The need for alternative sources of energy is pushing biomass crops to the fore. But it’s been estimated the UK needs 7-8 times its current acreage to meet net zero targets, putting increased miscanthus production under the spotlight in Terravesta’s latest project.

On-farm automation and robotics is growing fast. Opico’s Richard Amphlet tells us how a new-generation autonomous weedkiller is saving farmers time and money.

Finding a way to reduce the time spent doing paperwork increases profitability for agricultural contractors. A young ag graduate Will Dunn has done just that, and his time-saving innovation is being used successfully in our region.

Mastitis is a common and costly health issue in dairy cows. Philip Metcalfe describes how he has produced a simple yet transformative solution with a local engineering company, slashing his mastitis rates to improve cow health, staff satisfaction and his bottom line.

The four-year £11.8m AgriTech Cornwall project came to an end in December 2021, but its legacy for innovation in the region’s agricultural industry lives on, says project director Dr Robin Jackson.

The TechnoGrazing approach can boost livestock performance and bring environmental benefits - project lead Dr Sarah Morgan explains the findings.

The Future Farm dairy research platform is investigating innovative approaches to meeting the challenges the industry is facing. We find out more from Duchy College’s Dr Robin Jackson.

Images: Ruth Wills

The Soil Carbon Project set out to find the best way to quantify soil carbon, and there was no shortage of interest from the region’s farmers, says researcher Alex Bebbington.

Dr Mark Young, Head of Innovation at the Centre for Innovation Excellence in Livestock, outlines why he believes innovation is more important than ever for British agriculture.

The €2.5million ReCon Soil project at the University of Plymouth is creating safe and productive soil from waste materials. Professor Mark Fitzsimons tells us more.

Innovation for Agriculture’s livestock researcher, Laura Palczynski, shares her views on innovation in the farming industry, the barriers and the motivators.

Involved in a 12-year project investigating silvopasture, Crediton farmer Andy Gray describes his enthusiasm for this important regenerative practice.