Agritech Programme Workshop | ONE

The ONE Agritech Programme will demonstrate the practical application of digital technology in arable and livestock enterprises of all sizes to improve profits, save time, meet the challenge of net-zero carbon emissions and take the drudgery out of statutory recording requirements.

Two new digital demonstrator farms will be launched at a one-day workshop for farmers, managers and the supply chain at Thainstone on 8 March. The farms were selected from a large number of applicants. The process emphasised the tremendous amount of new tech being deployed on farms in the region and the sector’s appetite for innovation. The demonstrator farms will trial new technology and share best practice on how to apply and use it to maximum advantage. A farmer management group will support each demonstrator farm.

The programme is led by Opportunity North East (ONE) and supported by the Scottish Government’s North East Economic Recovery and Skills Fund (NEERSF). ONE is working with SAC Consulting and SAOS on its delivery.

Peter Cook, director of food, drink and agriculture at Opportunity North East, said: “Farmers have never been so pressed for time. Labour is scarce, expensive inputs need to be managed well, and there are likely to be increasing demands for data collection for the new support regimes. Thankfully there’s also an explosion in the availability of new technologies to help us monitor and manage every acre, animal, and machine. If we have the data, we can make faster and better decisions, get rid of some of the management hassle, automate arable and livestock handling and carve out premium markets.

“The ONE Agritech Programme workshop on 8 March will showcase everything from cow calving monitors and autonomous tractors to advanced field monitoring and automated handling systems, and how to use the data to really improve profits. The key task is how you practically and cost effectively apply technology to your farm to make a real difference – that is the aim of the new digital demonstrator farms, which we will launch on the day. Attendees will be able to sign up for this exciting project at the workshop.”

The free workshop, which runs from 9.30am to 3.30pm on 8 March, is aimed at farmers and managers involved in all farming sectors and co-operatives, merchants, and processors from throughout the supply chain. It will provide insight on the latest agritech developments for the region and their direct application on farms, production units and further through the processing industry. It will include farmer speakers from across Scotland sharing how they are using new technology and their plans; researchers on how new technology is being developed to improve efficiency on farm and follow through to the supply chain; technology providers and developers with stands showing what’s available; and support organisations.

For further information and booking, click here.