Ulster Bank business roadshow: Self-steer tractor on futuristic farm

GPS self-steer tractors, automated machinery, performance monitors and yield maps are already giving some Irish farms a futuristic edge, agri-tech leaders heard at an Ulster Bank business roadshow in Kilkenny.

Kevin Nolan of share-farm company Nolan Farming, gave first-hand insights on technology advances.

“In my Nuffield Scholar travels, I learned about best practices from farms around the world and am putting them into action at home,” he said.

“Technology such as self-steer tractors and combine harvesters changed how I farm and have given me a flexible way of working, with greater productivity and efficiencies.”

Some 50 people attended the event in Kilkenny River Court Hotel. Dr Frank O’Mara, director of research, Teagasc, looked at how technology underpins competitiveness.

Pat Ryan, Glanbia senior farm development manager, discussed the evolution of farm technology.

Fergal O’Brien, director of policy, IBEC, discussed agri policy and Brexit. Other speakers included Maura O’Keeffe, Ulster Bank, and Dearbhail McDonald, Independent News and Media.

Maura O’Keeffe, senior manager Ulster Bank, said: “From talking to customers, we know farmers have specific needs, notably when it comes to digital innovation.

"We are delighted to talk to farmers and agri food businesses about their banking needs and how we can help them fulfil their ambitions.”