Agriculture has been at the centre of technological advancements over the centuries. From the invention of the wheel, through the industrial revolution, to today’s internet and technology developments. Our forefathers have seen the phasing out of the horse to the motorised tractor. Are we seeing another huge change in our lifetime? Will diesel and petrol powered tractors give way to all electric ones? There is already a big switch from fossil fuelled equipment to all electric types, especially in the domestic market.
As the cost of internet connectivity has fallen, the number of connected devices has increased. It is estimated that each person has an average of three devices that are connected to the internet - known as the Internet of Things (IoT). These would include smart devices that control lights and security systems. The number of these types of devices is expected to double in the next five years.
IoT is also getting popular in agriculture and horticulture. They range from monitoring devices, such as sensors monitoring precipitation in an irrigation system on a golf course and devices that allow farmers monitor the onset of diseases in crops, informing them of the appropriate time to spray.
Automation and robotics in agriculture benefits the environment as it reduces the amount of chemicals and fertilisers being applied to the land. The development of electric and battery operated vehicles allows for less dependency on fossil fuels, which is another plus for the environment. Sales of these machines are continuing to grow each year.
Farmers and growers are becoming more aware of the environment. They are trying their best to reduce their carbon footprint and are looking for ways of doing this. Dealers are already coming on board with this concept as the trend to grow more with less land, water and nutrients is becoming more important, even when the world’s population is increasing.
A unique two-day agricultural festival that specialised in regenerative farming took place in the UK last June. Called Groundswell 2023 and in its eighth year, it highlighted the importance of sustainable agriculture. Those that exhibited needed to pass the show organiser’s ethos of sustainability, which included dealers around the UK. Over 6,500 people attended the show and it is marking the way for similar show types to follow.
A dealership that specialises only in sustainable equipment might be the way forward for some who are considering a niche market opportunity. There are a range of products that would fulfil this criteria - robotic mowers, electric utility vehicles, precision agriculture using GPS technology in tractors and much more. The interest is definitely out there, especially in the public domain as people are becoming more aware of ways of protecting the environment.
It would be great if a similar show like Groundswell could be organised here in Ireland. Service Dealer owner, Duncan Murray-Clarke wrote an excellent article about Groundswell 2023 in the September/October 2023 edition of the Service Dealer magazine which I recommend you to read.
Speaking of shows, the National Ploughing Championships begin tomorrow at Ratheniska in County Laois. This three day event is expected to attract up to 300,000 visitors. I hope that all the dealers who are exhibiting there will get plenty of visitors and generate lots of sales and new business. Let’s hope the weather stays kind during the event.
