Scheme to monitor poultry farm emissions to be carried out in Shropshire

The River Severn Partnership Advanced Wireless Innovation Region (RSPAWIR) is leading a collaboration that is hoped will bring significant advances in monitoring and controlling ammonia emissions across the sector nationwide.

The proposed physical trial will involve installing ammonia sensors enabled by wireless connectivity in approximately 25 farms across Herefordshire, Powys, Shropshire, Warwickshire, and Worcestershire.

These sensors will provide accurate data on ammonia emissions, which will be combined with existing data recording such as heating, temperature, humidity, feed type, feed consumption, feed conversion rate (FCR), water intake, daily live weight gain, parent age, and litter phosphate. This comprehensive data collection will enable the development of bespoke advice for participating farms, leading to a reduction in ammonia emissions and their effects on the local environment.

The project will be led and facilitated by Specialist Farm Enterprises Ltd, who already support these farms with advice and data services.

Helen Snodgrass, director of SFE, said: “This collaboration represents a significant step forward in our efforts to improve the economic resilience of the local poultry sector while protecting our natural environment. By accurately measuring and reducing ammonia emissions, we can enhance production efficiency and contribute to a healthier ecosystem.”

Tenders will be sought to appoint a developer to integrate the ammonia emission data with SFE’s existing data points to identify the optimal mix of inputs and conditions that minimise ammonia levels. This information will be relayed in real-time to farmers, allowing them to make incremental adaptations to their husbandry practices and to achieve positive results quickly.

Mark Barrow, chair of the River Severn Partnership, added: “The RSP is committed to combining economic development with environmental protection, and this use case aligns perfectly with our strategic aims.

“Our catchment area is the perfect geography for this trial with just under a quarter of the nation’s poultry businesses operating here.

“By reducing ammonia emissions, we can improve the environment and economy, and enhance the nation’s perception of the poultry sector.”

The RSPAWIR, managed by Shropshire Council has been awarded £3.75m of funding from the Government to support the growth of wireless innovation and technology in some of its key economic sectors.

It comprises the eight English and Welsh councils that cover the River Severn catchment area including Shropshire Council, and is one of 10 UK Innovation Regions to gain funding. The RSPAWIR will focus on accelerating the adoption of advanced wireless enabled technologies across three sectors which have particularly strong roots in the River Severn catchment area: water management, agri-tech and public sector.