FOR generations the traditional role of the farmer's wife was to keep house, raise a family, work on the farm and “do the books”, and all on the same day.

In the modern farming era, things may be very different, but there are still many farmers including husbands and wives, that do a full day’s work then sit down at night to catch up with what is commonly known as “paperwork”.

The breath-taking array of administrative tasks in the modern farm business requires knowledge, skill and attention to detail in an industry where the slip of a pen can lead to financial penalty.

In order to help farmers improve their administration skills, save time and become more productive, The Farmer Network is to hold a Farmer’s Bookkeeping Course at North Ribblesdale Rugby Club, Settle on the evening of Thursday, November 28.

Funded by The Yorkshire Dales Farming in Protected Landscapes Fund, the evening will be led by Christine Thompson of Agricultural Business Training.

Farmers will be updated on a variety of farm-office based topics to sharpen their existing skills and processes in dealing with the farm business and keeping essential farm records. Practical working examples will be included during the event.

Carol Moffat of the Farmer Network and a working farmer said: “It is hard for many of us to have to sit down in the evening and start on the books. We hope this event will help farmers with useful information and some techniques that will save time, improve productivity and perhaps avoid the costly mistakes which we all make occasionally”.

The event on Thursday, November 28 starts at 7pm. Supper will be provided, and places must be booked by 12 noon on Tuesday, November 26. To book Call (01768) 868615, Text: BOOKKEEPING28/11 to (07714) 187034, Email admin@thefarmernetwork.co.uk or book on Eventbrite at Bookkeeping 28th Nov Settle Rugby Club.

The Farmer Network is an independent, not for profit, farmer-led organisation that provides help and support to farmers and their businesses in Cumbria, the Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland whatever the challenge or opportunity they may face.