Agriculture and Water: Education through Instrumentation

This workshop brings together experts and stakeholders from agriculture, water companies, and environmental sectors to collaborate on building constructive relationships through the use of instrumentation and data capture for sustainable water management. With a focus on actionable insights, this event highlights the crucial role of the agricultural sector in safeguarding water resources amidst climate change and a growing population.

Attendees will explore practical, data-driven solutions in action, including ongoing work at Harper Adams University and within the Strine catchment. The workshop covers key topics such as how climate change, population growth, and urban runoff are reshaping water availability, particularly in regions like Shropshire. As water becomes scarcer, farmers are increasingly challenged to balance food production, land stewardship, and river health. This event will demonstrate how sensors and data-driven tools have encouraged and provided education for farmers and land managers to adopt sustainable practices, protect water quality, and respond to environmental challenges around water availability.

Participants will gain valuable insights into how data informs critical decisions—from irrigation planning to managing runoff—by capturing, sharing, and applying data across sectors. Strengthening these connections enables stakeholders to work together effectively, with farmers playing a key role in protecting our environment while meeting agricultural needs. Join us to discover impactful solutions and foster collaboration for a sustainable agricultural future.

Draft Agenda:

Chaired by: Melvyn Kay (UKIA)

09:30 – 10:00 | Introduction

10:00 – 10:40 | Kate Mayne, Strine Internal Drainage Board – Urban Water Impacts on Rural Land Management: An Example from the Strine IDB

10:40 – 11:20 | Cath Edwards, Severn Trent – Diffuse Pollution from Agriculture: A Water Company Perspective

11:20 – 11:50 | Refreshments & Networking

11:50 – 12:30 | Jerry Knox, Cranfield University – Monitoring and Modelling Low and High Flows for Agriculture

12:30 – 13:30 | Lunch & Networking

Chaired by: Jim Monaghan (Harper Adams University)

14:00 – 14:40 | Lucy Crockford, Harper Adams University – Rewetting Peat – A Multi-Dimensional Affair

14:40 – 15:20 | Steve Moncaster, Cator & Co –Cedar Farm (Upton Broad) Smart Water Management System

15:20 – 16:00 | John Patrick, Felixstowe Hydrocycle – How Simple Data Helped Felixstowe Hydrocycle Deliver a Simple Solution

Suggested Accommodation:

Lilleshall House and Gardens - Please use the discount code HARPER23 at the time of booking to secure a 10% discount on listed rates.

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