A new initiative is set to bring ‘smart’ agriculture technology to farms in North Wales, with the aim of improving efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. The on-farm trials will focus on Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN) systems as part of the Smart Agriculture Internet of Things (IoT) project. This scheme is funded by taxpayers through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and delivered by Mentera on behalf of Ambition North Wales.
The project offers farmers the chance to integrate IoT-based solutions into their daily operations, with potential benefits including remote monitoring and management of livestock, water systems, soil health, and infrastructure. For instance, real-time soil moisture and temperature sensors could guide optimal slurry application, reducing environmental risks and improving regulatory compliance. Sensors could also detect water tank levels and identify leaks, preventing loss and infrastructure damage. Additionally, the technology could support livestock tracking, infrastructure monitoring, and the remote management of gates and machinery.
Siwan Howaston, head of technical at Mentera, emphasized the importance of this initiative: “This is a fantastic opportunity for farmers in North Wales to be at the forefront of agricultural innovation. The adoption of technologies like LoRaWAN is crucial for creating more resilient, productive, and sustainable farm businesses. We encourage all interested farmers to apply and help us build a more technologically advanced future for agriculture in North Wales.”
Farms participating in the trials will receive technical support from an agri-tech specialist to implement and assess the solutions. The programme is open to farms in the dairy, red meat, pig, poultry, arable, and horticulture sectors across Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Anglesey, and Wrexham.
Cllr Nia Jeffreys, lead member for Ambition North Wales’s Digital Connectivity Programme and leader of Cyngor Gwynedd, highlighted the potential impact: “The transformative potential of this project is significant for the farmers involved. All equipment is provided and installed, with the option to continue use if they find the trial to be beneficial – so there could be much to gain.”
The trials are scheduled to begin in September and continue through to February 1, 2026. Mentera is currently seeking 16 farms across North Wales to join the network. Interested farmers have until midnight on August 27 to submit their applications via Mentera’s website.
This project represents a significant step towards modernizing agricultural practices in North Wales, offering farmers the tools to enhance their operations while contributing to a more sustainable future. As the agricultural sector faces increasing pressure to meet environmental regulations and improve efficiency, initiatives like this could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of farming.