Does mentorship make better farmers?

In this episode, we explore the role of mentorship in farming. Host Peter Green is joined by Helen Wyman, founder of TwoCan Mentor, and George Holmes, a Dorset dairy farmer, to discuss how mentoring can support farmers at every stage of their careers.What We Cover:Why mentorship is a valuable – and often underused – tool in agricultureGeorge’s research into why dairy farmers are leaving the industryHow mentorship could improve resilience, and confidenceTips for building effective mentoring relationshipsWhere and how farmers can find or become mentorsThe future potential of mentoring in shaping a more sustainable and connected farming communityAre there topics you’d like us to cover or guests you’d love to hear from? Get in touch by emailing us at [email protected] or by connecting with us on our socials @cornishmutual. Your feedback helps us shape the podcast to meet your needs.Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming. For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.ukFor our podcast disclaimer click here. If you'd like to send us an email you can contact us at [email protected] Timestamps00:14 Peter Green introduces the episode01:59 Helen Wyman introduces herself02:19 George Holmes introduces himself03:08 What inspired Helen to start Twocan mentor?05:12 George's experience of mentoring07:25 Traditional mentorship is 'a traditional view'. 08:37 George describes how a key skill is asking questions and listening. 09:45 Some examples12:14 George's research into why dairy farmers might be leaving the industry?14:20 How was the study done?16:12 Why isn't mentorship more common in farming or is it more common than we think?18:47 'The most successful relationships have always needed a high degree of trust'. Tips to make a mentoring relationship work. 20:24 One piece of advice to a farmer about the power of mentorship21:44 Who is the biggest winner from mentoring in farming?24:25 Showstoppers26:19 Peter wraps up