Caitlin Smith, from Netherseal YFC in Leicestershire and Rutland, does not come from a farming background but has been working in her local dairy for the past two years. She was eager to expand her skills in the sector and the £750 training grant from the Worshipful Company of Farmers meant she could complete a DIY artificial insemination course.
“I was keen to expand my skillset within the agricultural industry and felt that a DIY artificial insemination (AI) course would be beneficial to broaden my knowledge and practical ability,” explained Caitlin who has been a member of Netherseal YFC for five years.
“The significant benefits of using AI have driven an increase in practice in the UK, and I had hoped to build skills that would be relevant to bridge my existing knowledge of dairy farming to extend into the beef sector, alongside maximising my employability whilst studying agriculture at university.”
Caitlin’s course, which was delivered by Embryonics Ltd over three days, started by providing the theory, information on legislation and other important factors that need to be taken into consideration before using AI.
Theory was put into practice by day two, when Caitlin was able to use cattle from the abattoir before progressing to barren cows with the gun placement.
“I initially found this difficult,” admitted Caitlin. “But after several attempts I achieved a good level of competency.”
By the final day, Caitlin was taught the stages of setting up and handling the AI straw and guns, leading into further practice on barren cows. The final stage linked together all of the taught steps, individually setting up the gun followed by the process of artificially inseminating.
“This course provided valuable experience and understanding of the required technique, which I can now continue to legally practice,” said Caitlin who received her certificate of completion and competency in August last year.
“The greatest of thanks to the Worshipful Company of Farmers for funding this opportunity and to Embryonics Ltd for hosting the course.”
YFC members can apply for a 2026 bursary until the end of June 2026.