Technology is the future of farming. Online tools, mobile apps, precision equipment and management decisions driven by technology-derived data are already transforming business efficiency. But how can farmers gain the most from technology on farm? Farming Focus™ investigated.

Cumbrian beef farmer Jim Dixon and livestock breeding and genomics expert Professor Mike Coffey from Scotland’s Rural College look at how far genetic improvement has come and where it can go. 

A virtual fencing technology enables beef producers Lisa and Piers Guy to graze marginal areas without the need to build and maintain fencing. We find out more about this novel approach.

Technology can help livestock farms minimise feed waste and make big financial and environmental savings. We find out about Alltech’s Navigate programme.

Interest in alternative fuels for farm vehicles is growing. We look at two options which promise high performance while also reducing environmental impact.

Researchers and automation experts have joined forces to create a robotic solution to the problem of slugs - we find out more about SlugBot.

A new digital platform is helping farmers model the potential impact of regenerative farming techniques before deciding to commit. Devon-based farm consultant Jason Hayward-Jones tells us about RegenFARM.

Increased milk yield is just one benefit of automated milking systems. We talk to two experts about the data generated by milking robots, and the difference it can make.

A project at Harper Adams University has been investigating the use of autonomous farm machinery. Kit Franklin, Senior Lecturer in Agricultural Engineering, outlines the project’s success to date.

The Agri-EPI Centre is one of four government-funded UK Agri-Tech centres working across industry and academia in the agri-food sector. Presented at this year’s Innovation Week, we look at three sector-specific projects working on innovations to take the industry forward.

Precision agriculture is proving one way to reduce operational costs on farm. CNH Agriculture’s Precision Farming Specialist, John Downes, explains the latest agri-tech products from AGXTEND™.

Cornish company Glas Data is determined to make farm data management quick, easy and affordable, and transforming it into meaningful management decisions. Company co-founder Colin Phillipson tells us how.

Farming robots are on the rise, but are these mechanical helpers a viable solution to the high production demand faced by dairy farmers? We spoke to Devon dairy farmer Dan Slee to see how robots are helping his operation.

Cambridgeshire farmer and agroforestry expert Stephen Briggs thinks the industry needs to embrace innovative approaches, including enterprise stacking, if it’s to achieve net zero emissions.

Data collection is an untapped resource for beef and sheep farmers looking to reach net zero says Exmoor farmer James Wright.

With skyrocketing fuel prices alongside a focus on increasing sustainability, the need to explore alternative fuel sources for farm machinery has never been greater. We take a look at what machinery manufacturers are currently working on.

The four-year £11.8m AgriTech Cornwall project came to an end in December 2021, but its legacy for innovation in the region’s agricultural industry lives on, says project director Dr Robin Jackson.

The TechnoGrazing approach can boost livestock performance and bring environmental benefits - project lead Dr Sarah Morgan explains the findings.

On-farm automation and robotics is growing fast. Opico’s Richard Amphlet tells us how a new-generation autonomous weedkiller is saving farmers time and money.

Finding a way to reduce the time spent doing paperwork increases profitability for agricultural contractors. A young ag graduate Will Dunn has done just that, and his time-saving innovation is being used successfully in our region.

Mastitis is a common and costly health issue in dairy cows. Philip Metcalfe describes how he has produced a simple yet transformative solution with a local engineering company, slashing his mastitis rates to improve cow health, staff satisfaction and his bottom line.

The need for alternative sources of energy is pushing biomass crops to the fore. But it’s been estimated the UK needs 7-8 times its current acreage to meet net zero targets, putting increased miscanthus production under the spotlight in Terravesta’s latest project.

The Future Farm dairy research platform is investigating innovative approaches to meeting the challenges the industry is facing. We find out more from Duchy College’s Dr Robin Jackson.

Dr Mark Young, Head of Innovation at the Centre for Innovation Excellence in Livestock, outlines why he believes innovation is more important than ever for British agriculture.

Innovation for Agriculture’s livestock researcher, Laura Palczynski, shares her views on innovation in the farming industry, the barriers and the motivators.

Involved in a 12-year project investigating silvopasture, Crediton farmer Andy Gray describes his enthusiasm for this important regenerative practice. 

The increasing pressure on agriculture to feed a growing world population while also reducing its environmental impact is driving growth of alternative fuels for farm vehicles. We take a closer look at two options that could help.