Launch of new course: Adopting Precision Technology in Agriculture

Posted 20 February 2019

Harper Adams University and The Farmer’s Livery have launched their new industry course, Adopting Precision Technology in Agriculture. Spread over 2019/2020, the courses, which is being sponsored by NFU Mutual, comprises three independent weeks of study with two weeks in the UK and one week in the Netherlands.

The course is aimed primarily at farmers, farm managers and those associated with delivering and utilising advanced agricultural technology in the field and aims to fill the gap between research, science and technology and the farmers who might use new technologies. Delegates will learn to to use information from their own farms/businesses and will have the opportunity to develop a “Precision Vision” for their own business.

Harper Adams University is renowned for its research and practical delivery of precision technology in agriculture. The University is now seeking participants who have or who are considering implementing new technologies within their business but somehow, as yet, are not truly convinced about the technical, financial or operational benefits that implementation can bring to their own units.

This course will provide an opportunity to see it in practice, talk to the innovators, the industry leaders, the disruptors, and assess for themselves the opportunities and benefits that precision farming can bring.

Dr David Llewellyn, Vice Chancellor of Harper Adams University, said: “There has been much discussion about the technological revolution in farming, but not as much practical assistance to get farmers on board with the adoption of these new approaches. I am therefore delighted to say that a new programme, for farmers, has been created by Harper Adams University in partnership with the Worshipful Company of Farmers, and key sponsors, NFU Mutual. The course, spread over three separate weeks and involving contributions from academics and innovative organisations in the UK and a study visit to the Netherlands, will help farmers consider how the adoption of new technologies could improve the performance of their businesses”

Karen Mercer, Chair of the Education Committee at the Worshipful Company of Farmers, commented “The Worshipful Company of Farmers are delighted to be partnering with Harper Adams University to offer this exciting new course. The APTA course will present delegates with the necessary knowledge and tools to embrace precision technology, which will have a direct impact on the ways they manage their businesses.”

Applications open on February 20, 2019. The application process includes completion of an application form, and an interview to be held at Harper Adams University on September 12, 2019. Further information can be found on the Harper Adams website harper.ac.uk/apta or by contacting Course Director Simon Thelwell at apta@harper-adams.ac.uk.