Advancing Connectivity in Agriculture RSPAWIR

Prof Mark Barrow, Joint Chair, River Severn Partnership

Connectivity

“We fully understand the complexities of harnessing digital technology in rural communities and agriculture. By awarding this funding to Hartpury University’s Digital Innovation Farm project, we hope to advance applications and improve the adoption of advanced wireless technologies. This is an opportunity to share learning and demonstrate how wireless technologies can be used to great business advantage in both the agri-tech and rural economies.”

About the River Severn Partnership

The River Severn Partnership Advanced Wireless Innovation Region (RSPAWIR) is a £3.75m initiative, wholly funded by the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology and managed by Shropshire Council.

The RSPAWIR brings together stakeholders with an interest in accelerating the use of technologies enabled by Advanced Wireless Connectivity to create opportunities for economic growth, environmental enhancement and social benefit.

The project is promoting the adoption of advanced wireless-enabled technologies across three sectors that have particularly strong roots in the River Severn catchment area:

Water Management
Rural Industries (Agri-Tech)
Public Sector

In collaboration with Harper Adams University, Hartpury University will partner with farmers and landowners in the River Severn Partnership area to demonstrate the adaptation of advanced wireless technologies for crop monitoring, security maintenance and energy regulation.

Find out more in the video below.

Real-world tech in action on our farm

Hartpury Use Cases

Our six use cases below demonstrate how advanced wireless technologies are transforming on-farm efficiency, sustainability and decision-making.

Hartpury Agri-Tech Demonstration Space Map Overview

View the full aerial map of use cases

Remote Expert support for farming

Use Case 1

Real-time remote support for farms helping reduce machinery downtime and costs.

Farm security and asset monitoring

Use Case 2

Protecting farms with smart security and real-time tracking.

Drones for crop and biodiversity monitoring

Use Case 3

Real-time aerial insights for smarter farm management.

Environmental monitoring of livestock housing

Use Case 4

Real-time monitoring for healthier animals and better farm performance

Farm resource management

Use Case 5

Cut costs, boost efficiency and drive sustainability.

Soil health monitoring

Use Case 6

Unlocking soil insights for better crop management

Hartpury University and Hartpury College were excited to launch a series of ‘Farm Forward’ Demonstration Events, showcasing the latest wireless networks and technologies for the farming and rural sectors.

By closing the knowledge gap in advanced tech, and hearing about what the latest networks can offer, these six events showed how farms and rural businesses can boost productivity, sustainability and resilience.

Farm Forward Demo Event Highlights

Ben Thompson, Head of Projects and Business Engagement, Hartpury University:

“Receiving this funding from the RSPAWIR is a significant milestone for Hartpury University. It enables us to further our mission of transforming farming practices through cutting-edge 5G and advanced wireless connectivity technologies. This support will not only bolster our Digital Innovation Farm project but also help us foster collaboration and innovation in the agri-tech sector - benefiting farmers and stakeholders regionally and beyond."

About our Digital Innovation Farm

Agricultural and B2B shows

The RSPAWIR team have attended numerous shows over the last ten months including Burwarton Show, Monmouthshire Show, Moreton Show, Kington Show, Usk Show. These events were an opportunity to ‘showcase tech’ and encourage visitors to the stand to talk to tech experts.

Help us to help you.

Reliable and consistent connectivity, particularly through technologies such as 5G, has the potential to revolutionise agriculture and transform farming practices.

We encourage you to participate in our Rural Digital Connectivity Survey to help us better understand the needs and opportunities in your area.

Your input is invaluable in shaping government policy and the future of rural connectivity.

Useful downloads

RSPAWIR Project Leaflet

Wireless Innovation Grant E-Flyer - Apply for up to £5K to help purchase and install wireless technologies

Mobile Signal Booster Loan Scheme E-Flyer

Future Farming Advert A4 V2 Sept 26

Advancing connectivity in agriculture