Members of a stockperson training group have taken their studies overseas to learn more about global livestock industries at a major agricultural show in France.

Participants of the Stockperson Pro East training group – which is run by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) – have been visiting SPACE, the international exhibition for all animal production in Rennes.

The two-day visit has allowed them to further their knowledge of the livestock industry as well as learn from other sectors by visiting some of the 1,450 exhibitors and attending seminars which offer discussion, debate and reflection on the challenges ahead.

For this 31st edition, which runs until tomorrow (Friday), SPACE is expected to attract around 100,000 visitors with 15,000 international visitors from 120 countries.

And AHDB’s Skills Development Officer Samantha Bowsher, who also attended the event, believes the trip has proved hugely beneficial for the trainees in continuing to motivate and focus their attention.

She said: “SPACE is an incredible event which every year exhibits a huge sample of services and equipment – many of which is new – in a bid to increase farmers’ competitiveness. By attending this event our trainees gained a valuable opportunity to learn more about the livestock industry.

“The aim of the Stockperson Pro East training group is always to maintain the motivation and interest of the members, outside of structured training programmes and to increase their knowledge in preparation for their future careers.”

The training group is a trial programme which ran for the first time in the eastern region last year. Its aim is to continue developing trainees who had completed the stockperson and stockperson plus AHDB courses.