The nation is split over whether farming is a high-tech industry, according to a new survey commissioned by the NFU.
Results of the YouGov poll revealed 43 per cent of adults class farming as high-tech compared to 38 per cent of people who don’t. 19 per cent were unsure.
This Saturday, the NFU, the Worshipful Company of Farmers and agricultural equipment manufacturer John Deere are teaming up for this year’s Lord Mayor’s Show to demonstrate how farming has transformed itself into a modern, forward-thinking industry and adopted cutting-edge technology such as robotic milking systems, GPS, drones, solar energy and electronic identification of livestock.
The star of the show will be John Deere’s brand new 4-track 9RX tractor – one of the first in Europe. Alongside will be an immaculately restored John Deere model 4020 tractor, manufactured and registered in 1966, towing a trailer with stunning 3D graphics depicting a vibrant and futuristic industry that embraces science and technology.
Five young farmers, all who use different aspects of technology, will accompany NFU, Worshipful Company of Farmers and John Deere representatives, to promote farming to the crowds of more than half a million people expected to line the route of the three mile procession through the City of London.
NFU President Meurig Raymond said: “It’s great to see that nearly half the population recognise farming as a modern, high-tech industry and events such as the Lord Mayor’s Show allow us to promote that to a wider audience. The challenge we now face is to get that message out to those people who don’t realise agriculture is at the forefront of state-of-the-art cutting-edge technology.
“We know young people are very tech-savvy and I want them to be able to see the opportunities available to use those skills as part of a career in agriculture and its allied industries to help us deliver high quality food by developing an efficient, thriving, profitable and sustainable industry to meet the demands of a growing population.
“All of us at the NFU are very honoured to be once again partnering the Worshipful Company of Farmers and John Deere. I know the parade on Saturday will be the culmination of months of hard work and a huge team effort from all sides and I wish them the best of luck.”
John Martin from the Worshipful Company of Farmers said: “We are very grateful to the NFU and John Deere for their unerring help and support in getting the show on the road. Our entry is very exciting and I can’t wait for the thousands of people watching the parade either on the streets of London or on the television to see it.
“This year’s parade provides us with the ideal opportunity to showcase just how British agriculture has transformed itself with food and farming now very much at the top of the public’s agenda.”
Chris Wiltshire from John Deere added: “In the 1960s the 4020 was ahead of its time and became the most popular tractor of its era. The new 9RX is now our flagship product that many large scale food producers are using.
“Next year John Deere celebrates 50 years of operation in the UK so we are extremely proud to back British farming and to demonstrate that support during this year’s Lord Mayor’s Show.”
The Lord Mayor’s Show takes place on Saturday 14 November in the City of London.
