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One such area is data science - as Ed Harris, course manager on the University’s new undergraduate degree, explains: “Data science helps farmers see more, know more, and waste less. Farming has always been about making good decisions - now data science is giving us tools to make those decisions faster and more accurately.

“Farmers are starting to be able to use satellite images, soil sensors, and weather data to know exactly when and where to plant, water or treat crops.

“Technology like drones and cameras generate a lot of data, but the ability to extract useful insights from it, such as timely indicators of crop stress or animal health issues, depends on modern advances in data science.

“By integrating technology with data science, farms make decisions that save money, reduce waste, and work more sustainably while producing more food.”

The new opportunities taking root with this growing focus on data drove a decision to develop the new undergraduate degree. Based at the University’s town centre base in the Quad, in Telford’s Station Quarter development, its first students started their studies last month.

Using data to solve real farming challenges

Ed added: “Our students don’t just study data; they use it to solve real farming challenges.

“At Harper Adams, our BSc (Hons) Applied Data Science and MSc Data Science for Artificial Intelligence courses give students the chance to learn all these skills in a hands-on way.

“Because the courses are based at Station Quarter, students are part of a modern, tech-driven hub with strong links to industry.

“And with our Agricultural Data Science Research Centre feeding in the latest research, students are exposed to cutting-edge tools and ideas from day one. Graduates leave ready to help farming thrive in a data-driven world.

“Our students don’t just sit in lectures; they work with real farm and business data, learning how to solve the kinds of problems farmers and companies face every day.”

Ed believes it is the mix of practical, theoretical and human skills on offer which will prove crucial as students progress in their chosen careers.

He added: “The skills of the future mix coding with farming know-how - and both are equally important.

“The future of farming needs people who can turn raw data into clear, useful advice. That means being comfortable with numbers and computers but also knowing how farms and farming really work.

“Skills like coding, analysing satellite maps, or using artificial intelligence to spot disease in plants and animals are already in demand.

“Just as important are the human skills: being able to work in a team, explain results clearly, and think about ethics and the environment. Farmers and businesses need experts who can bridge technology and the realities of agriculture.”

_{A version of this blog appears in this week's Farmers Weekly magazine.}