'Farm of the Future: Net Zero in Practice' event to be held at Harper Adams in 2023

Posted 13 December 2022

A first-of-its-kind event for farmers to explore and understand the farm level changes needed to practically undertake the challenge of Net Zero by 2040 will be held at Harper Adams University next year.  

Hosted by Innovation for Agriculture and with support from Harper Adams, the innovative and pioneering demonstration event will take place at the university on April 13 and bring to life the Royal Agricultural Society of England’s 2022 Farm of the Future report. 

Offering innovative knowledge and realistic solutions, this event will focus on three key areas: 

• Decarbonising livestock production – feeding, breeding and health
• Valorisation of waste, energy and fuel – future fuels, green energy and circular systems on farm
• Autonomous vehicles and robotics – the Hands-free Farm

Through interactive sessions, the day will showcase the very latest research, technology and thinking that will help farmers and growers to reach Net Zero, to decarbonise and to build circularity into their systems. 

Aiming to inspire and inform, a key focus will be on discussion, debate and demonstration. Kicking off with a headline panel debate from farmers who are pioneering in this field, the day will break out into three technical hubs, each of which will be led by a specialist in that topic. 

IfA and RASE CEO David Grint said: “Together with Harper Adams University, as the organisers of this event we recognise that for farmers to undertake the challenge of rural decarbonisation, they must be offered achievable solutions. Through this demonstration event, we hope to inspire and highlight the steps that can be taken, allowing farmers to future-proof their businesses.” 

With a strong line up of exhibitors and speakers set to be announced in the New Year, this event will also be an opportunity to see future technology working in a real farm setting at Harper Adams’ ground-breaking Hands Free Farm.  

Looking forward to what should be a highly informative and pragmatic view of moving farming to Net Zero complete with demonstration which @Bovidiva and I are helping curate. @HarperAdamsUni https://t.co/aBzIUl2WLS

— Kit Franklin (@AgEngResearch) December 13, 2022

ABP Chair of Sustainable Beef and Sheep Production at Harper Adams, Professor Jude Capper, added: “I’m so excited to be part of this leading-edge event. We have some real opportunities to implement on-farm innovations throughout the industry that will help British farmers to make continued progress towards carbon Net Zero, enhance economic and social sustainability and ensure a bright future for both current and future farmers.”  

Whilst the event will be free to attend, places are strictly limited. Details on how to apply for a ticket will be released in January 2023 via the IfA, RASE, and the Harper Adams University website and social media accounts.