IBERS at the Royal Welsh Show 2026

 

Future Fields: IBERS showcases agri-tech, resilient crops and lifelong learning at Royal Welsh

From drones, robotics and artificial intelligence to climate-resilient crops and flexible learning opportunities, the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) has a packed programme of events and activities at this year's Royal Welsh Show in Llanelwedd (20-23 July).

As part of this year's ‘Future Fields’ theme, visitors to the IBERS stand will have the opportunity to meet researchers, explore emerging agricultural technologies, discover the latest advances in crop science and learn about opportunities for collaboration, innovation and professional development.

Highlights throughout the week include the launch of a new Future Fields Research Hub, daily talks by Germinal on climate-smart grass and forage crops, a display of agri-tech equipment, information about the Farm Business Survey as it approaches its 90thyear, children’s activities and insects as a potential food source, including cricket brownie tastings 

Monday 20 July

All Day | Agricultural research drone and robotics on display, including a robotic bird scarer and robotic dog

All Day | Farm Business Survey: As the Farm Business Survey marks its 90th year, find out how farmers can take part in this annual anonymised survey which helps researchers, policymakers and industry stakeholders understand the changing economic landscape of Welsh agriculture. 

11am-2.30pm | Children's Science Activities

Hands-on activities for younger visitors,  exploring in simple terms plant and crop science and the research helping to develop resilient crops for the future.

2pm | Talk by Germinal: Supporting farm business futures

Daily presentation on the latest climate smart grass and forage crops developed in collaboration between IBERS, research partner Germinal Horizon and commercial partner Germinal.

3pm | Future Fields Research Hub Launch

Launch of the Future Fields Research Hub, a major new initiative bringing together expertise from across Aberystwyth University to accelerate practical, data-driven innovation on farms. The Hub aims to support technology adoption, develop digital skills for the rural economy and deliver sustainable benefits for a low-carbon future.

Tuesday 21 July

All Day | Check out our large industrial-grade agricultural drone and learn how researchers are using unmanned aerial systems to support plant breeding and precision agriculture through crop monitoring, field mapping and soil assessment.

All Day | Discover how Miscanthus can be used instead of traditional straw as an alternative, more cost-efficient livestock bedding.

2pm | Talk by Germinal: Supporting farm business futures

Daily presentation on the latest climate smart grass and forage crops developed in collaboration between IBERS, research partner Germinal Horizon and commercial partner Germinal.

3pm | Insects as Food and Feed

Find out how insect production could become an additional source of sustainable protein for animals and people while creating new opportunities for agricultural businesses. Have a taste too of one our chocolate brownies made with cricket powder!

Wednesday 22 July

All Day | Livestock Lighting Research

Dr Hannah Rees will be inviting farmers to take part in a survey exploring how indoor lighting conditions affect livestock health, welfare and productivity as part of the Bioclocks UK research project.

11am-2.30pm | Children's Science Activities

Another opportunity for younger visitors to enjoy hands-on activities exploring plant and crop science.

2pm | Talk by Germinal: Supporting farm business futures

Daily presentation on the latest climate smart grass and forage crops developed in collaboration between IBERS, research partner Germinal Horizon and commercial partner Germinal.

3pm | Agri-Food Research Voucher Scheme

Learn about the newly-launched Agri-Food Research Voucher Scheme. The scheme offers six Innovation Vouchers, each providing 50% funding towards a £4,000 research package, enabling Welsh agri-food and biotechnology businesses to work with Aberystwyth University experts on practical research challenges and opportunities.

Thursday 23 July

2pm | Talk by Germinal: Supporting farm business futures

Daily presentation on the latest climate smart grass and forage crops developed in collaboration between IBERS, research partner Germinal Horizon and commercial partner Germinal.

Throughout the Week

  • Agricultural drone and robotics display
  • Rhizotrone root column display
  • Multi-species sward research
  • Miscanthus as alternative livestock bedding 
  • Distance Learning opportunities compatible with SFS
  • Farm Business Survey information and publication
  • Opportunities for business collaboration and innovation support

Speaking ahead of Europe's largest agricultural show, Professor Iain Donnison, Head of IBERS, said:

"The Royal Welsh Show is an annual highlight for anyone involved in agriculture in Wales and we look forward to engaging with the farming community to discuss both the challenges and the exciting opportunities facing the industry at a time of significant technological change.

From crop science and livestock research to digital technologies, precision agriculture and professional development opportunities, the work being showcased by IBERS demonstrates how research and innovation can help support productive, profitable and sustainable farming. We look forward to welcoming visitors to our stand throughout the week."

The IBERS stand is located in the Countryside Care Area (877-CCA). Aberystwyth University will also have a full programme of events and activities in the Education Pavilion overlooking the Main Ring.