A new course developed and run at Harper Adams University, hopes to encourage farmers to adopt precision technology in their businesses.
The course will run in partnership with The Worshipful Company of Farmers and will be sponsored by NFU Mutual.
Spread over 2019-2020, the course comprises three independent weeks of study with two weeks in the UK and one week in the Netherlands.
The course is aimed primarily at farmers, farm managers and those associated with delivering and utilising advanced agricultural technology in the field.
It aims to fill the gap between research, science and technology and the farmers who might use new technologies.
Delegates will learn to use information from their own farms and businesses and will have the opportunity to develop a ‘Precision Vision’ for their own businesses.
Harper Adams University is renowned for its research and practical delivery of precision technology in agriculture.
The university has won numerous awards and made news around the world with its ‘Hands Free Hectare’ project.
The university is now seeking participants who have or who are considering implementing new technologies within their business but somehow, are not yet truly convinced about the technical, financial or operational benefits that it can bring.
This course will provide an opportunity to see it in practice, talk to the innovators, the industry leaders, the disruptors, and assess for themselves the opportunities and benefits that precision farming can bring.
Dr. David Llewellyn, vice chancellor of Harper Adams University, said: “There has been much discussion about the technological revolution in farming, but not as much practical assistance to get farmers on board with the adoption of these new approaches.
“I am therefore delighted to say that a new programme, for farmers, has been created by Harper Adams University in partnership with the Worshipful Company of Farmers, and key sponsors, NFU Mutual.
“The course, spread over three separate weeks and involving contributions from academics and innovative organisations in the UK and a study visit to the Netherlands, will help farmers consider how the adoption of new technologies could improve the performance of their businesses.”
Karen Mercer, chairman of the Education Committee at the Worshipful Company of Farmers, added: “The Worshipful Company of Farmers is delighted to be partnering with Harper Adams University to offer this exciting new course.
“The APTA course will present delegates with the necessary knowledge and tools to embrace precision technology, which will have a direct impact on the ways they manage their businesses.”
Applications are already open. The process includes completion of an application form, and an interview to be held at Harper Adams University on September 12, 2019. The closing date for applications is July 31, 2019.
