The Precision Farming Event this week will offer farmers the opportunity to discover how employing a wide range of technology can benefit their businesses, despite the current price volatility in the market.

The event, held at the Exec Exhibition and Event Centre in Peterborough tomorrow, features exhibits from most of the leading manufacturers and suppliers of equipment and software. An outside demonstration area also allows visitors to see the equipment in action and try before they buy.

A comprehensive seminar programme runs alongside the exhibition, which includes the last chance to attend the HGCA Be Precise Level 1 Workshops. These have been running since the beginning of the year and have proved to be a popular introduction for agronomists, farmers and contractors looking to make the first moves into precision farming.

Existing users of, for example, guidance systems and software, attending the seminars will also have the opportunity to learn more about machine control, making a move into variable rate agronomy as well as how to gather and interpret the data many controllers can now collect.

Ian Beecher-Jones, project facilitator, said: “There has been a very positive reaction from delegates to the HGCA Be Precise Level 1 Workshops. Farmers and agronomists who have attended these events say they come away with the knowledge to make more informed decisions about how precision farming could work on their farm, as well as where and how they wish to employ the techniques.

“The workshops provide a solid foundation on which to build. While costs are definitely a consideration, many farmers and agronomists have a desire to improve what they are doing. More and more people now understand that it is important to precisely target inputs to where they will bring the best returns.

“At the same time, this also helps protect the environment. Most systems ease record-keeping requirements, which is also an increasingly important consideration.”

Andy Newbold, of organiser Fusion Events, said: “The Precision Farming Event is now established at the country’s unique showcase for those looking to adopt the latest technology.

“Last year the show certainly stepped up a gear and this year it looks set to move forward again. Large multinational companies such as AGCO, Claas and John Deere as well as Hardi and Kverneland all now have stands and outside demonstrations, with expert staff who can provide advice.”

Among the other seminars, the Precision Farming Event’s partner, Natural England, will be illustrating how it can support farm businesses that can use technology to protect the environment. Award-winning arable farmer, David Hutchinson, will also be explaining how this works in practice.

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