Drone training workshops for farmers in Midlands

A bold and exciting series of training in drone technology will be delivered to Midlands farmers next week.

This is part of a brand-new tranche of training in digital technologies for farmers in counties Laois, Offaly and Westmeath taking place next Thursday, September 8.

The initiative is being held as part of the Smart Agri Hub Project Agri Innovation Development Midlands (AIDM) to encourage those in the agri food sector to adopt and embrace digital technologies.

Regina Dunne, who is one of two Project Managers, along with Niall Kelly, Director of The Cube says: “Deploying Drones is incredibly exciting and promising for the agri food sector in the Midlands. Really, remote control over farming will help to give farmers back control and autonomy. We know that farmers are time poor and we need to help them embrace more sustainable technological solutions.

"Drones and other technological sensors can help so much - for example, they can help to gauge carbon sequestration and reduce water usage hugely by pinpointing the precise levels of water and fertiliser usage based on sensor movement, meaning much less waste and ultimately expense for farmers.

"Drones can complement farming practices and help to prevent losses due to human error; they are useful in helping to combat sudden weather changes by helping to ensure optimal conditions and above all give farmers peace of mind in the knowledge that their infrastructure will continue to work,” she explained.

“Drone training is just one part of what we are doing her at AIDM as technological innovations can help us so much. It is truly incredible how even simple digital tweaks can give farmers huge autonomy and freedom.

"I understand that sometimes farmers may feel overwhelmed when they hear about tech advances for their sector but really even something as simple as the Herdwatch App can save a farmer invaluable hours and free up their time and help to reduce stress levels,” Regina added.

“We know that those in agri food production and the greater farming community want to get involved in the digital transformation, but sometimes they are unsure of where to access help, support and information.

“There is a myriad of supports here in the Midlands and we are focused on helping famers learn about sustainable land management for reducing carbon footprint in the agri industry and use of open source aerial technology to improve farming processes, and in turn increase yields and productivity," she added.

As the agri food industry moves to digital farming, it is essential that services are provided on a local level, Regina Dunne continued.

"We are the link, opening doors to all involved in the agri food industry to allow them access services”.

“It is imperative that they have the necessary information and tools to enable them become more competitive through the adoption of digital systems”.

“The Midlands is a fertile area for agriculture, 10% of national farmers are based in the region. We will be providing farmers, Agri business owners, including Agri tech businesses with all the help they need to access relevant services for them.

Given our current Global Climate crisis, it is essential that stakeholders in the Agri food industry have access to emerging technologies and funding streams”.

“We really want to hear the voices of farmers on how hubs like ourselves in the Midlands can support the agri industry and progress innovation and access to training and business supports and finance.

"We want to hear what innovations farmers are using and those they’re not due to barriers to finance, time, training or knowledge. We have the facilities to collaborate with both the public and private bodies to deliver workshops, training, a drop-in clinic for business advice, and more. We're here to support farmers, who as we all know work incredibly hard. "

Those interested in attending can fill in this form https://forms.gle/avGtRKxucdTkqBzL7

There will be further drone training on September 15 Sign up ere: https://forms.gle/k3mUBj3Rv2kTUQcUA

The drone training is but one of the many innovative developments being conducted through AIDM.

“The development of the Agri Innovation Development Midlands (AIDM) is the first of its type in the Midlands. It is a catalyst for Agri Food organisations.

"The AIDM is a one stop shop, serving agri food related companies within the Midlands, helping them to become more competitive through the adoption and development of digital innovations.

"Our regular workshops and training events are serving as the conduit between all stakeholders. We are introducing Technology providers and innovators to the people engaged in the Agri food and farming sectors, providing them with real, tangible sources of information and investment.”

This consortium is a unique service in the Midlands, sourcing data and provide educational and training relevant to the agri food and farming industry in the Midlands.

"From our extensive network we are hoping to create and in depth understanding of the issues facing the agri industry in the future, both from a risk mitigation and opportunity perspective.

"We will share this information with our consortium of partners including agri Consultants and investors to educate and help deliver digital adoption to drive growth and ensure the future of the sector across the Midlands”.

AIDM will be linking in with agri tech Clusters and it aims to provide a wealth of knowledge to farmers in the Midlands.

All of workshops will be available through a hybrid model to ensure full accessibility and Zoom links will be available on www.bloomhq.ie or www.cubecentre.ie with dates and times.