The latest in technology for the agricultural sector will be battling it out in the White Rose What’s Next innovation award at the Great Yorkshire Show next month.
The award, now in its fourth year, covers new products developed for farming.
This year’s entries include two different cattle crushes, one a mobile handling system designed for tractor-drawn use and the other focused on noise reduction for improved welfare; a robotic cattle feed mixer and dispenser; the latest in robotic milking equipment; a bale transporter designed to be used with an ATV; a cubicle bedding dispenser which caters for a wide range of bedding products; and a manure robot for dense barn floors which vacuums rather than pushing manure.
On the arable side, a new seed counter allows farmers to set the number of seed per square metre for fast and exact determination of seed volume, while a “smart” ergonomic armrest brings functions such as valve switches, rear-linkage and PTO control all within easy reach for tractor drivers.
Nigel Pulling, Chief Executive of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society said: “We introduced these awards to encourage and promote innovation in farm machinery. Farming is under huge pressure to be more efficient and part of the answer is to harness technological improvements. We want to encourage firms to introduce new technologies and to bring them to the Show where they can be seen by thousands of farmers over the three days.”
The Awards will be judged by Alastair Philip, former Director of Agriculture at Askham Bryan College near York, machinery expert Malcolm Gill, and Bedale farmer Trevor Johnson, with the winner announced on the opening day of the Show, Tuesday 10 July. The judges interview all entrants to find out more about their entries and how they will aid farmers and the rural community.
Organised by Yorkshire Agricultural Society Council members John Penty and John Henderson, the Awards were established to encourage agricultural suppliers to develop new ideas. The overall winner will receive a Rosebowl kindly donated by Mr and Mrs Penty.
Last year’s award went to Lambert and Dyson Ltd of Skipton with a new washer system.
