Passing It On
A one-day Train the Trainer with Jim Cronin - 6 open places
We’ve heard from a number of farmers and growers who are quietly asking the same question:
How do we keep going - and how do we pass on what we know, without burning ourselves out?
Out of those conversations, driven by Aonghus at Garrai Glas, Slí Beatha has begun to take shape: A farmer-led, early-season learning programme, co-ordinated by Hinterland, where people learn how to grow food directly on working farms, and farmers are paid properly for teaching.
Before that starts, there’s a necessary step…
On Monday, 9th February, we’re hosting a one-day Train the Trainer course at Mad Yolk Farm, led by Jim Cronin.
This day focuses on how to pass skills on well, not just on the skills themselves.
Many people already hold great, practical skills in growing, land work, and making. This day is about equipping those people to share what they know clearly, confidently, and in a way that works in real places: farms, gardens, sheds, community spaces…
Jim will explore:
how people actually learn
group dynamics and attention
how to teach in a light, easy, enjoyable way
structuring a session: timing, flow, clarity
practical realities (timekeeping, mobile phones, staying on track)
The principles apply to gardening, but also to any hands-on skill, from food growing to craft and land-based work. It’s grounded, practical, and rooted in lived experience.
Who it’s for
Growers and farmers
People running (or planning to run) workshops or courses
Community educators
Anyone teaching practical, hands-on skills
The group will be kept small enough to allow proper conversation and exchange.
The practical details
Date: Monday 9th February
Time: Arrive 9.30 onwards for 10am start – 4pm
Location: Mad Yolk Farm, Galway
Lunch: bring your own (tea/coffee provided)
Group size: 15–20 people
Most places are being held for local farmers involved in the Slí Beatha pilot.
We have 6 open places available to the wider network.
Cost: €120 for the day
Why this matters and why we’ve decided to fund this pilot
There is a real appetite now for practical learning, and a real need to support those willing to pass skills on. This day strengthens local capacity, builds confidence, and helps ensure that when learning happens on farms and in communities, it’s done well, with care for both teacher and learner.
If you feel this is for you (or know someone who might), you’re very welcome - You don’t have to be a farmer!
(Places are limited.)