In the near future, the sight of robots trundling through rural fields could be as familiar as that of combine harvesters and tractors, according to Professor Gerry Lacey. He believes technological advances are key to solving the looming problem of how to feed the world’s growing population. Another old method being reimagined for the 21st century involves a robot using boiling water to weed crops. Technological developments, too, can engage a younger generation in farming, helping to tackle labour shortages in the sector. Including the VistaMilk Research Centre, which, they said, will “transform an already world-class dairy sector into a global leader”.

Source: Irish Examiner December 30, 2025 15:08 UTC