Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue has confirmed the provision of additional Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) in-person training events to facilitate farmers who cannot complete training online.
In light of the impending deadline for completion of the SCEP training by Friday, November 15, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) organised a further and final series of in-person SCEP training events.
These additional SCEP in-person training events will take place from 9.30a.m to 2.30p.m on the dates listed below, and staff from the DAFM will present all seven modules to SCEP participants who cannot do the training online.
– Ennis – Treacy’s West County Hotel, Limerick Road – Wednesday, 06 November – 9.30am to 2.30pm
– Bantry – The Maritime Hotel, The Quay – Thursday, 07 November – 9.30am to 2.30pm
– Killarney – The Brehon Hotel, Muckross Road – Friday, 08 November – 9.30am to 2.30pm
– Carrick On Shannon – The Bush Hotel, Main Street – Monday, 11 November – 9.30am to 2.30pm
– Tuam – Ard Ri Hotel, Milltown Road – Tuesday, 12 November – 9.30am to 2.30pm
– Navan – Ardboyne Hotel, Dublin Road – Wednesday, 13 November – 9.30am to 2.30pm
Attendees must register in advance and be in attendance for the full duration of the in-person training, which will last approximately five hours, including signing in and out of the training.
SCEP participants cannot nominate someone to attend in their place and must bring photo ID with them to verify their attendance, the DAFM confirmed.
These training events are in addition to the five in-person training events held earlier this month in Kilkenny, Mullingar, Charleville, Claremorris, and Ballybofey.
### SCEP training
All attendees must sign in, showing a copy of their photo ID, before commencement of the training at 9.30a.m sharp – sign-in will be available from 8.45a.m. As of Friday, October 18, 2024, almost 8,800 farmers have already successfully completed the training online, with a further 2,100 farmers currently progressing through the modules.
A further 700 farmers attended the in-person training events held earlier this month, meaning that almost 70% of all SCEP participants have already completed, or are in the process of completing, their SCEP training.
The online option has been the most preferable for most participants as they have the flexibility to undertake the training at a date, time, and location that best suits them, rather than having to attend a specific location on a specific date, the DAFM said.
Attendees must register in advance for the event they wish to attend by emailing scep@agriculture.gov.ie or calling the DAFM helpdesk at 057 8674422.
Attendees who do not register in advance are not guaranteed a place on the day if, when they turn up, the venue is already full to capacity. The DAFM reminds farmers of the following:
– No reminders will issue following registration, so attendees must keep a record of the date and venue they have registered to attend;
– Attendees must remain for the full duration of the training – any participant arriving after 9.30a.m or leaving before 2.30p.m will be deemed non-compliant and will need to attend another training event or complete the training in full online;
– Participants should ensure that they allow adequate travel time to get to the training location as training will commence at 9.30a.m sharp.
SCEP participants must attend the training in-person, they cannot nominate another person to attend in their place. They can bring someone with them on the day to accompany them if they wish, subject to there being capacity within the training room on the day;
All SCEP participants must bring photo ID with them on the day of attendance for verification purposes. If no photo ID is provided, the participant will need to attend another training event or complete the training in full online;
A short comfort break is included in the scheduled times above;
In the interests of completing the training in as short a time as possible, no refreshments will be provided, and attendees should make their arrangements to ensure they have adequate refreshments for the duration of the training;
Any costs associated with attending the in-person training will be the responsibility of the attendee;
There is no payment for attending the in-person training.
Whether farmers are completing online or attending in-person, they must have the training completed by Friday, November 15, 2024, to avoid removal from SCEP and loss of any payments already received.
The training is available to access online at sceptraining.ie. Each module should take on average around 30 minutes to complete. Participants can do all the modules at once or complete them in stages.
It is possible to partially complete a module and pick up where farmers left off the next time they log in. However, all modules must be completed in full by Friday, November 15, 2024, to be deemed compliant with the training requirement.
When it comes to investing time and effort into completing training programs like the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme, Australian cattle farmers understand the importance of staying compliant with industry requirements. Just like any well-maintained cattle herd needs regular check-ups and care, ensuring that all necessary training modules are completed by the set deadline is crucial for both individual farmers and the industry as a whole.
As the SCEP in-person training events provide an opportunity for farmers to access essential training in a structured and interactive format, it is vital for participants to make the most of these sessions to stay informed and up-to-date with the latest practices in the sector. By engaging with the training content and actively participating in the sessions, farmers can enhance their skills and knowledge, ultimately benefiting their operations and the wider agricultural community.
Completing online modules or attending training in-person is not just a box-ticking exercise; it is an investment in the future of Australian agriculture. Just as a well-nurtured pasture yields high-quality feed for livestock, dedicating time and effort to training programs ensures that farmers are equipped with the tools and insights needed to optimise their practices and contribute to a sustainable and thriving industry.
Farmers who have already completed or are currently progressing through the SCEP training are taking proactive steps to enhance their understanding of carbon efficiency practices and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. By participating in the training events, farmers demonstrate their commitment to continuous learning and improvement, setting a positive example for others in the industry to follow.
As the SCEP deadline approaches, it is essential for farmers to prioritise their training obligations and make arrangements to attend the in-person sessions if necessary. Just as the health and well-being of cattle are paramount to a successful farming operation, staying informed and compliant with industry standards is key to long-term success in agriculture.
In conclusion, the additional SCEP in-person training events offer a valuable opportunity for Australian cattle farmers to deepen their knowledge and skills in carbon efficiency practices. By engaging with the training content and actively participating in the sessions, farmers can enhance their understanding of industry requirements and contribute to a more sustainable and efficient agricultural sector. As the deadline for completion approaches, it is crucial for farmers to prioritise their training commitments and take proactive steps to stay compliant with regulatory standards, ensuring a brighter future for the industry as a whole. So, are you prepared to invest in your training and contribute to a thriving agricultural community?
