Conference will look to farming's future
Despite a promising start, July became wet and unsettled, closely followed by a wet and unsettled August.
Harvest became a scramble, with men, women and machines on alert ready for a break in the weather, which was so localised it made forecasts virtually useless.
Such are the trials of day to day farming and it is sometimes difficult to see beyond the next invoice. But, with farm business plans spanning generations, we must take the time as an industry as well as individuals to familiarise ourselves with new techniques and technologies that could make us more effective, more efficient - and more profitable - in the future.
Once again, Shropshire is at the forefront of change. Harper Adams University has invested heavily over the years in technology and resources that have resulted in many awards but more importantly satisfied and successful students. Their Hands Free Hectare initiative is akin to the US space programme, which benefits us all as technology trickles down.
So it is unsurprising that we have chosen Harper Adams as the venue for a forward-looking farming conference and workshop, entitled Redefining Farming: Innovation Day.
This is a conference that had to happen; a deliberate attempt to encourage us focus on the future.
On September 12, we look forward to welcoming to Shropshire over 100 delegates from across England and Wales, to share ideas and hear from some of the most innovative farm businesses and industry experts around today.
Those present will hear from successful companies as diverse as JCB and Midland Pig Producers. Robotic agriculture, metrics and genetics will share the platform with crop production, livestock management, game cover and conservation.
There is no doubt that this meeting of the doers and the thinkers will be productive. The university will be capturing outputs and ideas that will add to its own knowledge as well as contributing to an influential Redefining Farming Report, which will be presented to industry leaders and politicians in Westminster in November.
It is only through understanding innovation and the drivers of change that we can embrace and adopt innovation, whether that be in investing in new process, equipment and infrastructure or looking at new ways of working.
So the next time you are kicking your heels waiting for the rain to stop, try thinking a little further into the future, and identify what you need to do to help you achieve your long term goals. And don’t forget to talk to your peers - it’s quite possible someone already has the answer.
The Redefining Farming Innovation Day takes place at Harper Adams University on September 12. Over 100 delegate are already registered, but there may be some late availability – contact CLA Midlands on 01785 337010 or visit www.cla.org.uk
Caroline Bedell is Regional Director CLA Midlands
