Case studies

By offering advice, business development and addressing skills issues, Lantra has helped many farmers and farm-workers to develop their skills and improve their businesses.

Our business champions have interesting tales to tell about how development and, in some cases, diversification has changed their lives for the better.

Have you developed your skills, and how has this helped your business? Tell us your story.

Caroline Millar, Balkello Farm, Dundee

Caroline and Ross Millar farm 650 acres with Ross’ parents, Bill and Elizabeth. The main farm enterprise comprises two units, Balkello (principally arable, growing malting barley, wheat and oilseed rape) and the hill farm, North Balluderon. More recently a farm diversification saw Caroline and her husband convert an old derelict bothy into a luxury romantic holiday home retreat called ‘The Hideaway’...

Rhys Lougher, Ty Tanglwyst Dairy Bridgend

Entrepreneurial spirit won dairy farmer Rhys Lougher the Farmers' Guardian/Waitrose Best Young Farmer Producer award for 2007. He said: "We are unique in our market place, as there's no small dairy around her doing this."

Sherry Richardson, Farm Office Manager, Barnsley

A bold Egyptian tiara, designed and produced by farm office manager, Sherry Richardson was bought by the Tower of London Museum. Her work supplements the income from the family farm and with support from Lantra funded short courses, has proved a highly successful diversification.

Sean King, Unit Manager for LKL Farming pig unit, Retford, Nottinghamshire

At 24, Sean King is one of the country’s youngest pig unit managers, with a number of awards and accolades already under his belt. He said: "If you want more money, make yourself worth more money and there will be recognition. And you get personal satisfaction that you’re doing well. If you want success it’s there, but you have to have the drive to go after it."

John Carson, Organic Farmer, Northern Ireland

Ballyrenan Farm has been in the Carson family for over 50 years. John Carson previously farmed with his father, and now farms in partnership with his son Jonathan. John is confident in his chosen path: "My heart always lay with farming; it's what I always wanted to do."

Dr Mike Johnston, Chief Executive, Dairy Council for Northern Ireland

Mike Johnston's interest in dairy production first began through his extended family's background in the local farming communiy, a love which has complemented the career he has established for himself.