Agricultural technology and machinery at the forefront of driving sustainability and efficiency will be on show at LAMMA 2022 as part of the event’s inaugural ‘Farming 4.0 Trail’.

Supported by Muddy Boots, the Farming 4.0 Trail will feature 12 stands presenting ground-breaking, innovative methods of using data, robotics and technology, all focused on improving sustainability and profitability for farmers. Visitors can follow the Trail through the halls of the NEC to learn how their services and products address current and future challenges.

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The products and services being showcased include precision farming and data analysis tools like Crop4Sight, BASF’s xarvio Precision Software, Hutchinson’s Omnia and Bayer’s Climate FieldView.

“New technologies and digitalisation are transforming agriculture,” says Luke Pollard, xarvio Project Lead for BASF. “Although none will deliver in isolation, together they can make a significant impact while supporting productivity and profitability on farm.”

Max Dafforn of Bayer Crop Science Climate FieldView agrees: “With the unstoppable rise of technology, farming in 2050 will undoubtedly look very different to today, but the road to NetZero starts with small changes and incremental improvements which can start right now.”

Crop4Sight Managing Director Paul Coleman is also optimistic about the industry’s future: “British agriculture is starting the journey to NetZero from a good place as it already employs some of the most sustainable practices in the world. Completing the journey requires investment, innovation, entrepreneurship, knowledge-sharing, trust from the consumer and support from government.”

“We believe the most important factor for achieving NetZero by 2050 is a push towards better informed and more integrated management of farm resources,” explains Hutchinson’s Services Leader, Matt Ward. “But it’s essential we benchmark what we have now if we want to manage and improve our resources effectively.”

A spokesperson for Crop Systems Ltd also stresses the need for efficiency. “The industry must look at using energy far more efficiently through sustainable sources while minimising crop deterioration. Automation of store monitoring and control systems will play a big role in reducing energy use.”  

Those raising livestock can also take advantage of the technology on the Farming 4.0 Trail.

“The breeding of Wagyu cattle in the UK is already benefiting from the introduction of world-leading carcase grading camera technology from Japan,” explains Richard Saunders, Company Secretary of British Wagyu. “This results in a large volume of accurate carcase data being collected, collated and linked back into future Fullblood and commercial beef production through performance recording and GEBVs (Genomic Estimated Breeding Values). In turn this drives efficiency, improves the end-product for consumers and rewards farmers for producing quality beef.”

And the role of machinery in the race to NetZero must not be discounted. Exciting agri-engineering advances mean mechanical weed control, for example, is a viable and sustainable alternative to more traditional chemical applications.

Garford Farm Machinery’s Technical Sales and Marketing Manager Allan Knight, welcomes these developments: “Government legislation and investment is set to influence this area, and the reduction of licenced petrochemicals will, in turn, require alternative pest control methods, such as robotic weeding. Precision farming, autonomous machinery and robotic developments will continue to reduce our carbon footprint, while also improving crop quality and yields.”

By taking part in the Farming 4.0 Trail, visitors gain a first look at the machines and technology re-defining farming in the UK and helping farmers re-imagine what’s possible.

Don’t miss the Farming 4.0 Trail and the rest of what LAMMA 2022 has to offer in its 40^th year. Register for your FREE tickets here!