A summary of the Farmers' Company educational courses
Download WCF Education courses January 2026.pdfPosted on Wed, Jun 10, 2020 10:50 AM
The WCF educational programmeA key goal of the Company is to develop the skills of everyone involved in the farming industry, especially the development of leadership and management skills. A summary of our current education portfolio can be downloaded above with the Education Programme of the Company.
It should be noted that the Company is committed to ensuring that no one, otherwise eligible to attend one of its courses, should be prevented from doing so for financial reasons alone. Accordingly, where appropriate, through its Charitable Trust, the Company provides financial assistance to delegates who need it to enable them to attend one of its courses.
It should be noted that the Company is committed to ensuring that no one, otherwise eligible to attend one of its courses, should be prevented from doing so for financial reasons alone. Accordingly, where appropriate, through its Charitable Trust, the Company provides financial assistance to delegates who need it to enable them to attend one of its courses.
For more information about our courses, contact Duncan Couper via duncan@farmerslivery.org.uk.
Choosing the right WCF course for you
Our range of courses has been gradually evolving and developing to the point where we now offer and support a portfolio of courses. Each course has been specifically designed or selected to offer delegates the opportunity to develop their skills and abilities in the company of others of a like mind and purpose.
Whichever course you choose, you can be sure it has been organised to create the environment and stimulation needed to enable you to fully express your potential. By advancing your education and personal development and by giving you the tools to help you analyse and deal with the many issues in your particular workplace and in the wider world of agriculture, we aim to put you in a position to not only achieve your personal goals but to make a significant contribution to the industry as a whole.
One of the strengths of the Worshipful Company of Farmers' courses, especially the Rural Business Management and the Challenge of Rural Leadership, is the inclusion of delegates from around the world, with mainland Europe and Australasia frequently represented.
The Worshipful Company of Farmers is proud to promote the range of courses indicated below. For each course, you will find a brief synopsis on this page and more details, including everything you need to know about applying to join a particular course and how to apply.
Rural Business Management
Commenced 1963
Under the tutelage of Karen Brosnan
Interviews for the 75th course will be held by invitation in London in June & July 2026. Awards for places on the programme will be made within three weeks of the interviews. The programme comprises pre-residential online content delivery at the end of October, followed by a two-week residential programme from 8th-21st November 2026 at the Stonehouse Court Hotel, near Stroud, Gloucestershire and then post-programme group Zooms during December 2026 and February 2027. In addition, there will be an opportunity for one-to-one coaching in December and January.
You will understand how to focus on the key issues associated with managing an agri or food supply chain business and the business environment factors, both nationally and internationally. Delegates also gain greater insight into the political, financial and environmental challenges affecting the future of rural Industries.
This is an ideal course for owner manager of a farm or rural-business; those who have had an advanced education, university (but not essential). Age 30 years plus to 50 years or thereabouts.
Applications now open via https://farmerslivery.org.uk/courses/rural-business-management/
Contact for more information: Course Administrator via RBM@farmerslivery.org.uk
Challenge of Rural Leadership
Dartington Hall, Devon
Commenced in 1996
Under the tutelage of the Rural Business School, Duchy College, with Dr Robin Jackson
Applications open on 1st May 2026. Interviews for the 30th course will be held by invitation in London on 9th and 10th September 2026. Awards for places on the programme will be made within two weeks of the interviews. The course runs for the final two weeks in January 2027 and aims to develop the personalities and business acumen of the delegates by addressing media training and group discussions, which help with self-confidence and communication. Additionally, visiting influential speakers cover policy and their own leadership styles.
Delegates can share their experiences and develop mentors and friendships that have been demonstrated over the years to offer considerable ongoing support.
The course, as well as appealing to practical farmer also serves as a useful training for policy makers, journalists, advisors and consultants.
Those who have had an advanced education - University (but not essential)
Age 26 years plus to 50 years or thereabouts
Next course now January 2027
Contact for more information:
Course Administrator - Ali Bunkum on ali.bunkum@duchy.ac.uk
https://www.ruralbusinessschool.org.uk/crl/
Cranfield Business Growth Programme
Cranfield - Buckinghamshire
Designed specifically for the development of owner-managers, the Business Growth Programme helps you create the future you want for your business and for yourself.
This programme provides a unique opportunity for you to step back from the day-to-day demands of running your business. By the end of the programme you will have developed a comprehensive and robust strategy and a plan for the future.
Delegates in attendance are from a wide spectrum of businesses.
Delegates generally own or manage businesses that have been in operation for 3 or more years, with a staff of 5 to 50
Late 20 years and over - no upper limit.
Contact for more information:
BGP
Mukhthair Badhan - Executive Development Relationship Manager on Mukhthair.Badhan@cranfield.ac.uk
www.cranfield.ac.uk/som/bgp or www.BGPcranfield.co.uk
Cranfield MBA
Cranfield - Buckinghamshire
The MBA programmes are designed to help delegates to develop robust leadership skills and acquire a broad range of management tools and techniques. The graduates are in demand in the fast-moving world of business, where management skills are often at a premium.
Delegates from a wide spectrum of businesses have completed the Cranfield MBA.
There are two study options; you will find them outlined below. The first is a one-year full-time MBA and the second is a two-year, part-time Executive MBA.
Both MBA courses are for inspiring executive managers. Age 35 plus, no upper limit.
One year full time MBA
This is a general management programme with a focus on practical, real-world learning and leadership development. It is consistently ranked among the‚ best MBAs in the world. This programme is designed for professionals with at least three years' work experience and suits people who:
- Recognise that business success is about people, about collaboration, intrapersonal and interpersonal intelligence
- Want a 'real world' business education where learning theories, tools and techniques are complemented by learning to apply them in genuine business situations
- Are motivated to become better leaders, team players and individuals, and are committed to developing themselves and others.
Two-year part-time Executive MBA
The unique MBA Executive programme, delivered in partnership with Grant Thornton, combines the best of academic insight and commercial application. This is used to help you develop your leadership and management skills with a specific focus on business growth and innovation.
The Executive MBA is especially designed for middle managers wanting to move into a senior management role and those on a fast-track career path within their organisations.
Businesses increasingly seek strategic thinkers with sound leadership capabilities, strong financial skills, an entrepreneurial mindset, global understanding and excellent people skills. The Cranfield Executive MBA, delivered in partnership with Grant Thornton, will take you out of your comfort zone and transform you to reflect, question and find solutions to complex business challenges.
Contact for more information:
MBA
Helen Knight - Administration on helen.knight@cranfield.ac.uk
https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/som/cranfield-mba-programmes