A group of 14 animal feed sales specialists and trainees from Wynnstay Group plc have enrolled to study a ruminant nutrition diploma course at Harper Adams University College later this year with the aim of improving their feed sales, technical knowledge and dairy herd advisory skills. The Diploma in Ruminant Nutrition is tailored to people who work in technical, advisory or sales positions within the ruminant feed industry.

The 18 month course provides a formal Higher Education qualification and sets an industry wide benchmark for feed sales specialists.

“Prior to the inception of the diploma course 18 months ago, no recognised qualification was available for ruminant feed specialists and the industry,” explains Steve Brown, ruminant feeds product manager for Wynnstay.

“This course provides a unique opportunity for our feed sales team to receive an invaluable level of training to a high standard, that will not only help our own staff to further their knowledge of the sector and to conduct their roles more effectively, but will also be an advantage to our customers who will benefit from improved direct advice and enhanced feed rationing. Farmers will also be able to declare that their animals have been rationed by a suitably qualified professional.”

The diploma course is split into four modules which cover a range of topics including a background to the animal feed and production industry, the principles of food digestion and absorption by ruminants, computer rationing, dry cow management and dairy cow fertility. The course will also cover basic beef and sheep nutrition as well as the legislative structure of the industry.

“The course demonstrates a significant investment and commitment by Wynnstay to the dairy industry and brings a structured approach to the continued professional development of our sales teams,” Mr Brown explains. “The delegates will attend a range of lectures and laboratory based practical sessions, as well as carrying out practical and hands-on work on selected farms and feed mills.

“At the end of the programme our sales team will be trained to a high standard in all aspects of ruminant nutrition and will hold a competitive edge over other feed representatives in their respective regions. They will subsequently be able to transfer those skills to the benefit of our farmer customers throughout Wynnstay’s trading area of Wales, the border counties and the West Midlands.”

Course director, Dr Liam Sinclair of Harper Adams University College, explains that the diploma is designed to increase the knowledge base of students and to provide a formal qualification that will be recognised across the industry. “Our aim is to provide each student with a sound knowledge of all aspects of modern ruminant management. Candidates will be required to produce a portfolio of evidence to support their studies as well as completing a final assessment.

“A selection of tutorials and practical based sessions will give course graduates a better understanding of how nutrition impacts on all stages of meat and dairy production, as well as an improved awareness of the latest developments in dairy cow nutrition and the commercial aspects of ruminant management.”

For further information, please contact:
Steve Brown , Ruminant Feeds Product Manager, Wynnstay
Office: 01691 828512

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