Virgin Media O2 goals to revolutionise rural agriculture with its “Connected Farm of the Future” initiative, in partnership with Cannon Hall Farm situated in Barnsley.
In an effort to eradicate connectivity challenges throughout Cannon Corridor Farm’s sprawling 126-acre property – together with infamous blackspots and notspots – Virgin Media O2 is deploying a community of sensors and screens.
The target is to showcase how these applied sciences can collaborate to reinforce farm operations; saving priceless money and time. Financial modelling carried out by Cebr suggests sensible farming might inject an extra £2.5 billion into the UK economic system and generate 30,390 new jobs in rural areas.
The agricultural business has grappled with quite a few formidable challenges lately, starting from unpredictable climate patterns to labour shortages. Worryingly, DEFRA’s newest Farmer Opinion Tracker revealed that greater than half (52%) of farmers specific pessimism about their future in farming, up from 41 p.c in 2022.
In response to those adversities, Virgin Media O2 – in collaboration with Cannon Corridor Farm and the famend TV presenter Jules Hudson – has conceived the “Connected Farm of the Future” trial to handle points going through the agricultural farming business.
Jules Hudson, identified for his position as a TV presenter in reveals like ‘Springtime on The Farm’ and ‘Escape to the Country,’ emphasises the pivotal position of agriculture within the UK’s rural communities:
“The previous couple of years have been extraordinarily difficult for farmers and the analysis from Virgin Media O2, coupled with this trial, highlights the potential for rural farming and agriculture to be reworked with ever extra helpful applied sciences.
British agriculture faces nice uncertainties, however with out it, the inspiration of our rural communities would disappear.”
Virgin Media O2 has made vital community enhancements at Cannon Corridor Farm to eradicate sign blackspots and notspots, guaranteeing dependable and high-speed cell connectivity throughout the property.
The improved connectivity permits the testing of varied related expertise purposes, together with:
- Defending priceless belongings: Farming communities have lengthy been suffering from gear and livestock theft, costing the business £49.5 million in 2022 alone. The trial equips the farm with trackers, sensors, and switches that monitor the situation of high-value gadgets and alert farmers to open gates—lowering the chance of loss and releasing up priceless time.
- Enhancing security: Farming usually entails working alone in distant areas with restricted or no sign, rising the chance of accidents. The trial addresses this by offering a dependable cell sign throughout the farm, enabling staff to hunt assist if wanted and probably save lives.
- Optimising yields: Local weather change has had a detrimental influence on crop yields worldwide. To fight this, the trial contains the set up of sensors to observe soil moisture, atmospheric temperature, and humidity. These sensors can assess crop well being, irrigation wants, and allow real-time interventions to enhance crop high quality and cut back water consumption.
Rob Nicholson, Proprietor of Cannon Corridor Farm, is enthusiastic concerning the potential of this expertise, stating: “The potential for this technology to help create a more efficient, profitable, and sustainable future for not only our family farm but many other farms across the UK is huge.”
In line with The Great Rural Revival report, improved rural connectivity is anticipated to spice up the UK economic system by £65.1 billion and improve employment by 6.8 p.c. This contains the potential for the agricultural agriculture sector to extend turnover by 9.4 p.c, leading to an extra £2.5 billion per 12 months and 30,390 new jobs.
Nevertheless, the report additionally highlights a digital divide between city and rural agriculture companies; with city companies extra superior in utilising connectivity for numerous functions.
Virgin Media O2 says it’s steadfast in its dedication to rural connectivity, increasing its 4G community to further websites by the UK Authorities’s Shared Rural Network initiative. The corporate calls on policymakers and authorities to streamline infrastructure deployment processes, guaranteeing that rural communities can absolutely harness the advantages of enhanced connectivity.
Jeanie York, CTO at Virgin Media O2, emphasises the transformational energy of connectivity in rural areas: “Through this innovative trial with Cannon Hall Farm, we have demonstrated how a network of sensors, underpinned by excellent connectivity, can make a real impact and transform the way we live and work in rural areas.”
Virgin Media O2’s sensible farm trial demonstrates the immense promise for reworking agriculture in rural areas, addressing urgent challenges, and boosting the UK economic system whereas ushering in a brand new period of farming powered by expertise and connectivity.
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Writer: Ryan Daws
Date: 2023-09-21 09:48:13
