Actual Intelligence: how can agtech realistically help UK's farmers be more productive and sustainable?
Actual Intelligence: As agricultural subsidies in the UK change, how can agricultural technology help farmers be more productive and sustainable?
Justin Webb. 1st April 2023
Written in addition to AgriWebb 's 2023 State of the Farmer Report
The agricultural sector in the UK is experiencing a significant transformation. Brexit and the withdrawal from the Common Agricultural Policy mean that subsidies for farmers are gradually being reduced or reimagined to serve environmental goals. This presents both challenges and opportunities for many farmers who have relied on subsidies to sustain their commercial operations. On the one hand, farmers will have to learn to operate in a more competitive environment. On the other hand, this change could prompt farmers to look for innovative ways to improve productivity and sustainability. One such way is through agricultural technology.
Precision Livestock farming, of which agricultural technology is a part, refers to the use of modern equipment, software, and other technologies to improve farming practices. Areas include crop management systems, robotics and, for livestock farmers, ways in which to continue to manage high welfare standards when managing livestock and do so in a scalable and resilient way.
AgriWebb's 2023 State of the Global Farmer report went to the source, asking farmers worried them and what gave them cause for optimism when considering the future of UK farming. While there is an undeniable and understandable fear about an uncertain future, the UK remains a stalwart of clean, green and reliable agricultural production. It is also a country that can't come close to providing the total domestic food demand. The UK is only 60% self-sufficient in meat production. With imports landing from all over the globe to meet demand. While proud domestic British products should command a premium for their rigorously regulated provenance and their lower emission footprint (lack of transport across the seas and air), they struggle to beat the low wholesale costs of industrial farming overseas. Additionally, well-intentioned new trade deals forged in a post-Brexit paradigm are, in reality, manifesting as a further challenge undercutting British producers with low wholesale prices and a lack of specifically labelled provenance.
The fact is, regardless of subsidy changes or domestic demand, UK farmers will need to increase their productivity while implementing more sustainable methods. It is a tremendous challenge that will define who successfully navigates the next decade. Those who procrastinate and wait for government intervention will find it tricky; those on the front foot who are engaged with innovative solutions will stand a good chance.
But what does that practically mean? Let's dig into what and how technology can help UK farmers navigate the choppy waters ahead.
Productivity:
Agricultural technology can help farmers become more productive in several ways. One of the main ways is through precision farming. In terms of productivity, it refers to the use of technology to monitor crops and soil conditions in real-time, allowing farmers to make data-driven decisions about planting, fertilisation, irrigation, and harvesting. This can lead to higher yields, weights, feed conversion and fertility as well as lower costs, as farmers are better able to optimize their input resources.
Another way that agricultural technology can increase productivity is through automation. Automated equipment and robotics can take over repetitive tasks, freeing up farmers to focus on more strategic activities. For example, robots can be used to weed fields, plant and harvest crops, and even monitor livestock. This can lead to higher efficiency, as well as cost savings.
For livestock farmers, one of the key ways to manage animal welfare is through precision recording around animal weight gain, BCS and even understanding the impact forage is having on DLWG. And, of course, we all understand that enhanced health management through nutrition and quick and careful intervention means more productive livestock. Speed this labour-intensive process through the use of livestock management apps, and you have something that is scalable. Most importantly, we have a resilient farming industry that can help feed the nation.
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Sustainability:
In addition to improving productivity, agricultural technology can also help farmers become more sustainable through an even greater understanding of what is happening on their farm, on the ground and below it. One of the main ways is through improved resource management. Precision techniques help farmers optimise their use of water and fertilisers, reducing waste and minimising the impact on the environment. It helps understand how and when best to use FYM, for example. At the individual farm level, this can also lead to cost savings, as farmers are able to use resources more efficiently or really reduce their nitrogen usage.
Another way that agricultural technology can improve sustainability is through the use of renewable energy. Many farmers are already self-sufficient in their energy consumption by having solar panels on their sheds or other forms of renewable energy. This not only reduces reliance on fossil fuels but also leads to cost savings in the long term.
Challenges:
Despite the benefits, there are also challenges associated with the adoption of precision technology. One of the main barriers is the cost. Many of the technologies required for precision agriculture and automation can be expensive, making it difficult for small-scale farmers to invest. This can also create a barrier to entry for new farmers.
Another challenge is the learning curve. Many of these technologies require specialised knowledge and training, which can be time-consuming and expensive. This can be particularly challenging for older farmers who may not be as familiar with the technology.
Finally, there is the challenge of data management. Precision agriculture relies on the collection and analysis of large amounts of data, which can be overwhelming for farmers who are not familiar with data analysis. This can be particularly challenging for smaller farmers who may not have the resources to hire data analysts. At this point, we look to the leading technology companies who can and should be leveraging tools that will deliver actionable insights - not just more data - and help farmers where it matters: in the fields and pastures that serve us all.
The change in agricultural subsidies in the UK presents both challenges and opportunities for farmers. By adopting agricultural technology, farmers can become more productive and sustainable and their businesses more resilient for the future. However, there are also challenges associated with the adoption of these technologies, including cost, adoption and data management. To overcome these challenges, it will be important for farmers to work together and collaborate with technology providers and researchers to develop innovative solutions that are both effective and affordable. By doing so, farmers can continue to thrive in a changing agricultural landscape and be better prepared for the future.
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1yJustin, thanks for sharing! Very Interesting