A new user-friendly, interactive CellCheck map is now available online  at www.cellcheck.ie,  showing the locations of all service providers around the country who have completed CellCheck Stage Two Service Provider training. 

CellCheck programme manager Finola McCoy said: “These service providers are trained to deliver CellCheck Farmer Workshops as part of a four-person delivery team and their contact details are now available to view by clicking on the map pins. The interactive map will allow the CellCheck Regional Co-ordinators, at a glance, to identify trained service providers in their areas.  This will be invaluable in organising CellCheck Farmer Workshops, especially as the database of trained service providers increases.

“Eighteen stage two training days have now been completed, with an attendance of almost 300 service providers from all disciplines; co-op advisors, farm advisors, milking machine technicians and vets. Feedback has been very positive, with participants enjoying the opportunity to meet and train alongside other professionals from their region.  Certificates of attendance are now being issued to all those who have completed stage two training,” concluded  McCoy.

To date more than 70 CellCheck Farmer Workshops have been held nationwide with more than 1,000 participating farmers. Many more workshops are planned for the coming months and the programme is due to accelerate further in 2014, in advance of the removal of milk quotas in 2015. Certificates of attendance are currently being sent to all participating farmers.

Any service provider who has not yet attended stage two training, but is interested in doing so can register their interest online. Additional training days will be arranged in Moorepark, Co Cork, Kildalton, Co Kilkenny and/or Ballyhaise, Co Cavan (minimum numbers required).