Agricultural 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 2025 Advanced Course in Agricultural Business Management programme will be the 74th in its history – 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 giving delegates the opportunity 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

Programme outcomes
Designed for individuals from the United Kingdom and overseas seeking to develop the business skills and acumen needed to directly influence the performance and prospects of their organisation, our programme enables you to develop your skills in:
• Understanding both internal and external strategic issues (political, financial and environmental)
• Team management across the business, including motivating and empowering staff
• Identifying and appraising opportunities for future investment and business growth
• Understanding the requirements of lenders when assessing funding proposals
• Understanding the routes to market, marketing strategies, brand development and brand positioning
• Appreciating the process of management and family/ownership succession.

The course covers themes such as:

• Business strategy
• Personal development
• Financial management
• Investment appraisal
• Performance management
• Risk management • Change management
• Marketing
• Managing and motivating staff
• Communication skills
• Time management
• Succession

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 2024

Programme dates and funding
Interviews are held by invitation in London in July each year. Awards for places on the programme are made within two weeks of the interviews. The programme comprises pre-residential online content delivery via Zoom at the end of October, followed by a two-week residential programme at Stonehouse Court mid-November, and then post-programme group Zooms in December and February of the following year. In addition, there is an opportunity for one-to-one online coaching in December and January.

Delegates are resident, including the weekend, which facilitates group bonding and allows collaborative working on case studies. The location of the programme means that the group is accommodated together, allowing interaction with cohort, speakers and the course directors delivering the programme.

Each year we seek to bring together a diverse cohort of successful applicants to provide as broad a context as possible for learning. This diversity informs the programme throughout, keeping it fluid and allowing for fresh perspectives, challenging viewpoints and a richer shared experience.

A 2022 delegate said:

“Just brilliant! Incredible breadth and depth of speakers. I feel the course has really helped my confidence – thank you! Extremely relevant for my role. Surpassed expectations.”

Further information and how to apply

You can apply for the 74th Advanced Course in Agricultural Business Management here  where you will find details on fees and funding support options.

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