FARMERS will be encouraged to get up to speed on the latest smart farming technologies at a free event being held at SRUC’s Edinburgh campus next month.

Agri-tech companies and farmers will be shown developments in precision agriculture such as the use of imaging technologies and the Internet of Things (IoT) to maximise livestock and crop yields, monitor growth conditions and animal welfare.

The Smart Farm event will highlight how these systems are changing the way we farm, using examples and real-world case studies from SRUC researchers.

Co-organiser CENSIS will introduce the expertise and equipment available in its new Vision Lab, a dedicated facility helping businesses adopt or deliver innovative computer vision or imaging solutions.

The European Space Agency's regional ambassador, Pamela Anderson, and the Knowledge Transfer Network's Lucy Mather, will talk about the funding opportunities available in the UK. Guests will also have the opportunity to pitch their own idea, company or research to the audience, with a view to building new research and business networks.

Head of the Innovation Hub at SRUC, Teresa Shutter, said: “The event is designed to get you up to speed on some of the latest imaging technologies as they may be applied to precision agriculture, and used either to address business challenges or spark an idea for a new application, product or service.

“On the day, you’ll have the opportunity to network with attendees, meet technology developers, find out about funding support for collaborative work and perhaps leave the event with a new business or project partnership,” she concluded.

The Smart Farm event, organised by SRUC and CENSIS will be held at SRUC’s Edinburgh campus on Wednesday October 9, between 1pm and 4.30pm. Attendance is free but registration is required with more details on the website at https://www.sruc.ac.uk/smartfarmevent