Embracing Agri-Tech Safely: What Farmers Need to Know

Over the past three decades, Agri-Tech has revolutionised farming, bringing innovations that enable greater efficiency, reduced waste, and improved yields. However, with rapid technological progress comes new challenges. According to Sarah Froy, NFU Mutual’s Chief Loss Control Surveyor, “Farmers must adapt to the pace of change, and evolving risks such as cyber security, and manage the potential for technology to fail or become obsolete. These factors make careful planning essential.”

“Farmers today are increasingly adopting cutting-edge technologies like drones for crop monitoring, IoT devices for soil and weather analysis, and AI-driven analytics to inform decision-making,” explains Sarah “We’ve also seen significant uptake of GPS tracking systems in agricultural vehicles, robotic milking parlours that recognise individual cows, and automated feeding systems. These systems, for instance, can use driverless vehicles to distribute feed and identify livestock via ear-tags to customise individual servings.”

“The benefits of these technologies are immense,” says Sarah. “Robotic milking parlours, for example, allow cows to be milked at their convenience, improving yield, and reducing the need for constant human supervision. This frees up farmers and their teams to focus on other essential tasks, improving efficiency and resource management overall.”

Preparing for Agri-Tech: expert tips for farmers

For farmers considering Agri-Tech, Sarah offers this advice: “As with any major investment, research is crucial. Evaluate the reliability and reputation of the provider, and consider the total cost of ownership, including training, maintenance, and potential risks. I always recommend visiting farms that have been using the technology for a while so you can fully understand both its advantages and challenges. You should also liaise with your insurer before purchase to ensure you are able to obtain adequate insurance cover.”

Sarah also highlights the importance of training and safety: “Make sure every employee understands how to use the equipment safely and effectively. Have a robust service and maintenance plan in place and ensure you can fall back on manual processes if there’s a power outage or breakdown.”

NFU Mutual’s support for safe Agri-Tech integration

“At NFU Mutual, our Loss Control Surveyors and Risk Management Service (RMS) Health and Safety Consultants work with farmers to ensure their Agri-Tech investments are protected,” Sarah explains. “We can identify potential hazards such as fire risk, business interruption, safety and other hazards and give advice about how to minimise and control these risks alongside advice on securing theft-attractive equipment. Our goal is to help farmers maximise the benefits of Agri-Tech while minimising risks.”

Risk Management Services are provided by NFU Mutual Risk Management Services Limited and are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority or the Prudential Regulation Authority.