Technology continues to play an increasingly important role on Irish farms, with new developments offering opportunities to reduce labour requirements, improve efficiency and support better decision-making. However, while some technologies have become commonplace, others are only beginning to find their feet.

In this week’s agri tech Focus, we examine two very different aspects of agricultural technology, from the equipment already being used on Irish dairy farms to the growing potential of drones in agriculture.

New Teagasc research provides an interesting insight into the technologies Irish dairy farmers are actually investing in. The study, which examined 18 technologies across 250 dairy farms, found that practical automation continues to lead the way.

Automatic bulk tank washers were used by 86% of farms surveyed, while 78% had automatic manure scrapers and 70% used automatic in-parlour feeding systems. In contrast, just 2% reported using robotic milking systems, highlighting the considerable differences in adoption between technologies.

Drones

Meanwhile, the use of drones in agriculture is moving well beyond aerial photography.

From monitoring crop health and measuring grass growth to spreading fertiliser, lime and seed, these machines could open up new possibilities, particularly on wet or difficult-to-access land.

However, there are important regulatory considerations, particularly around the aerial application of pesticides. Proposed changes to EU legislation could create new opportunities for agricultural drone operators in the coming years.

Ultimately, the success of agricultural technology will depend on its ability to deliver real benefits at farm level, whether through saving time, reducing costs or helping farmers make more informed management decisions.