In this episode we are going to be talking about digital innovation, and look at what could be the benefit of integrating these technologies into our farming.

Exploring Digital Innovation in Agriculture: Insights and Benefits

What is the "Field of the Future" in the context of agriculture?

Lucy Cottingham, Digital Agronomy Development Manager:
The Digital Technology Farms project is an innovative initiative that uses connected technologies to assist agronomic decision-making at the field scale throughout the growing season. The idea behind the "field of the future" is to equip growers with various digital tools and real-time data to enhance decision-making, making their farming operations more efficient and informed.

What are the goals of the digital technology trials?

Jonathan Trotter, Technology Trials Manager:
Our main goal is to integrate different technologies, such as drones, in-situ sensors, and the Riser platform, to test and trial their applications. This also allows for knowledge exchange, enabling us to see how these technologies can improve agronomic practices in real-world settings.

Where are these trials taking place and when will they begin?

Jonathan Trotter:
We have three trial sites: one in Reesby, one in Scotland, and one at Forest Farm in Essex. The Reesby site is set to go live in the next couple of weeks, while the other two will start in the spring.

Why is integrating technology important for modern farming?

Lucy Cottingham:
Farmers are continually seeking ways to enhance crop management strategies. Technology and data should be tools that assist them in making real-time decisions, working alongside their agronomists. These digital tools help improve transparency, environmental sustainability, and cost management, allowing farmers to make more informed choices that benefit both their business and the environment.

How can digital tools improve decision-making on farms?

Lucy Cottingham:
Digital tools offer several advantages, such as providing real-time data that can guide decisions like nutrient application. For instance, knowing the current nitrate levels in the soil allows farmers to adjust nitrogen application as needed, helping to reduce environmental impact and cut costs. This contributes to more sustainable farming practices and supports the industry's goal of moving towards net zero.

How can farmers adopt digital technology without feeling overwhelmed?

Jonathan Trotter:
The project aims to demonstrate that many of these technologies are not futuristic but available for use now. Tools like Skippy Scout, which uses automated drone technology, can simplify tasks such as plant counting and provide AI-powered insights. The integration of both above-ground and below-ground sensors helps create a comprehensive understanding of crop and soil conditions, enabling better agronomic decisions.

What are the specific trials focusing on?

Jonathan Trotter:
We are using the Riser contour sampling platform to identify soil zones within a 40-hectare field. By placing in-situ nitrogen sensors in various soil types, we can tailor our agronomic strategy to those specific areas, enhancing nutrient management and efficiency.

How will this data influence agronomic decisions?

Jonathan Trotter:
We anticipate that the data will inform nitrogen application timings and splitting strategies. This could lead to better nitrogen use efficiency, allowing us to compare traditional agronomic practices with data-driven strategies to find the most effective approach.

How does disease forecasting fit into this digital approach?

Lucy Cottingham:
Disease forecasting tools help identify when a crop is at risk of developing specific diseases, such as septoria or yellow rust. Instead of relying solely on growth stages, we can use real-time data to inform our spray programs, applying treatments only when necessary and potentially delaying applications if risk levels are low.

What makes these forecasting tools different from existing ones?

Lucy Cottingham:
While disease forecasting tools have been around, our approach incorporates localised weather data using in-field sensors. This allows us to have a more accurate understanding of disease pressure and helps tailor treatment plans specific to each crop and location.

How is all this data made accessible and usable for farmers and agronomists?

Jonathan Trotter:
A key challenge with technology adoption is ensuring the interoperability of different systems. By integrating these technologies into the Riser control platform, farmers and agronomists can access various data points from a single application, simplifying decision-making and saving time.

What role do drones play in these trials?

Jonathan Trotter:
Drones like those operated with Skippy Scout software are used to capture detailed crop data, such as plant health and pest presence. This data can then be analysed using AI, providing quick and actionable insights. While we are not yet using drones for applying products like slug pellets, this could be a future application as regulations evolve.

How can farmers and agronomists follow the progress of these trials?

Jonathan Trotter:
We will be launching the Reesby site this autumn and holding open days at each trial site. Updates will be shared on social media and through dedicated events, providing opportunities for growers and agronomists to learn about the latest advancements and findings.

Why is this work important for the future of agriculture?

Lucy Cottingham:
Agriculture is constantly evolving, with pressure to be more efficient, transparent, and environmentally conscious. By leveraging digital technologies, farmers and agronomists can make better-informed decisions, ultimately improving productivity and sustainability on the farm.

What are you most excited to discover from these trials?

Jonathan Trotter:
I'm particularly excited about the knowledge exchange aspect of this project. Integrating different technologies and demonstrating their real-world applications will show farmers how they can implement these tools on their own farms to optimise their operations.

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