Virtual college event demonstrates revolutionary precision agriculture tech partnership

A VIRTUAL event gave college students a taste of an innovative farming project.

Coleg Cambria welcomed Aberystwyth University to its Llysfasi site, where researchers from their Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) showcased the legacy of the ground-breaking partnership forged between the two institutions in 2018.

The land-based college and IBERS worked closely to deliver the PreciseAg initiative, carrying out revolutionary on-farm trials of Precision Livestock Technology.

The project focused on dairy, beef and sheep trials and looked at possible future issues and opportunities in the sector to utilise technology including early detection of illness in calves and the benefit of identifying dairy cows’ feed intake.

At this most recent programme – held online due to the Covid-19 pandemic – learners took part in a Q&A with existing IBERS teams, interactive workshops, a quiz, and were given support and guidance on applying for university and preparing a personal statement.

Elin Roberts, site lead and Assistant Principal of Technical Studies at Llysfasi, said: “Holding the virtual Precision Agriculture event was important this year, we did not want the learners to miss out on this opportunity.

“It gave them a virtual overview of the facilities and what life will be like for them in their future careers.

“The sessions covered the benefits of precision agricultural based on scientific research and on farm trial work, which will be crucial in supporting farm businesses in the years ahead.”

She added: “This event and relationship with IBERS not only benefits our current students but also our school link learners who aspire to go to university.

“The positive feedback we received is testament to that and we will continue to build and maintain key relationships that reflect needs of industry going forward.”