Farmers and landowners across Yorkshire are gearing up for a unique event that promises to revolutionize the way they approach agricultural management. The Agri-Tech Expo North, set to take place at the Great Yorkshire Showground on Tuesday 25th February, is the first dedicated showcase of precision technology in the region. This event offers a rare opportunity for attendees to immerse themselves in groundbreaking digital solutions that are transforming farm efficiencies.
Organized by Agri-Sense, a Precision Agriculture Special Interest Group (SIG) led by Yorkshire farmer Davina Fillingham, the Expo is supported by the Farmer Scientist Network at the Yorkshire Agricultural Society. This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between science and farming, driving agricultural innovation forward.
Davina Fillingham, convenor of the Agri-Sense group and a Nuffield Farming Scholar in Precision Agriculture, emphasizes the importance of the event. “This event is designed to support the agricultural industry in meeting productivity and environmental challenges,” she said. “By giving farmers and landowners the chance to really get to grips with innovative, digital solutions, we can change the way we farm. Digital technology is becoming increasingly sophisticated, offering smart ways to deal with paperwork and compliance, field mapping, crop applications, and so much more. All of this can ultimately help to make your business run more efficiently.”
The Expo will feature a variety of cutting-edge technologies, including CLAAS Connect, a digital field and master data management system that allows farmers to monitor field performance in real-time. OptiGene’s Genie II will also be showcased, offering fast real-time detection of potato spindle tuber viroid, a pathogen that can stunt crop growth. Ag-drive, an all-in-one app for agricultural contractors and farmers, will demonstrate how to eliminate paperwork by streamlining the process of recording jobs. Additionally, the Agrillo App will be presented, providing a unified solution for managing farm pesticides and chemicals with streamlined inventory tracking and compliance assurance.
Other notable exhibitors include NIAB (National Institute of Agricultural Botany), Ripon Farm Services, York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, the National Farmers Union, and the Farmer Scientist Network. The latest robotics will be on display, universities and research institutions will present their latest findings, and exhibitors will deliver short ‘elevator pitches’ to highlight the relevance of their products to farmers and land managers.
The Expo follows a series of on-farm demonstration days run by Agri-Sense across Yorkshire in November, building on the momentum of previous events. Everyone involved in agricultural land management is welcome to attend, with presentations and demonstrations tailored for all levels of experience with digital technology. Places are free but must be booked in advance through the Eventbrite link provided.
