Agri-tech’s transformative role in tackling some of the biggest challenges currently facing farming and wider society is at the heart of a new five-part docuseries.

Produced by the UK Agri-Tech Centre in partnership with Harper Adams University, the Farming Smarter YouTube docuseries follows two neighbouring tenant farmers in Somerset as they use agri-tech and innovative methods to rebuild soils, protect water, enhance biodiversity and cut inputs and emissions.

The two farmers at the centre of the series are Rob Addicott and Jeremy Padfield, who farm near to one another in Somerset and share both technology and staffing resources across their farms.

Farming Smarter sees them use agri-tech to tackle a range of issues, from improving their soils on compacted and waterlogged ground, to dealing with record rainfall and the battle to stop runoff and nutrient loss.

They also turn to agri-tech solutions on their livestock enterprises, with Jeremy integrating Ritchie automated weighing and EID tagging to improve beef health and reduce stress, while Rob confronts a persistent parasite in his sheep, facing tough decisions on treatment and welfare.

Biodiversity is also a central theme as resistant weeds pose challenges, illustrating the need to balance nature-based solutions with targeted controls. Chirrup Nano AI bird-listening devices are in operation on the farm and help identify Red List species, providing a measurable example of on-farm biodiversity.

By year-end, emissions fall by 33%, soils improve and new rotations add resilience to their farming systems. Carbon baselining, woodland restoration trials and the next generation signal a realistic vision for smart, future-ready farming and the pair also undertake a journey of discovery in terms of agri-tech’s role on-farm.

Rob said: “We’ve managed to create a profitable, sustainable business whilst looking after the natural environment and protected ourselves against a rapidly changing farming situation. Technology has been a big part of that.

“For example, our GPS-guided fertiliser spreader means we only apply nutrients where they’re needed, saving money and reducing runoff. We’ve also trialled humates to cut chemical inputs, and we use soil testing and mapping to understand what’s really happening underground.”

Jeremy added: “Agri-tech has opened up opportunities we couldn’t have imagined years ago. Automated weighing systems and EID tags mean we can monitor cattle health without stress and that data helps us make better decisions on feed and welfare.

“But it’s not without challenges. Tech can fail, costs are high and you need the skills to interpret the data. It’s a learning curve, but one that pays off.”

Helen Brookes, Engagement Director at UK Agri-Tech Centre, said one of the organisation’s key drivers was facilitating the development of farm-ready agri-technology.

She added: “Farming Smarter captures the transformative effect agri-tech can have on-farm and how it can drive both profit and wider sustainability for agricultural businesses. It is vital that we test and  trial agri-tech on real commercial farms to ensure the technology is robust and relevant and stands up to the demands of farmers.

“UK Agri-Tech Centre is focused on supporting the development of world-leading and commercially viable innovation in this critical sector. We also pioneer on-farm test and trial of agri-technology and Farming Smarter clearly demonstrates the importance of this real-world application.” 

Prof Michael Lee, Harper Adams University Deputy Vice Chancellor, said: "True progress in sustainable agriculture comes from farmers, scientists, and innovators working side by side.

“What Jeremy and Rob are demonstrating through this documentary series is that collaboration is our most powerful tool, because sustainability isn’t achieved through technology alone. It requires shared learning, honest reflection and a willingness to rethink how we produce food.

“By bringing together practical experience with cutting-edge research, we can build farming systems that are resilient, productive and genuinely future-focused."

The docuseries is available on the UK Agri-Tech Centre YouTube channel: UK Agri-Tech Centre - YouTube