Women in agriculture business skills training - focus groups: final report

2. Main findings

The main research findings are as follows:

1. Participants carry out a range of financial tasks on their crofts, farms and in agricultural businesses. The majority are 'self-taught' and have not had any formal training. For many, including those new to crofting or farming, these tasks often feel difficult. They are unsure if they are completing them in the correct or most efficient way, and would like to build their confidence, skills and knowledge.

2. The research provides evidence of a clear need for practical financial training specifically for women in agriculture, with participants pointing to a lack of clear guidance and support. Many lack confidence in carryi ng out financial tasks, using accounting software or specific tools such as spreadsheets. Participants felt that some course attendees would benefit from an introduction to basic computer skills.

3. Participants gave constructive and positive feedback on the proposed course outline. The majority felt it was clear which course was suitable for them. Most said they would be interested in doing both, and having a stepping stone from the first to the second.

4. Participants said that the 'Knowing Your Finances' course should be practical and straightforward, and suitable for women with no experience. It should cover the basics, providing an introduction to a range of tools, clear guidance, and further support relevant to the industry.

5. They felt that the 'Knowing Your Business' course builds effectively on the first course, and covers a range of topics that will further develop women's financial skills and enable them to make informed decisions about their business and its long-term sustainability.

6. Focus group participants were particularly interested in learning about others' experiences in diversifying their businesses, and finding out more about sustainability and environmental impacts. However, some noted that topics such as succession and long-term planning would raise practical challenges due to the family business dynamic within agriculture.

7. Participants felt that creating a support network of women in agriculture to share business tips and skills would further increase women's confidence and skills once they have completed the course. Those who were new to crofting or farming were particularly interested in hearing about other women's experiences. The majority felt the course should be delivered to small groups of 10-15 women to encourage close relationships.

8. The focus groups highlighted the different training needs of women in crofting and farming, including the practical use of financial tools, the types of grants and funding available, decision-making and the relevance of topics such as profitability and succession.

This points to the need to ensure that both courses are designed to be suitable for a range of women in agriculture, from those running small crofts to those working on large farms.

9. In terms of course delivery, most participants felt the suggested option of one 2 hour session a week and self-study over 8 weeks was appropriate. A small number felt that the courses should be delivered over a shorter number of weeks or with added time between sessions for self-study.

10. The majority of participants said they would prefer to complete the course in winter, so it doesn't interfere with farming activities such as lambing and harvest, and that daytime sessions would suit them best.

11. The majority of participants thought that a mix of different types of sessions (e.g. interactive, self-study, discussion groups) would work well. They felt that this would accommodate different learning styles and help attendees to stay interested and engaged.

12. Participants felt that access to online learning resources or an online learning platform would be helpful. Course attendees should be able to refer back to the course material, and have access to templates and examples in addition to recordings of the sessions to catch up on.

13. Participants felt that the courses should be delivered by training providers with agricultural knowledge, who understand the context in which women are carrying out financial tasks and decisions are made.

14. Participants asked if the courses would be suitable and relevant for businesses of different types and sizes, e.g. both farms and crofts. They said the course outline should be clear, so that applicants know what to expect and any prior knowledge they need to apply.

Participants said the courses should be widely advertised – particularly to new entrants – and many looked forward to applying.