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Arable NI 2026, hosted on the farm of Ronnie and Tom Wells at Moira, was a collaborative event organised by the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), the Ulster Arable Society (UAS) and the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU).
Incorporating a blend of industry speakers and plot talks the day was supported by sponsor and trade exhibits promoting new technology and best practice in the arable sector.
Following the conference presentations attendees visited three demonstrations to support the challenges faced by arable farmers today. Ed Walsh, Soil Essentials updated attendees around the concept of artificial intelligence (AI) controlled spot spraying technology and its potential to reduce the amount of plant protection products required for successful weed control by over 80% in some situations. This has obvious benefits financially for the farmer but also has ecological benefits in terms of reducing the amount of active ingredient being placed in the environment.
The talk was followed by a demonstration of Soil Essentials Skai spot spraying system. It uses a combination of real time camera sensing technology linked to AI computing. Cameras identify target weeds as the sprayer approaches, activates the appropriate nozzle to treat only the weed identified, rather than spraying the entire width of the boom. This system is now commercially available in Northern Ireland through Grasstec. Newhill Environmental Services has recently purchased one and are offering a contract service to farmers. Alternative systems based on other similar technology are now operating in Northern Ireland.
At the second stop Harry Henderson, a Machinery Consultant from England provided by AHDB, highlighted the issues around soil compaction and the impact it can have on crop performance. He demonstrated the importance of minimising axle weights on machinery involved in field operations keeping them below a 10-tonne axle weight but ideally below 6 tonnes where possible.
Recognising this is not always possible. Harry demonstrated the importance of ensuring the impact of the weight is minimised through optimal tyre set up. This involves establishing the weight on the tyre in different applications and with the use of tyre manufacturer handbooks ensuring the optimal pressure is achieved. New technology including VF tyre technology and central tyre inflation systems were on display demonstrating the technology that can help farmers minimise pressure on the soil surface. A soil pit demonstrated the effect of pressure change in the tractor tyre on compaction of the soil profile and highlighted the benefit that can be achieved from taking the time to correctly inflate the tyre for each job. Harry also reminded farmers of the importance of not overworking soil during cultivations, and the need to work soils when they are at the correct soil moisture.
The last stop focused on the importance of successful drying and storage of the crop. Harvest time is normally the lowest price point in the grain marketing calendar and as such the ability to dry and store grain at harvest is critical for most cereal farms to maximise margins.
Andrew Smith from McArthur BDC reminded growers of the key steps to successful drying and storage of grain. Andrew highlighted the importance of effective grain drying at the start of the storage process, a topic which is very relevant in the damp local climate. He discussed the pros and cons of different drying systems and the importance of accurate moisture sensors to ensure gain is effectively dried. Once dried the importance of effective cooling and ventilation was raised to ensure effective long-term storage. Once in the store he stressed the importance of regular monitoring of the grain. He noted that a rise in temperature would signal spoilage occurring and stressed the need to ventilate or if necessary, moving the grain to prevent the spoilage spreading.
If you would like to discuss any of the issues within this article, please contact your CAFRE Crops Adviser, or visit the CAFRE website.
