Digital technology increasingly important to UK farmers

Growers keen to embrace smart tech

More arable farmers are turning to digital technology to help run their businesses – and generate better returns.

Almost two-thirds of larger growers believe data-driven decision-making is important to their farms, according to study findings unveiled at the Hutchinsons Connected Farming Technology Conference in Peterborough.

The survey covered 200 growers and farms with more than 100ha of arable crops only, or with mixed arable and livestock enterprises. Respondents were asked whether they were early adopters of technology, more results focused or just cautious.

“The research lends weight to the role digital technology is going to play in the future of UK farming,” said Hutchinsons head of marketing Nick Rainsley. On average, half of the farms researched said digital technology was increasingly important.

With an increasing array of tools and solutions being used, particularly weather-related apps, the research suggested 72% of farmers believe climate change and weather considerations are the biggest challenges facing farming.

Even so, almost half of farmers surveyed said serious pressure was being imposed on their businesses by the additional challenges of high input costs, end market prices and overall farm profitability.

This was reflected in the principal reasons given for using digital tools. These were savings on costs, improvements to yield, and being more efficient – and hence more productive.

Some 76% of respondents said they were using auto-steer to boost productivity. Around 40% were adopting variable-rate technology for fertiliser applications and drilling. A smaller proportion, 21%, used variable-rate applications for spraying.

Compliance

More than one third use digital technology for soil management, environmental and carbon accounting. Almost half said digital technology helped meet the challenge of compliance and more environmentally focused production.

“While these technologies have been around for a while, we shouldn’t be surprised that their adoption is increasingly popular when the environment and also cost drivers are taken into consideration,” said Mr Rainsley.

When asked about barriers to adoption, cost and return on investment were clear issues. For larger farms, lack of integration between different software was also a barrier to usage.

In an encouraging sign, 77% rated themselves as five or above (out of 10) when it came to their confidence in using digital tech. Mr Rainsley said: “For such a large percentage to feel reasonably comfortable with the technology is very positive.

Training

“However, we should be mindful that nearly one third felt they were insufficiently aware of what was available, and around 20% said lack of time, insufficient training, or lack of technical support were barriers.”

Early adopters were even more positive about digital technology. Staffing challenges were more relevant to the bigger farms. They rated work and resource planning as an important area that digital technology could help improve.

Get a fix on pulse crop nutrition

New developments in biological products for pulse crops will be discussed at two regional roadshows this month.

Findings of the latest Syngenta research trials will be presented at the Pulse Potential Roadshow 2025 – held with the PGRO at South Cave, near Hull (27 January); and the Kingsgate Conference Centre, Peterborough (28 January).

Both events will discuss enhanced strategies for productivity and yield. They will include the latest varietal information, agronomy updates and market insights from the PGRO – and best practice in crop protection for vining and combining peas and field beans.

Syngenta technical manager Simon Jackson (pictured left) said conventional chemistry was in the pipeline. But he added: “Developments in biologicals are already offering an important bridge in crop agronomy and nutrition strategies.”

Pulse growers and agronomists should take all the best elements of existing cultural controls – including variety choice, rotation and nutrition – and then add proven products and technologies to deliver more consistent yields and crop quality.

New biostimulant technologies offer potential to enhance pulse root crop growth right from the start and through the growing season, said Mr Jackson.