The Agri-Tech Expo North, set to take place on February 25 at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate, promises to be a pivotal event for the farming industry, focusing on the integration of technology to enhance productivity and address pressing environmental challenges. As the agricultural sector grapples with the urgent need to achieve net-zero carbon emissions, this expo will serve as a platform for farmers and land managers to explore innovative solutions tailored to their unique needs.
Organized by Agri-Sense, a precision agriculture special interest group led by Yorkshire farmer Davina Fillingham, the event aims to foster discussions around the effective use of technology in farming. “We want to open up discussions about how farmers and land managers can best utilise technology on their own farm or sector,” Fillingham stated. Attendees can expect live demonstrations of cutting-edge robotics, insights from recent research conducted by universities and institutions, and updates on advanced farm management software. This hands-on experience will allow participants to see firsthand how these technologies can be applied in real-world scenarios.
The expo builds on a series of successful on-farm demonstration days held across Yorkshire in November, where farmers engaged with emerging technologies such as drone systems, AI-guided weed sprayers, and autonomous tractors. These events have highlighted the increasing importance of technological adoption in agriculture, particularly in light of the recent announcement by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed, regarding the upcoming launch of the ADOPT programme. This initiative will fund farmer-led trials aimed at bridging the gap between innovative technologies and their practical applications in farming.
The implications of this event extend beyond mere networking opportunities. As Fillingham emphasized, “Technology and innovation are vital for the sustainable and profitable production of food for the future.” The Agri-Tech Expo North is positioned as a critical juncture for farmers to discover cost-effective solutions that can significantly benefit their operations. With exhibitors including Agrillo Ltd, Ag-Drive Ltd, and the National Farmers Union, the expo is set to be a melting pot of ideas and innovations that could shape the future of agriculture in the region.
Dr. Dave George, chair of the Farmer Scientist Network at the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, echoed this sentiment, inviting all stakeholders in the agricultural community to participate. “Whether you’re a farmer, researcher, land manager, or simply passionate about agriculture, this event is perfect for you.” The Agri-Tech Expo North not only represents an opportunity to learn about the latest advancements but also serves as a catalyst for collaboration and inspiration within the industry.
