Rural Business Management

The industry’s leading development programme for business owners and senior managers. An immersive and intensive management training programme incorporating both online and residential elements, designed for those working within agriculture and the land-based sector.

The 2026 Rural Business Management programme will be the 75th in its history (previously known as Agricultural Business Management) – a testament to its enduring value to the sector. From farm managers to agricultural solicitors, land agents, farm advisers and agricultural business owners, more than 1,200 delegates have completed this renowned course since its inception in 1963. Many now hold influential positions within agriculture and its allied industries.

The programme comprises pre-residential online content, followed by a two-week residential programme and post-programme online workshops and coaching. The focus of the programme is on allowing delegates to review and understand all the internal and external factors that are likely to determine the success of the business they work in and to begin to develop plans and the skill set required to grow, add value and/or diversify successfully.

A 2023 delegate said:

“The learning curve wasn’t so much a curve – more a vertical rocket trajectory! I can honestly say life will not be the same again. If you want to grow, if you want to be at the forefront of agriculture, to be an advocate for rural businesses and make an impact, then you need to get on this course! The only qualification required is that you must be good at what you do and have the hunger and desire to be great!”

Each participant is exposed to a wide range of industry-leading visiting experts and presenters. Participants work with the rest of their delegate group in a robust but highly collaborative environment to establish a clear vision of the future for themselves and their business.

Delegates from 2024

Rural Business Management Programme (RBM)

Gain the confidence, the tools and professional network you need to take the next step in running and shaping your rural or agri-food business.

If you are experienced in delivering outcomes for your organisation, the RBM strengthens management capability in the real world. Its applied, values-led approach uses your business as the core learning material. Past delegates have developed new strategic plans for their businesses during the programme, receiving feedback from peers and coaches. The programme is delivered over four-months.

Participant profile

• Functional experts navigating change
• Owners/leaders looking to grow
• People with diverse backgrounds
• Are experienced, ambitious, talented managers, aiming for senior roles
• Typically, are business owners, successors or senior managers – who already influence strategy, people and performance
• Ready to deepen leadership capability and unlock potential

Skills you will develop

• Strategy, vision and mission
• Managing self and leading others
• Financial management and smart decision-making
• Investment assessment
• Risk and governance
• Managing uncertainty and change
• Resilience and agility

Programme information

The RBM programme starts with two online sessions during October 2026, followed by a two-week residential from 8–21 November. Participants then attend a progress session in December and receive individualised coaching in December or January, finishing with an online wrap-up session in February 2027. Each stage builds skills and offers practical application and personalised coaching to support leadership development.

Location: The residential programme will be held at Stonehouse Court, near Stroud, Gloucestershire.

Cost: £7,000 + VAT (includes all meals, accommodation, world-class course directors, speakers and materials).

A 2024 delegate said:

“As a cohort, we now have business plans to make powerful decisions to go home with. This has been an extremely valuable two weeks, and a legacy will live on – which is equally important as the past two weeks.”

 

Delegates of 2025

Further information and how to apply

You can apply for the 75th Rural Management programme here where you will also find details on fees and funding support.

For individual queries please email: RBM@farmerslivery.org.uk