Farmer centric technology development

Farmer-centric innovation is core to the REAP conference and rate of technology adoption is increasing, judging by the speed in which cutting-edge agri-tech featured in the Start-Up Showcase is becoming operational in the field.  The farmer-tech session last year, in which early adopters discussed the challenges of introducing new tools and processes, was particularly insightful.
REAP has been the launchpad for many successful collaborations and having a good representation of farmers to shape the discussions is key. To enable as many farmers as possible to attend we have a number of REAP bursaries available for farmers and students in full time education in agriculture or a related science, sponsored by AF Group.
“The REAP conference is a great opportunity for farmers to keep on top of, and engage with, the numerous emerging technologies in Agriculture, helping to direct and shape farm businesses for the future,” says Cambridgeshire farmer Tom Pearson, who is speaking at REAP 2021 having attended last years’ conference with help from the AF Group’s sponsorship.
Outfield and BeeSecure were among the companies that featured at REAP2020 and both have made significant progress this year gaining funding and starting trials.
Big thank you to all of our REAP sponsors AHDB, the AF Group, Missouri Partnership and Rothamsted Enterprises for their generous support.
Apply for the REAP 2021 bursary here. These are some of the responses from bursary applicants to the questions:
Why is agricultural innovation important in your business or future career and what are the opportunities you see to implement the thinking from the REAP conference in your future?

“Innovation will be the only way we can meet our climate objectives, be it collaboratively or with personalised data. Real-time management will take more centre stage going forward as we react to changing weather.”

– Farmer

“Our role is to advise our landowners and help them achieve their aims. These include rebuilding soils, carbon capture and net zero for their farms, alongside sustainable profit and biodiversity. My aim is to bring opportunities, innovation and ideas to them to help them achieve their goals.”

– Contract farmer

“I’m always interested in ideas for the future as farming needs to change.”

– Farmer

“I am keen to use my scientific background to contribute towards making positive changes in this area in my future career. I believe the REAP conference would be an opportunity to learn more about current innovations and future goals and ideas. I would really appreciate the chance to hear from experts from both sides, science and agriculture, as I believe that sharing knowledge and collaboration is key to making progress in the right direction”

– PhD Student

“Agriculture innovation is hugely important in giving us as farm managers the tools to efficiently and effectively manage our farms in the modern farming era. It is fast paced, with hugely important weather-restricted decisions needing to be made at the drop of a hat. Understanding and then using data is everything – if we cannot measure it we cannot manage it. I can see the success of our innovators over the next few years is going to play a huge part on our farm and determine how successful our farm will be in years to come.”

– Farmer

REAP 2021: Changing Time(s) for Agriculture – 10th November 2021

Imagine a world where agriculture is not constrained by time. The ability to manage and manipulate time is increasing and REAP 2021 will explore the advances in technology and breakthroughs in science that is making this possible.
REAP brings together people from across the agri-tech ecosystem who believe that innovation is the engine for change. The conference bridges the gap between producer needs and technology solutions and showcases exciting agri-tech start-ups.