The Farmers Weekly Podcast live from REAP

The Farmers Weekly Podcast has dedicated its final episode of 2024 to REAP, our flagship agri-tech conference: From artificial insemination to artificial intelligence ~ how agri-tech is shaping the future of farming.

Recorded live at the event, the episode features key highlights from the conference and interviews with world-class speakers, innovative start-ups, and forward-thinking farmers to explore how technologies such as artificial intelligence and advanced data science are reshaping agriculture.

Host Johann Tasker speaks with a diverse line-up of contributors who discuss:

• Artifical intelligence in farming – from Silicon Valley to Suffolk, Elliott Grant, delivered a captivating presentation on AI’s practical applications and potential.
• A UK start-up’s mission to revolutionise coffee production – Anna-Sophie Deetjen of Morrow shares how they’re developing an alternative coffee brewed entirely from homegrown ingredients.
• A practical, accessible tool to support Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) applications, introduced by Tom Scrope of Soil Benchmark.
• Game-changing innovation in livestock breeding – Dyneval’s advanced semen analysis technology can increase conception rates by up to 8%.
• Big-picture insights from industry giants – Bayer’s Phil Taylor discusses partnerships that combine crop protection and data science, while John Deere’s Mark James highlights the importance of standardisation and interoperability in delivering value across the supply chain.
• The future of broccoli is revealed by Mark Evans of UPP, who also reflects on the networking opportunities REAP provided, including fruitful conversations with a leading supermarket, FMCG company, and seed manufacturer.
• On-the-ground perspectives from farmers, including Helen Reeve, a cattle breeder and direct-to-consumer beef farmer, and Nick Sheppard, an arable and root crop farmer (growing beet for British Sugar and maize for an on-site AD plant), who provide honest reflections on their real-world experiences of agri-tech.

Plus, Dr. Belinda Clarke OBE, Agri-TechE ’s Director, explains why events like REAP are vital for fostering collaboration between farmers and technologists; to ensure innovation addresses the real needs of agriculture by focusing on what tech should do to benefit farmers and agriculture, without getting too carried away with what it can do.

You can listen to the episode on your preferred platform:

• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts
• Farmers Weekly Podcast
• YouTube

For more insights, visit our Knowledge Hub, or consider subscribing to our newsletter for regular updates on agri-tech innovation, our other upcoming events, and REAP 2025 news.

Looking to get involved? Discover the benefits of Agri-TechE membership.