"Having spent over 40 years in farming, I have seen the risks increase particularly with more lone working and increased time pressures."
An education facility has opened a state-of the-art facility to demonstrate the value of wireless technologies for better farm efficiency and safety in rural communities.
Hartpury University and Hartpury College has opened a Wireless Demo Unit at its Agri-Tech Centre campus which could enable first-hand learning of how to create wider coverage and ultra-fast speeds to support on-farm business activity.
The Gloucestershire provider said funding from the River Severn Partnership Advanced Wireless Innovation Region (RSPAWIR) could enhance agricultural outcomes while creating 'safer and more efficient rural environments' to improve agricultural outcomes.
Supported by the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology, the project involves a wide array of partners and stakeholders with an interest in 'accelerating' the use of technologies enabled by advanced wireless connectivity to impact environmental, social and economic benefits.
Designed and built by engineering company at Jet Connectivity, the unit will serve as an educational platform showcasing how advanced wireless capabilities, including 5G, can benefit the work of farm businesses.
Professor Mark Barrow, joint chair of the River Severn partnership, said: "We fully understand the complexities of harnessing digital technology in rural communities and by default in agriculture.
"By awarding this funding to Hartpury University's Digital Innovation Farm project, we hope to be able to advance applications and improve adoption of advanced wireless technologies.
"This is an opportunity to share learning and demonstrate exactly how wireless technologies can be used to great business advantage in both the agri-tech and rural economies."
Improving safety
Recent figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have revealed that agriculture has one of the 'poorest safety records' in the UK, with 138 fatal accidents reported in 2023/24.
Hartpury said it hopes to demonstrate several cutting-edge wireless technologies, enabling real-time monitoring of farm conditions and immediate alerts to hazards like equipment failures or environmental risks through advanced wireless connectivity.
Smart sensors and systems will help monitor machinery operation and track worker and visitor activities, showcasing more efficient ways to meet health and safety compliance and regulation.
Simon King, head of external business relations at Hartpury and a Gloucestershire farmer, said: "Having spent over 40 years in farming, I have seen the risks increase particularly with more lone working and increased time pressures.
"We need to embrace wireless technology to protect ourselves and our livestock while boosting productivity."
Education for farmers
From improving farm efficiency to supporting sustainability, Hartpury will be hosting a number of demo events which hope to shine a light on the power of advanced wireless solutions, and the benefits they can bring.
Taking place at Hartpury University and College's commercial farm near Gloucester, each demo event will give attendees the chance to see and hear solutions related to industry wide themes including health and safety, soils and environment, remote communication and precision farming.
Upcoming ‘Farm Forward' Demo Event Showcase Series:
- Soils and Environment – November 25, 12:30-4pm
- Health and Safety – November 26, 12:30-4pm
- Remote Communication – February 12 2025, 12:30-4pm
- Precision Farming – March 12 2025, 12:30-4pm
- Digital Innovation in Farming: Connecting Rural Landscapes (Harper Adams University) – March 20 2025, 12.30-4pm
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