What Is Happening in Agritech? Productivity, Knowledge, and Change in Lives

From virtual fencing and digital twins to AI systems that monitor animals, new data‑driven technologies are changing how livestock is farmed in the UK. These tools are being introduced to improve productivity, animal welfare and environmental sustainability, but they are also changing the day‑to‑day work, skills and responsibilities of the farmers and advisors who use them, often in settings where close, constant attention is essential.

This panel discussion will look at what these technologies mean in practice, and for the future of work in farming. How do farmers make sense of, and sometimes challenge, what an AI system is telling them when decisions need to be made quickly? When do these tools help make farms more resilient? And how can technology companies, researchers and policymakers design systems that support farmers’ decision‑making, rather than replace their judgement?

Drawing on real examples from UK livestock farming, the event will bring together perspectives from research and industry to explore how people and AI can work well together, and what knowledge and skills farmers will need as the sector changes. It will be of interest to anyone curious about the future of farming, food and work in an age of AI.

Chaired by Professor Damian Grimshaw (Professor of Employment Studies) and Professor Marcela Miozzo (Professor of Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship), the panel will feature contributions from:

• Jeff Glasson, Chief Product and Technology Officer, Nofence
• Dr Panagiotis Kyriakopoulos, Senior Research Fellow, Aston Business School
• David Speller, CEO & Founder, Optifarm

This event forms part of the which brings together the university’s world‑leading AI research, policy expertise, employer partnerships and interdisciplinary strengths to shape how the UK prepares for the future of work.

Please note, you must pre-book a free ticket to attend this event. We routinely overbook to allow for no-shows. Admission is on a first come, first served basis, so please arrive in good time to avoid disappointment. We will not be able to admit those without tickets.