Connecting bold thinkers: real stories from boots on the ground

Pioneering agricultural businesses lead the way with innovative approaches, but often take the highest risk for the least reward, believes Andrew Francis of Team Ag. Hearing a balanced and realistic perspective of those experiences is therefore vital to future development of the sector. 

Mr Francis will be chairing a special session at CropTec 2023 which will showcase the experiences of three farmers credited with taking a groundbreaking approach in their farming businesses.

‘Connecting bold thinkers in a time of change: Real stories from boots on the ground’ is the second of four sessions in the CropTec seminar schedule and is sponsored by Horsch.

Andrew Williams, Farm Director at Home Farm Nacton, Jack Smith, Farm Director for AG Wright & Son and Jo Franklin of first-generation arable and sheep farming business Kaiapoi will all take to the stage to share their experiences.

Andrew Williams has been trialling use of robotics and innovative water management options on the Suffolk farm which produces conventional arable crops and organic vegetables. He encourages other farmers to be open minded with new technology. He says: “These innovations are going to arrive come what may, so farming businesses will need to get to grips with developments coming down the road.”

Jack Smith will share how he uses data to drive decisions. Manufacturers are keen to quantify improvements made possible by new technologies, he says, but this leaves many growers asking which are the right investments for them. “There is a ‘sitting in the office’ answer which then must be squared alongside a ‘standing in a field’ answer,” he says. “It’s about taking the insights from both and coming to a sensible informed decision off the back of it.”

Jo Franklin will reveal how she and partner Robert Hodgkins built their arable and sheep farming business, Kaiapoi. “We started farming from scratch and have built a busy farming business in 10 years, which many believed couldn't be done,” she says. “We have learnt so much along the way that we are happy to share at CropTec.”

Chair Andrew Francis hopes the session will challenge other farmers to consider different ways of working: “I think there is always a good time to challenge yourself in how you go about doing the day job. Whatever the components of your business are, any time is a good time to change.

“CropTec is on at a great time of year when there is less pressure on the farm and you can think a little bit clearer and a little bit deeper. It’s a good time to absorb new ideas.”

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Why you should attend

#CropTec23 brings together leading companies from the agricultural sector, showcasing their innovative products and technologies. Within the exhibition hall, attendees will have the opportunity to witness ground-breaking machinery, precision agriculture tools and state-of-the-art imaging software. From drone solutions for crop inspection to autonomous vehicles optimising the use of fertilisers, the exhibitors at this year’s show will be presenting the latest advancements with the potential to revolutionise your farming practices! 

This year’s show will allow you to discover new techniques that can enhance crop yield, optimise sustainability and improve efficiency. The exhibitors attending #CropTec23 are at the forefront of agricultural technology, bringing together the latest innovations under one roof. Gain a competitive advantage by interacting with these exhibitors and implementing their expertise in your farming operations. 

#CropTec23 is a must-attend event for anyone involved in agriculture. Through its impressive exhibitor line-up, networking opportunities, educational seminars and cost-effective solutions, this exhibition offers immense value to farmers, agronomists and agricultural enthusiasts alike. Don't miss out on the chance to witness first-hand the cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of farming.

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