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Showcase of farming innovation to be held in Harrogate

The latest farming innovations will be on show in Harrogate next month.

Farming's latest cutting-edge technology will be brought together at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate next month.

Agri-Tech Expo North, held on Tuesday 25th February, will give farmers and land managers a unique opportunity to see and hear more about technology that can help them get to grips with era-defining challenges, including the industry’s race to net zero carbon.

The latest robotics will be demonstrated and the latest research from universities and research institutions will be explained, plus, there will be useful updates on the latest farm software which has been created to help make better farm management decisions.

The event is organised by Agri-Sense, a Precision Agriculture Special Interest Group (SIG) led by Yorkshire farmer Davina Fillingham.

It is supported by the Farmer Scientist Network at the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.

Davina is a member of the Farmer Scientist Network, which brings science and farming together to drive agricultural innovation.

Davina, convenor of the Agri-Sense group and a Nuffield Farming Scholar in Precision Agriculture, said:

“We want to open up discussions with how farmers and land managers can best utilise technology on their own farm or sector.

"To do that at the Expo, we have invited exhibitors to demonstrate their technology and to provide short seminars in the form of ‘elevator pitches’ to showcase why their products are relevant to farmers and land managers.

"We hope visitors will use the Expo to network and seek out solutions for their business that are right for them for the future.”

The Expo follows a series of on-farm demonstration days run by Agri-Sense at locations across Yorkshire in November where farmers were given working demonstrations of drone technology, an AI-guided weed sprayer and an autonomous tractor courtesy of Manterra and SoilEssentials.

The focus on agricultural innovation is timely. At the Oxford Farming Conference this month, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Steve Reed announced that in Spring, the Government will open applications for farmers to apply for the latest part of the Farming Innovation Programme, known as ADOPT.

The programme will fund farmer-led trials to bridge the gap between new technologies and their real-world application to encourage the adoption of technology on farm and the quicker development of new technologies.

Davina said:

“Technology and innovation are vital for the sustainable and profitable production of food for the future.

"As an industry we need to pursue cost effective solutions that provide maximum benefit to agricultural and land management businesses, and we hope that the Expo will provide an opportunity for that to happen.”

Dr Dave George, Chair of the Farmer Scientist Network at the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, added:

“Whether you're a farmer, researcher, land manager or simply passionate about agriculture, this event is perfect for you. Don't miss out on this opportunity to network, learn and be inspired.”

Exhibitors include Agrillo Ltd, Ag-Drive Ltd, NIAB (National Institute of Agricultural Botany), Ripon Farm Services, York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, the National Farmers Union and the Farmer Scientist Network. More exhibitors will be announced soon.

To book your free place at Agri-Tech Expo North at the Great Yorkshire Showground on Tuesday 25th February, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/agri-tech-expo-north-tickets-1042735649397

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