Orkney firm secures funding for cutting-edge technology
An agricultural contractor in Orkney has secured funding to invest in new technology that will boost productivity, cut environmental impact and improve yields.
Birsay-based J&S Hay, a third-generation firm run by brothers Marty, Stevie and Duncan Hay, started in the 1950s with threshing mills and balers.
Today, the business offers full cultivation and harvesting services using a fleet of modern, high-capacity machinery.
Continuing its long tradition of innovation, the company has secured £46,824 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to support the purchase of two pieces of advanced equipment designed to improve efficiency and sustainability.
One of these is a 'green on green, camera recognition, spot sprayer', which uses artificial intelligence to identify weeds as it scans the field during operation. When a weed is detected, a nozzle is activated to spray only that specific area. This targeted approach helps maintain soil health by treating weeds without affecting surrounding crops reducing herbicide use by up to 95 percent.
In addition, the business has invested in a rotary tiller, which reduces the number of passes required to prepare land for sowing. This will lower fuel consumption and labour costs, while also improving soil conditions. By making field preparation more efficient, the equipment will support the sustainable cultivation of traditional grains such as bere barley.
The company plans to make these enhanced services available to farms across Orkney through its contracting work, helping to improve productivity and sustainability across the local agricultural sector.
Alongside its contracting work, the family also runs a mixed livestock and crop business in the West Mainland. The farm includes suckler cows, breeding ewes and a flock of Kerry Hill pedigree sheep.
The family are also contracted by the Birsay Heritage Trust to grow 150 acres of bere barley - a traditional variety that has been cultivated in Orkney for thousands of years. This reflects their commitment to the preservation of local agricultural heritage in combination with adopting modern techniques.
Ingrid Harrold, from HIE’s Orkney area team, said the project highlights the benefits of innovation in agriculture. She said:
“This is an excellent example of how innovation can transform rural businesses. By adopting new technologies, J&S Hay is boosting productivity, reducing carbon emissions and improving soil health, while supporting more sustainable farming practices across Orkney.”
Marty Hay, said:
"HIE funding, and their enthusiastic support for our two new innovative machines turned a 'good idea' into a reality. Their guidance and encouragement throughout the process were invaluable, and they couldn't have been more helpful"