Hartpury Digital Innovation Farm is excited to announce a series of FARM FORWARD Demonstration Events that will showcase the transformative potential of wireless technologies in agriculture. Funded by the River Severn Partnership Advanced Wireless Innovation Region (RSPAWIR) project, these events aim to highlight how cutting-edge wireless solutions can revolutionise farming practices, enhance efficiency - and support sustainability across rural industries.

The series will explore a variety of advanced wireless technologies, including 5G, LoRaWAN, satellite, and narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT). These tools allow farmers and rural businesses to manage crucial aspects of their operations more effectively - from monitoring soil quality to tracking energy consumption and leveraging drone imagery for remote surveillance. By integrating these innovations, rural industries can address some of the biggest challenges facing the sector today including climate change, nature conservation, and the need for greater productivity and efficiency.

Despite the promise of wireless technologies, adoption within the agricultural sector has been slower than expected. A lack of reliable network coverage, the readiness of devices, and, most importantly, a knowledge gap among potential users has all contributed to this slow uptake. The 'Farm Forward' Demo Events aim to bridge this gap by offering farmers, landowners, and stakeholders the opportunity to engage with these technologies first-hand.

Set on Hartpury’s commercial farm near Gloucester, these six events will provide an immersive, practical experience, where attendees can explore how the latest wireless solutions can be applied in real-world farming and business contexts. Each Demo Event is themed around specific industry needs, covering topics such as networking, soil and environmental management, health and safety, remote communication, and precision farming.

The next ‘Soils and Environment’ session on 15 November and a ‘Health and Safety’ focus on 26 November, will explore specific use cases where wireless technologies can provide significant benefits.

One of the key aims of the FARM FORWARD series is to demystify advanced wireless technologies and help rural businesses overcome the barriers to adoption. Attendees will not only get to explore the technical aspects of these solutions but also hear from experts about the tangible benefits they can bring, including greater productivity, sustainability and resilience.

Upcoming events in the FARM FORWARD Demo Series, running 12.30-3.45pm each day include:

• Soils and Environment – 15 November 2024
• Health and Safety – 26 November 2024
• Remote Communication – 12 February 2025
• Precision Farming – 12 March 2025
• Showcase (Harper Adams University) – 10 March 2025

Spaces are limited.

Click here to view details and register your place at a FARM FORWARD DEMO event.

Calling all Monmouthshire businesses!

Farming is experiencing a technological revolution, and it's opening new doors for suppliers of various products and services.

Through a programme funded by Monmouthshire County Council, Hartpury Tech Box Park is offering eligible Monmouthshire businesses FREE agricultural market insights and support until March 2025 in product and market development. This initiative provides a unique opportunity to explore the agricultural industry and identify where products and services might fit.

Hartpury’s Tech Box Park offers a gateway to agriculture, supporting the commercialisation of agri-tech products and services. Businesses across diverse sectors including food and drink processing, sensors data, IoT, pharmaceuticals, energy, vertical farming, manufacturing, and transport are already leveraging their expertise to meet the evolving needs of the farming community.

Why Join Us?

Our fully funded programme provides Monmouthshire businesses with:

• Specialist agriculture market and industry insights
• Product development and supply chain management advice
• Networking and partnership opportunities
• Grant funding opportunities
• Leadership skills training
• Potential collaborations on product research and on-farm trials
• Access to a members-only portal and resources
• Events and seminars

The Tech Box Park has already proved an invaluable space and place for innovative thinking - supporting over 50 businesses accelerate into the agricultural market. From enabling a social enterprise to create a test bed for trailing hemp derivatives in animal bedding, to showcasing the world’s most innovative anti-theft solution for agricultural machinery and testing 100% plant-based compostable packaging on hay bales – the hub has provided businesses across the UK with an invaluable space for innovative thinking.

Exclusive Networking Event – Save the Date!

On Wednesday 13 November we’re hosting an exclusive event ‘Monmouthshire Business Networking’. Join us at the Bridges Centre for an evening filled with exciting opportunities to connect with fellow innovators in the agricultural tech industry.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting, this event is the perfect place to share ideas, collaborate on projects and build valuable relationships.

Click here to register

Or find out more at hartpury.ac.uk/techboxpark