A lecture on the role of big data and technology in farming, and how it can improve farm-level decision making will be streamed online.

The public Christmas lecture at Hartpury University in Gloucestershire will be presented by Professor Matt Bell and will examine agri-technologies and innovation that continue to produce new solutions to address global food needs.

Professor Bell is an expert in agricultural systems and sustainable food production, with an interest in the complex relationships between animals, plants, soils, nutrients, water, and the ever-changing climate. His work uses the latest research techniques to improve farm-level decision making.

Earlier this year, Mr Bell received widespread press coverage after creating a breeding index that would enable farmers to select dairy cows based on traits that are key to enhancing sustainability such as milk production, health, fertility, and lifespan. The index can be replicated on any dairy herd to select and breed cows that are best suited to their farm conditions.

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Professor Steve Draper, Academic Dean and Professor of Research and Knowledge Exchange at Hartpury University said: “We’re looking forward to our second ever annual public Christmas lecture and can’t wait to switch our attention to agriculture and farming, an industry right at the heart of Hartpury’s long history.

“Matt is an expert in his field and will be bringing his fascinating and impactful research to life, showing the remarkable ways technology and big data are addressing the challenges of feeding a growing global population.”

The event takes place on 6 December and will be available to stream online.