‘Major leap’ as robot drills and weeds sugar beet

• 150ha beet planted on farm this spring

• Better results and low carbon footprint

• Promise of more sustainable farming

An advanced autonomous robot has drilled and weeded 150ha of sugar beet in Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire – a move described as a major leap in innovative farming technology.

The beet was planted this spring on behalf of farm management company Sentry, which teamed up with agri-tech company Autonomous Agri Solutions, British Sugar and the British Beet Research Organisation (BBRO).

The move aims to improve planting efficiency, reduce Sentry’s carbon footprint and lower its environmental impact by re- ducing its reliance on pesticides. The company said it was a “a ma jor leap” towards sustainability.

‘Sustainable future’

“By partnering with British Sug ar and BBRO and implementing the Robotti, we are taking a ma jor step towards a more sustainable future for agriculture,” said Sentry director John Barrett.

“This technology will not only improve our planting process, but also help to reduce our environmental impact and promote more efficient use of resources.”

The Robotti uses sensors and algorithms to plant sugar beet seeds with unparalleled accu-

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E: jade.soanes@micropress.co.uk racy. Mr Sentry said it aligned with Sentry’s mantra of optimising inputs, reducing waste and looking after the soil and the surrounding environment.

BBRO to implement the Robotti for a look at how we can make growing sugar beet more sustainable in the future.

“This technology is a significant step towards more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices, and we look forward to seeing the benefits it will bring to the industry.”

Other farming companies have also used the Robotti – including Home Farm Nacton in Suffolk. The machine works in various soil conditions and terrains, making it ideal for large-scale farming. Real-time monitoring adjusts planting parameters on the fly, constantly optimising results.

Andrew Dear, from British Sugar said: “We are proud to partner with Sentry and the

The partnership between Sentry, British Sugar, and BBRO is part of a larger effort to promote sustainable agriculture and reduce the industry’s carbon footprint. The three organisations say they are dedicated to improing the crop quality and yields while reducing environmental impact.

Sentry manages more than 20,000ha of land. The UK’s only employee-owned agricultural and rural advisory business, it is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023.