IAgSA offers a helping hand as farmers prepare to bring in the harvest

As they will be reviewing crop performance and profitability and planning for the next season, often with the help of information produced by their farm secretary.   Likewise, members of the Institute of Agricultural Secretaries and Administrators (IAgSA), the recognised professional body for farm secretaries, will be reviewing their own performance and planning their continuous professional development (CPD) for the forthcoming year.

IAgSA has about 750 members spread throughout England, Scotland and Wales and proudly supports farmers and rural businesses with all aspects of farm accounting and administration and represents their interests in Government departments and agencies in a voluntary capacity.  A career as a farm secretary can accommodate a vast array of skills; accounting, livestock and crop recording, health and safety, payroll, scheme applications and compliance recording to name but a few.  It can also offer an equally varied range of working environments from one day to the next and can be the ultimate career for flexible working either from home or on-site, second only to farming itself.

As a professional body, maintaining standards through CPD is very important to us and keeping pace with constant changes in the industry is supported by our monthly newsletter, closed Facebook group and a vibrant network of branches offering face-to-face and online meetings, support and friendship.  In addition, we offer a comprehensive online training programme with standalone courses for new entrants and seasoned professionals to keep their skills sharp, along with a nationwide mentoring programme.

Some of our training modules are open to all, especially Course 1 which is an introductory module aimed at newcomers to the industry in any capacity and some are restricted to those already holding recognised bookkeeping qualifications or relevant experience who would like to specialise in agriculture.  Signing up to your first training course includes one-year student membership for non-members and completion of relevant courses and experience can lead to full membership status and recognised letters after your name.

More information about our organisation and training programme can be found on our website www.iagsa.co.uk  or by calling Gill at our National Office on 01604 770372