Agriculture is rapidly changing with the evolution of technologies, continuous innovations, and a demand for efficient solutions. To better support the industry, Agri-TechE is bridging the gap between farmers and technology-driven businesses and is now working with leaders and social media voices to engage both communities on a wider scale.

With rising input costs, uncertain supply chains and changing policies, it’s no surprise that farming is always looking for new ways to work more effectively. Furthermore, with funding seemingly favouring AI innovations (as discussed at this year’s Focus on Finance Event), developing technology has to work harder than ever to offer the right solutions to farmers.

To broaden their scope and influence, Agri-TechE has launched its new ‘Ambassador Programme’ in 2025 to unite well-known voices, foster genuine discussions and interactions, and co-develop the right kinds of innovative solutions.

To begin with, the programme is partnering with a small group of farmers and agronomists, offering them opportunities to engage with emerging technologies, share insights from their perspectives, and contribute to a wider discussion about the changing agricultural landscape.

Kicking off this autumn, Agri-TechE has announced the first set of three key ambassadors, featuring:

• Farmer, agronomist,  and social media creator, Louise Penn;
• Potato farmer and school educator, Luke Abblitt; and
• Agronomist and National Technical Adviser for Regenerative Farming, Todd Jex.

Dr Belinda Clarke, Director of Agri-TechE , says, “The ambassador programme is a fantastic opportunity for farmers and innovators to really share their stories, offer on-the-ground opinions and showcase what Agri-TechE has to offer.

“At Agri-TechE , we are excited to partner with the first cohort, especially as they join us at this year’s REAP Conference.

In November, the ambassadors will attend REAP, providing an opportunity to network with other leaders and explore new technologies in the industry.

Meet the Ambassadors

Louise Penn, Agronomist and Farming Consultant

Louise supports her father and brothers on the family’s mixed farm in Northamptonshire, where 2,500 breeding ewes graze rented grassland alongside a continuous wheat rotation and a small cattle enterprise on 550 acres under an AHA tenancy.

Louise is also a Ceres Rural agronomist and farming consultant working across arable farms and vineyards, with a focus on regenerative agriculture, Louise is passionate about soil health, low-input systems, and the potential of tech and AI to transform farm decision-making.

She’s always on the lookout for new tools to test and share, especially in precision agronomy.

Garnering almost 10,000 followers on Instagram @louisepennagronomy_ as well as a voice on other social media platforms, Louise shares her farming life with videos from out in the field to valuable takeaways at industry conferences, and will continue to use her platform to showcase her part in the ambassador programme.

Todd Jex, Agronomist and National Technical Adviser for Regenerative Farming

As a leading agronomist and the National Technical Adviser for Regenerative Farming, Todd brings a wealth of expertise and passion to the industry.

In his current role, at Agrii, he serves as the national technical advisor for regenerative farming, coordinating trials with a particular focus on soil health and crop nutrition.

A hobby beekeeper, in his spare time Todd observes interactions between pollinators and arable farming systems.

Growing up on the Dorset/Wiltshire border with farming roots, he studied at Harper Adams University and graduated in 2011 with a BSc (Hons) in Agriculture with Crop Management.

Since then, he has earned the BASIS Diploma in Agronomy and the HAUC Graduate Diploma in Agronomy.

Todd has worked as an agronomist in southern England since graduating, managing a large area of predominantly combinable and forage crops.

Todd was named Arable Advisor of the Year at the Farmers Weekly Awards 2023, and the National Arable and Grassland Awards Young Agronomist of the Year 2024. Find Todd on LinkedIn.

Luke Abblitt, Potato Farmer and School Educator

Growing up on the tenanted family farm in the Cambridgeshire fens, Luke has always lived and breathed farming.

After acquiring his own council holding in 2011, his farming operation now spans 400 acres growing cereals, sugar beets, and potatoes, and he continues to embrace technology on the farm. He has recently installed a robotic potato stacker to increase efficiency.

However, with financial pressures, Luke has to be selective when choosing the right technology for him, and the partnership with Agri-TechE will enable him to have key conversations with innovators to discuss what the future of farming needs.

Outside of the farm, Luke continues to make an impact working with NFU Education’s Farmers for Schools initiative to help children learn more about farming and inspire careers in the sector.

He also creates educational videos seeing him generate tens of thousands of views across his social media @downondaintreefarm.

Additionally, he meets with MPs to discuss political farming issues to advocate for change in the industry.

The three Agri-TechE ambassadors will be attending this year’s REAP conference on November 4th at the KingsGate Centre in Peterborough, which aims to address the industry’s pressing questions and offer solutions for its future.

The event will start with a farmer’s breakfast, featuring a timely discussion from keynote speaker Minette Batters, farmer and member of the House of Lords.

You can join the ambassadors at this year’s event by booking a ticket for REAP 2025.