FACTS
(The Fertiliser Advisors Certificated Training Scheme)

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It is with immense pride that we announce that Kate Mason has been awarded the Women in Agriculture Education and Training Woman of the Year award at the The National Women in Agriculture Awards 2026, and is the icing on the cake as she celebrates 40 years of working with and for Vale Training Services Ltd.

The event celebrated 13 exceptional women from across the UK farming sector during a ceremony held on 5 May at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms. Organised by Mark Allen Group and supported by sponsors including Nestlé UK & Ireland, Co-op, HSBC UK, NFU, Noble Foods, and Pig World where you can read the full report, the awards recognised outstanding contributions across the agricultural industry. 

Winners were chosen from an extremely competitive shortlist, highlighting the growing strength, influence, and visibility of women throughout the sector.

For more information visit the NFU online page.

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This seven day course is designed for those who wish to pass the FACTS examination leading to the Certificate of Competence in Fertiliser Advice, as well as advisers, representatives, farmers and farm managers involved in arable crop production and management. It will also be of interest to those who have qualified for the BASIS Professional Register and want to gain Continuing Professional Development points. The exam includes a multiple choice exam on the last day which lasts an hour and a half. The exam will show your understanding of, and competence in crop nutrition.

Pre Course Requisite: Delegates should have a good understanding of fertilisers and their use. 

Certificating Body: Basis

Course Length: 7 days including revision, mock exams and exam sessions.

Course Times. 9.00am to 4.30pm 

Instructor: Debbie Wedge

Cost: £970 + Exam fee + VAT including, mock exam, revision, lunch & materials.

Venue: Marsh Hill Centre, Marsh, Aylesbury. HP17 8ST

BASIS Points Available:

Maximum Trainees: 8

The course will cover the following:

  • Soil in relation to crop nutrition
  • Principles of crop nutrition
  • PH and liming
  • Major nutrients/minor nutrients
  • Organic matters
  • Fertiliser materials
  • Calculating crop requirements (roots and grassland)

Date of next course: Spring 2021 - If you are interested please contact us for more information

Qualification: A successful candidate will qualify for the FACTS Certificate of Competence in Fertiliser Advice. This course will also accrue 30 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points.

This course carries 5 CPD points for the BASIS Professional Register.

To book your place on a course, or for more information, simply contact us.

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