Agri-Tech Expo North is set to take place at the Great Yorkshire Showground on Tuesday, February 25, offering a crucial platform for land managers and farmers to explore cutting-edge technologies aimed at addressing significant challenges in the agricultural sector, particularly the urgent race toward net-zero carbon emissions. This event promises to be a hub of innovation, with attendees able to witness live demonstrations of the latest robotics, delve into recent research findings from leading universities and institutions, and gain insights into advanced farm software designed to enhance decision-making processes in farm management.
Organized by Agri-Sense, a precision agriculture special interest group led by Yorkshire farmer and Nuffield Farming Scholar Davina Fillingham, the Expo aims to foster meaningful discussions on how technology can be effectively harnessed within various farming contexts. Fillingham emphasized the importance of the event, stating, “We want to open up discussions about how farmers and land managers can best utilise technology on their own farm or sector.” To facilitate this exchange of ideas, exhibitors will not only showcase their innovations but also provide concise presentations, or ‘elevator pitches’, to demonstrate the relevance of their products to the agricultural community. Fillingham hopes that attendees will leverage the Expo as a networking opportunity, seeking tailored solutions that align with their future business needs.
This event follows a series of successful on-farm demonstration days conducted by Agri-Sense throughout Yorkshire in November, where farmers had firsthand experience with groundbreaking technologies, including drone applications, AI-guided weed sprayers, and autonomous tractors. The emphasis on agricultural innovation is timely, particularly following announcements at the recent Oxford Farming Conference, where Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed, revealed upcoming opportunities for farmers to apply for funding under the latest segment of the Farming Innovation Programme, known as ADOPT. This initiative is designed to support farmer-led trials that bridge the gap between emerging technologies and their practical applications in the field.
Fillingham articulated the broader implications of technological advancement in agriculture, noting, “Technology and innovation are vital for the sustainable and profitable production of food for the future.” The industry faces the pressing need to identify cost-effective solutions that maximize benefits for agricultural and land management businesses. Dr. Dave George, chair of the Farmer Scientist Network at the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, echoed this sentiment, inviting all stakeholders—whether farmers, researchers, or agriculture enthusiasts—to participate in the Expo. “Don’t miss out on this opportunity to network, learn and be inspired,” he urged.
With exhibitors ranging from Agrillo Ltd to the National Farmers Union, the Agri-Tech Expo North stands as a pivotal event for those invested in the future of agriculture. As the sector navigates the complexities of sustainability and innovation, the insights and connections made at this Expo could play a significant role in shaping the agricultural landscape for years to come. For those interested, booking a free place is available through the Eventbrite website.
