Reaseheath College and University Centre welcomed the next generation of dairy leaders to campus as it hosted the Holstein UK Advanced Dairy Training Programme (ADTP).
Sixteen Holstein Young Breeder members, aged 21 to 26, took part in the four-day programme, which combined on-farm learning with technical workshops and industry discussions. Among the delegates were two members of Reaseheath’s own farm team, Lucy Szolkowska and Drew Gerry, alongside several former students.
Designed to help develop future decision-makers within the dairy sector, the programme followed an intensive format, with mornings spent visiting progressive dairy farms and afternoons dedicated to practical and business-focused sessions.
Farm visits included Thomasson Farms, focusing on calf care and youngstock management; Grosvenor Farms, exploring dry cow and fresh cow transition; Winstanley Farms, showcasing technology adoption in modern dairy farming; and Riverdane Holsteins, where delegates examined breeding, genetics and marketing strategies.
Classroom and workshop sessions were led by leading industry figures including Dr John Cook, veterinary specialist in cattle health and production, as well as Ben Williams, Sustainability Manager at Leprino Foods, Mel Shipley of Oxbury Bank, and Emma Shaw of Real Success. Together, they provided insight into herd health, sustainability, finance and leadership within the dairy industry.
Each day was supported by the Holstein UK Team, using local progressive herds to showcase best practice and give delegates real-world insight into managing successful dairy businesses.
Michael Halliwell, Group Commercial Director at Holstein UK, praised the collaboration and the quality of the experience delivered.
He said: “The delegates were highly impressed by the quality of the itinerary, the farms we visited and the teams operating those businesses. The speakers added fantastic insight and really rounded out the practical elements with substance and context. The team at Reaseheath were fantastic throughout.”
Hosting national industry programmes forms part of Reaseheath’s wider commitment to strengthening sector partnerships and supporting professional progression across land-based industries.
Iain Clarke, Assistant Principal Land-Based and Sustainability at Reaseheath, said: “It’s a privilege to host a national programme like the Holstein UK ADTP here at Reaseheath. Bringing together ambitious young professionals and leading dairy businesses aligns perfectly with our commitment to developing the skills, confidence and leadership the industry needs for the future.”
Following positive feedback from those who took part, Holstein UK is now planning to run another programme again in October, continuing a growing partnership focused on supporting the future of British dairy farming.
