High-tech answers to some of farming’s toughest challenges will take centre stage at this year’s Great Yorkshire Show, with the launch of a new hydrogen-powered Agri-Innovation Village.
The feature, hosted by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society’s Farmer Scientist Network, will showcase the digital, energy and environmental technologies that could help farm businesses become more resilient in the face of climate volatility, fuel insecurity and rising costs.
The 167th Great Yorkshire Show takes place from Tuesday 14 to Friday 17 July in Harrogate, with visitors invited to drop into the Agri-Innovation Village throughout the four-day event.
Sponsored by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority and Greene Tree, the new area builds on the show’s previous Innovation Zone and has been relocated alongside the live machinery demonstration ring, where some of the machines on display will be demonstrated with commentary.
One of the most striking features will be the use of hydrogen power. Electricity for the Agri-Innovation Village will be generated by a hydrogen unit supplied by TCP Group, highlighting the potential for cleaner power solutions in rural working environments.
Hydrogen fuel is being explored as a future route for sustainable farming, including the production of green ammonia for fertiliser and the use of fuel cells in tractors and farm machinery. While the technology is still at an early stage, organisers say the village will offer a practical glimpse of what may be possible.
Dr Dave George, chair of the Farmer Scientist Network, said there was “no better platform than the Great Yorkshire Show” to inspire farmers and the public about the ways agricultural challenges are being met by innovative technology.
He added: “It is a great feat to have the Agri-Innovation Village powered by hydrogen. It shows the potential for using this technology to tackle energy security, which is such a topical issue at the moment. Come and see how agriculture is at the cutting-edge of innovation.”
Displays will include a JCB electric-powered backhoe, hydrogen-powered vehicles from Energy Oasis and Toyota’s British-built hydrogen fuel cell Hilux prototype pick-up, which will be showcased at a UK agricultural show for the first time.
The village will also feature CatchmentAI’s Probcast app, designed to identify the best weather windows for farming tasks, and Bennamann’s modular bio-CNG refuelling station, which turns farm-produced biogas into vehicle fuel for methane-powered tractors.
Other exhibits will include Black Soldier Fly breeds from MY Group and Wormganix Ltd, farmed as alternative protein sources for aquaculture, pork and poultry feed, as well as TCP Group’s off-grid clean power generator, solar PV, battery and inverter systems, and solar hybrid mobile lighting tower.
Farmers will also be able to bring soil samples to the University of Leeds Soil Doctor, where experts will analyse soil health. Greene Tree will showcase hybrid renewable energy solutions, including an Archimedes wind turbine, solar panels and battery storage systems.
Alongside the displays, a programme of talks will explore the future of farming, with topics including farm fuels, data-driven agriculture and the best use of artificial intelligence. The GYS Innovation Awards will also be presented on Tuesday.
The area will host social events for the farming community, including a Farmer Scientist Network gathering on Tuesday and a Women in Farming Network event on Thursday. Attendance is free, although visitors will need a valid show ticket.
Organised by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, the Great Yorkshire Show attracts around 140,000 visitors over four days and features approximately 8,500 animals. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
For an industry facing intense pressure to cut costs, reduce emissions and improve productivity, the Agri-Innovation Village promises more than a glimpse of shiny new kit. It is a practical showcase of how science, engineering and farm-level innovation are beginning to converge.
