FARM revenues across Northern Ireland are in decline, with incomes plummeting by almost £10,000 in 2016, according to government statistics.
But Portadown-based Industry Training Services (ITS) said it had found a solution by helping farmers find work in other trades – while allowing them to maintain their farms.
The company, which is exhibiting at this year’s Balmoral Show, is a leading provider of health and safety training solutions to the construction, civil engineering and utilities sectors.
It is also home to the National Construction Skills Academy which provides courses in several building trades.
ITS Managing Director Brendan Crealey said enquiries from farmers for training had increased significantly over recent years.
“In the 15 years since ITS was formed, we have delivered 50,000 qualifications and in that time, we have seen literally hundreds of farmers coming through the doors," he said.
“Many of them have sought work in other sectors such as construction and utilities because they weren’t making enough from farming, and they come to us for the relevant training.”
According to official data, average farming business income fell from £25,094 to just £14,788 in 2016.
Brendan added: “As farmers’ incomes decline, the number seeking alternative employment and attending training at ITS is on the increase.
“That’s part of the reason we launched Northern Ireland’s first National Construction Skills Academy.
“The academy includes a unique groundworks programme which covers a wide variety of general skills required on building sites including foundations, drainage, kerbing and paving.
“Given the nature of agriculture, many farmers already have at least some experience of these skills so they can make the transition easily.”
Among those to have made the move from full-time farming is Frank Murphy from Feeny, outside Dungiven.
Frank works an arable and livestock farm with his father but receives his main wage as a site supervisor for Dungannon utilities firm KN Group.
He said: “There is not enough money in the farm for myself and my father to make a living.
“As with many farms, there can be long lean periods during which there is virtually no money coming in, so you have to find another way to supplement your income.
“I’ve achieved that by training seeking additional training away from the farm and have secured a long-term career in utilities.
“I’m still a part-time farmer and I’m on the farm most mornings and evenings and at weekends.
“I have attained several qualifications through ITS including training in groundworks and road surfacing, manual handling, first aid and health and safety in confined spaces.”
Brendan added: “For more information about how ITS and the National Construction Skills Academy can help supplement farming income, come visit us at the Balmoral Show from Wednesday to Saturday.”
