Glynllifon showcases pioneering Agri-Tech innovation
Partners in the Agri-Tech Cymru Cluster recently visited the land-based campus to learn more about technological developments that could benefit the agricultural sector
Coleg Glynllifon recently showcased the pioneering agri-tech innovations taking place at the campus when it hosted the Agri-Tech Cymru Cluster for an informatory visit.
The Agri-Tech Cymru Cluster was created to promote collaboration and innovation in the farming sector in North Wales, and is managed by M-SParc.
Grŵp Llandrillo Menai is a prominent partner in the cluster, and invited other members to see the work taking place at the Glynllifon campus that will benefit not only its students, but businesses in the farming and forestry industries.
Organisations attending included Ambition North Wales, Bangor University, BionerG, Coleg Cambria, Data Cymru, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, Menter Môn, M-SParc and Wynnstay.
They were given a presentation on past, current and future Agri-Tech innovations being trialled at Glynllifon, before seeing some of the tech up close in the workshops.
Some of the innovations spotlighted during the session included the AgBot, the UK’s first fully autonomous, commercially available tractor; Chirrup.ai, an AI-powered tool which monitors biodiversity by identifying the calls of 148 different bird species; and the planned sheep-milking centre intended to develop a growing business opportunity for Welsh sheep farmers.
The presentation also covered recent studies at Glynllifon, including trials of hydroponics to grow crops, TechnoGrazing systems for sheep and cattle, biological fly control in pig units and LoRaWAN sensors to aid farmers’ decision-making.
Tech leaders and other organisations attending the event were impressed at the innovative work taking place at the Glynllifon campus, a 700-acre historic estate comprising 400 acres of farmland and 300 acres of woodland.
Pryderi ap Rhisiart, M-SParc managing director, said: “Glynllifon provided the perfect setting to showcase the latest innovations shaping the future of agriculture; they are clearly leading the way in adoption of the technology in the region.
“The Agri-Tech Cluster is all about fostering collaboration, and events like this highlight the power of bringing together industry, academia and technology to drive progress. I’m delighted that we can support this emerging industry and look forward to seeing more ideas being developed and adopted in the region.”
Alwyn Roberts, water project manager for Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, said: “It was great to see the innovation taking place at Glynllifon and how improving farm production efficiency and protecting water quality go hand in hand.
“Events like these are important for the dissemination of the latest agri-tech developments and to advocate those win-win benefits for farm profitability and the wider environment.”
Martin Jardine, Grŵp Llandrillo Menai Director of Agri Food, said: “Coleg Glynllifon was delighted to welcome stakeholders to see first-hand the innovations and technological developments being trialled at the campus.
“Coleg Glynllifon has bolstered its capacity to deliver support for the agri-food sector and is well positioned to deliver knowledge transfer to partners and industry stakeholders.
“Looking ahead, Coleg Glynllifon will play a key role in delivering skills and continuing professional development for the sector. There are lots of exciting developments in progress which will support the sector to diversify, adopt new technologies, increase productivity and improve sustainability.”
Glynllifon is a land-based campus with residential facilities, situated on the Glynllifon Estate near Caernarfon. The Glynllifon farm extends to 400 hectares and is a perfect environment for studying countryside management and agricultural studies. To learn more about the courses on offer, click here.