The Hartpury Digital Farming Network has been launched to keep UK farmers in touch with the latest technological advancements in the agriculture industry, to help them become more productive and sustainable.

Created by the Hartpury Agri-Tech Centre at Hartpury University and Hartpury College, the new initiative provides the agriculture community with an opportunity to share knowledge and experience, and to collaborate in carrying out industry-led testing and trials for the latest digital technologies.

This valuable work will produce benefits to the local, regional and wider farming community in driving productivity and efficiency, as well as providing essential support and advice to agri-tech businesses and professionals.

The Hartpury Digital Farming Network, which will include lead representatives from all farming sectors, will also further enhance work placement opportunities for agriculture students at Hartpury, through its growing relationships with industry.

Ben Thompson, Hartpury Agri-Tech centre manager, said "This is an extremely exciting time to be working with some fantastic farms across the different agricultural sectors.

"The Digital Farming Network will strengthen the connection between innovation and real-world practice, and provide farmers, tech companies and Hartpury students with a collective voice in driving forward innovation and accelerating the production of viable long-term tech solutions.

"Members of the Digital Farming Network will also play an integral part in the current and ongoing developments as part our 10-year vision in creating a Digital Innovation Farm."

Agriculture degrees and diplomas at Hartpury - one of the UK's leading agricultural education institutions - provide routes into a diverse range of career opportunities within the UK and international agriculture industry, including farm management, agronomy, policymaking, research, science and consultancy.

The Hartpury Agri-Tech Centre is a unique complex of purpose-built facilities enabling farmers, Hartpury students and organisations involved in agriculture to enjoy easy and comprehensive access to the latest commercial technology.

Farmers and tech businesses interested in finding out more about the Hartpury Digital Farming Network, or about working with the Agri-Tech Centre, should email agri-tech@hartpury.ac.uk