What’s Next for Farming?

Farmers are never slow to embrace new technology and the latest developments in the agricultural sector will be battling it out in the White Rose What’s Next innovation award at the Great Yorkshire Show.

This is the fifth year that the award will recognise research and development projects designed to make farming easier and more efficient.

This year’s entries include a range of new materials-handling innovations, from a hand-truck that lifts the whole load for the operator thanks to a new pivot system, to a tractor with a built-in telescopic handler, allowing it to be used as both a conventional tractor and a telehandler. Safety is covered by a proximity awareness pack designed specifically for forklifts to enhance visibilty and improve workforce safety.

On the livestock side, new products include a calf isolation unit designed to reduce both the risk of cross infection and the need for antibiotics, and a mobile hydraulic cage dipper for sheep which can be set up almost anywhere and treat up to 4,500 sheep in a day.

Farmers looking for improved effiency can see a universal woodworking station designed to allow the creation of slabs, fence posts and planks from surplus timber on the farm, while a lactic acid bacteria formula for treating silage is designed to offer improved fermention and longer aerobic stability.

The move to electric vehicles is also covered with a new electric all-terrain ranger which offers up to 30 miles on a single charge, with the added benefit of being noise-free.

Nigel Pulling, Chief Executive of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society said: “Farmers have never been slow at taking up technological innovations which can improve life on the farm, both for the workforce and livestock, while often making savings through added efficiency. Displaying these innovative products at the show means they will 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 9 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 DeLaval for its OptiDuo cattle feeder.

The Yorkshire Agricultural Society presents a raft of different awards throughout the Great Yorkshire Show to highlight farming excellence as well as promoting agriculture to the next generation.

• Veg Box competition – encourages children from schools across Yorkshire to think about the field to fork journey. Judges visit in June, to choose the 12 boxes which go through to the grand final which are on display in the Garden Marquee. The winner is crowned on Wednesday 1pm in the Garden Show marquee.
• White Rose Innovation Award – aims to find the best in new farm machinery innovation. Presented on Tuesday at 3pm on the winning stand.
• Lifetime Achievement Award & YAS Awards for Stewards – A YAS and Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) award for those who have made an outstanding contribution to the Yorkshire rural community as well as awards for YAS supporters. Presented at 3:45pm Tuesday on the President’s Lawn.
• Tye Trophy –highlighting some of the best farms in the north of England and recognising the contribution of farmers to conservation and environmental improvement. Presented at 11am Wednesday on the President’s Lawn.
• Long Service Award – presented each year to employees of members of YAS who have worked for 35 years for the same family, farm or estate. Presented 3:30pm Wednesday on the President’s Lawn.
• Student Awards – celebrating the Best Students in Agriculture at colleges or universities throughout the north of England. Presented at 3:30pm Wednesday on the President’s Lawn with Long Service Awards.
• John Boddy Award – focuses on a different aspect of woodland management each year and is judged by the Forestry Commission, Royal Forestry Society’s the Yorkshire division, Yorkshire Agricultural Society and the Environment Agency. Presented on Wednesday, July 10 at 5pm in the Forestry Marquee.
• Best Soldier in the First Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment – a YAS Cup to the best soldier in the regiment presented on Wednesday at 5pm in the Main Ring.

The 161st Great Yorkshire Show will be held on Tuesday July 9th to Thursday July 11th 2019

EDITOR’S NOTES

• The Great Yorkshire Show is England’s premier agricultural event, organised by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society
• The YAS supports and promotes the farming industry through health care, business, education and funding scientific research into rural affairs.
• The YAS is supported by its family of businesses including Fodder, Yorkshire Event Centre, Pavilions of Harrogate and the Harrogate Caravan Park as well as events Great Yorkshire Show, Countryside Live and Springtime Live.
• Events at the Great Yorkshire Showground contribute £47 million a year to the local economy.

CONTACT

Jo Francisco
PR Manager
Yorkshire Agricultural Society
Direct Line: 01423 546215 | Mobile: 07954 007414
Email: jof@yas.co.uk

Sophie McCandlish
Great Yorkshire Show Press Officer
PR@yas.co.uk
Direct line: 01423 546395

Sara Lamper
Great Yorkshire Show Press Officer
PR@yas.co.uk
Direct line: 01423 546395 | Mobile: 07759 795990