Farmers and innovators urged to explore AI and data needs together at farm demo day

How can farmers make better use of the growing volumes of data being collected on farm, and how can technology developers ensure their AI and digital solutions address real on-farm needs? Agri-TechE’s Farm Demo Day at Salle Farms is designed to help answer both questions, bringing farmers and innovators together to discuss challenges, opportunities and practical solutions.

Tech developers working in data management, software solutions, employee and contractor management, as well as applications of AI or digital automation will have the chance to demonstrate and learn how their technologies could help solve practical challenges on farms, says Dr Belinda Clarke, director of Agri-TechE.

“We’re looking to bring together developers of both commercially available solutions and those looking to partner on tests or trials of new products with farmers,” she says.

Developers can apply for an exhibition space at the cost of £50+VAT for Agri-TechE members and £100+VAT for non-members, which includes the opportunity to demonstrate or pitch their technology during the event.

Salle Farms is the perfect farm for an event exploring solutions for data management and the role of AI in helping, Belinda notes.

“Through its collaboration with three other Norfolk farms, Salle Farms is ahead of many farms in its use of data to help with day-to-day decision making,” she says.

The four farms, which also include Holkham Farming Company, NE Salmon and Raynham Farms, formed Catalyst Farming in 2021 to quantify and assess the decisions being made across 700 fields covering 7,500ha.

With full-time data analyst Dominic Swan, the collaboration uses a five-step approach to gather and scrutinise data across all aspects of the farm businesses.

“It’s helped us sense check and improve our everyday decision making rather than just basing choices on gut instinct,” says Andrew Peal, farm and estate manager for Salle Farms.

AI is starting to play a key role in helping Catalyst Farming streamline processes. “The capability of AI is large, and we are only beginning to scratch the surface of what it can do,” Andrew says.

“Currently we’re using it to extract, standardise and collate data, and to analyse it. But we are keen to explore how AI can help us to make even better use of our data and help us predict and forecast with greater accuracy.

“Used correctly, it can act as a highly trained personal assistant with expertise in finance, agronomy, ecology and more, drawing on a vast knowledge base,” he says.

The Agri-TechE event is designed to explore both what types of solutions are already being worked on by tech developers and hear from farmers what would be useful to their businesses.

“Andrew will talk attendees through how the farm uses data during a farm walk,” Belinda says. “And we will also hear directly from technologists about innovations they are working on, with plenty of time for attendees to talk directly to developers.”

For Andrew, the opportunity to speak with technology developers to make sense of their data matters. “We’re looking for innovations that respond directly to our needs. While we’re not sure exactly what those innovations will look like yet, having the tools to gather more data and analyse it will help make the gaps in our system become apparent.”

One example could be more accurate soil moisture measurements, leading to better forecasting and estimates of potential yields, he suggests. “That could enable improved returns on inputs, such as nitrogen, helping us to justify cropping and agronomic decisions from an environmental point of view, and ultimately influence our long-term land choices,” he concludes.

Agri-TechE’s Farm Demo Day will take place at Manor Farm, Salle, Reepham on 8 December 2026, starting at 12pm with lunch. For more information, head to our event booking page.