Farming 2030 at Digital Week

AS part of Ireland’s first ever National Digital Week that takes place in Skibbereen from November 2nd to 8th, the technological challenges faced by the agriculture sector will be addressed in ‘Farming 2030’ which is being organised by  Ludgate@Skibbereen, Ireland’s first rural digital hub.

‘Irish farming is in the middle of a technological revolution and hi-tech farmers are hungry for new technology, whether it’s self-driving tractors, self-milking cows or even mobile apps to alert owners when cows are calving. ‘Farming 2030’ will discuss what is in store for the future of Irish agriculture as in can big date and technology create a sustainable path for the Irish economy and most importantly spearhead Ireland as a world leader in agricultural digital innovation?’ said Grainne Dwyer, project director of Ludgate@Skibbereen.

‘The vision at Ludgate@Skibbereen is to create a model for sustainable rural economics. This simply means creating an environment where we and our children have the opportunity to work and live in beautiful, non-urban areas, if we so choose. This is the vision we are driving, and the model we are building here in Skibbereen and this is a model which can be applied to any rural area interested in transforming their community.’

Through the sessions and talks during ‘Farming 2030’ organisers hope to inspire the participants and the community in general to consider innovation and technology in agriculture and identify new ideas and opportunities.

One of the sessions taking place is ‘Exploring Farming Technologies’ with speakers in attendance from Teagasc, Microsoft, Drinagh Co-Op and CIT Nimbus. Session 2 deals with ‘Simplifying Animal Health with Technology’ with speakers from Dairymaster, Herdwatch and The Irish Cattle Breeding Federation giving presentations on their subjects.

‘Farming 2030’ will take place in The Southern Star on Wednesday, November 4th, at 9.30am. Early bird tickets are still available from www.digitalweek.ie