Good Morning. Rain will persist in central areas throughout the day but will become lighter and more patchy. Some areas will be drier and brighter, though it will remain cool for many. Expect sunshine and showers on tomorrow, with rain potentially moving into eastern areas later and continuing into Saturday. The weekend will be drier but rather cloudy, with some showers still likely.

In todays email:

• Farm incomes in Northern Ireland nearly halved in 2023.

• AI Integration Expands in Agriculture Education.

• Morrisons becomes first retailer to trial agri skills digital platform.

Farm incomes in Northern Ireland nearly halved in 2023

Farm incomes in Northern Ireland nearly halved in 2023, according to new figures from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera). Provisional estimates show that total income from farming (TIFF) dropped from £609m in 2022 to £341m in 2023, a 44% reduction. TIFF represents returns on labour, management, and capital invested.

Farmers reduced purchases of fertiliser and lime in 2023 but spent more on feedstuffs, which accounted for over half the total gross inputs. Across all farm types, farm business income is expected to decline by 46%, falling from an average of £51,043 in 2022-23 to £27,345 in 2023-24.

Significant decreases are expected in cereal (-80%) and dairy farming (-70%), while increased pig prices are projected to boost pig farm incomes by 84%. Higher beef prices should lead to a rise in incomes for cattle and sheep in less favoured areas by 8% and in lowland farms by 3%.

Agriculture and Environment Minister Andrew Muir stated that fluctuating market conditions remain a challenging issue for farmers, primarily due to global market price influences beyond Daera's control. The department focuses on helping farmers mitigate cost and price pressures through improved productivity and resilience, along with environmental sustainability. These goals are central to the new farm support and development programme.

The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise in Antrim continues to provide relevant training and support to farmers.

Total gross agricultural output fell to £2.87bn in 2023, with dairying comprising almost a third (£892m). Milk production and prices per litre also decreased. Intensive sectors like poultry, eggs, and pig production saw increases in output value, despite reduced production in the pig and egg sectors.

AI Integration Expands in Agriculture Education

Increasingly, agricultural programs are adopting AI to boost food production and prepare students for rapidly evolving job markets. Here's a closer look:

• Rising Investment in AI: The National Science Foundation (NSF) has launched its National Artificial Intelligence Research Institutes to advance AI research and workforce development, with five universities each receiving $20 million over five years to enhance AI use in agriculture.

• University Initiatives: The University of Washington focuses on AI for orchard crops like cherries and apples. The AgAID Institute, managed by Jordan Jobe, aims to use AI for workforce transformation, reflecting the agriculture sector’s shift towards technology due to labor and resource constraints.

• Industry Adoption: According to RELX, 87% of agriculture industry players now use AI, up from 84% in 2019. Purdue University’s Dennis Buckmaster highlights the growing research funding for advanced technologies, which are crucial for future agricultural advancements.

• Technological Applications: AI projects include monitoring dairy cows' feed intake to improve sustainability and animal welfare. Iowa State uses AI to identify plant and insect species from images, providing practical applications for students interested in applying STEM skills to farming.

• Student Opportunities: Students with tech skills in agriculture have numerous job prospects. Despite increasing interest, industry demand for tech-savvy graduates exceeds supply.

• Farmer Adoption: Farmers are eager to adopt AI technologies, such as Illinois State University’s "Roomba for farming," which uses AI to plant cover crops. These innovations help attract students back to rural communities by modernizing the perception of farming.

• Communication is Key: Ensuring farmers understand the benefits of AI is crucial. As UW’s Jobe notes, clear communication about how AI can increase yields and conserve resources is essential for widespread adoption.

By integrating AI, agricultural programs not only enhance food production but also prepare students for the future of farming.

🍯 Buz-Worthy

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🛒 Products Under £1000

IAE Cattle Water Trough – Includes a drain plug and bung as standard.

Handy THHTA 5 prong hallow tine aerator.

Buffalo single and double compact tractor plough.

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🧀 Farm to Fork

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