by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) to help farmers review their business and determine their future farm policy. The workshop begins at 10am and lunch will be provided.

The objective of the planning for profit initiative is to ensure farm businesses are competitive and well placed to benefit from the exciting opportunities ahead.

Johnny Mackey, Head of Industry development at QMS commented: “There is a real need to improve farm productivity to increase our competitiveness and a key objective is to provide a structured approach for farm business planning.” The project, which launched in November 2013, has already produced a guide for farm planning for farmers and held a number of regional meetings and farm visits across the country.

Farmers who are interested in attending are encouraged to register for both the initial and follow up workshop. The first workshop, on February 4, will focus on training on farm business planning and how to review your business. The second workshop, on February 17, also at the Lochside Hotel in new Cumnock, will allow participants to work in more detail on assessing their options, identify a future business plan, and to test it within the group.

The project, which is supported by the Scottish Government, QMS and NFUS, is delivered by SAOS, SAC Consulting and 2 Mennie Cooks Ltd. For more information about the project please visit www.qmscotland.co.uk/planning-profit Booking is essential for this event and places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. To book a place at this workshop please register by contacting Kirsty at QMS on 0131 472 4040 or email info@qmscotland.co.uk.