LAUNCHED last year, the smallholders' course run at Holme Lacy College, Hereford, has gone from strength to strength.

Covering the practical and theory aspects, the course starts with sheep husbandry and stock tasks, calf rearing and cattle husbandry modules.

Theory sessions run on Tuesday evenings with practical sessions during the day, either on Friday or Saturday.

Students then progress to tractor driving and handling, small engines, pig husbandry and management and poultry keeping. After Christmas, modules will include law and legislation, organic management, lambing and kidding, goat-keeping, soil and manure management and grassland management. Also included in the programme are four club nights when smallholders can get together to discuss problems and share experiences.

"We developed this course as a direct response to enquires we received," said course co-ordinator Charlotte Gibb.

Smallholders John and Wendy Hembry from Ross-on-Wye joined a lambing course in March.

Said John: "The practical was excellent. We were able to do the pre-tupping tasks of foot trimming, drenching, injecting, ear tagging etc., not just working with a couple of sheep, but working with the same flock of 550 ewes and were able to get tips on everything from grassland management to sheep handling equipment."

To sign up for one or more or all of the modules, ring Hereford (01432) 870316.