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ArchiveLesson #94Business

28 June 2026 · The Guardian

Farmers Use Tech to Fight Slug Damage

Farmers in England are using new technology to predict slug infestations, reducing pesticide use and saving money. This initiative is part of a project aimed at better managing crop damage.

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Standard version (B1-B2)

Standard: natural English

56 words · ~1 min read
In England, farmers are using modern technology to combat slugs that harm their . A project called Slimers has created slug prediction maps using computer models. These maps help farmers use more effectively, saving money and reducing environmental impact. Slug damage to like wheat and oilseed rape costs the UK nearly £44 million annually.

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Narration includes the headline and summary.

Adapted from The Guardian, 21 June 2026, and rewritten at three levels by Newslish. Newslish is not affiliated with the source. Read the original.

Key vocabulary

  • pesticide

    A chemical used to kill pests that harm crops.

    “Farmers use pesticide to protect their plants from insects.”

  • infestation

    A large number of pests in a place, causing damage.

    “The garden had an infestation of slugs that ruined the vegetables.”

  • algorithm

    A set of rules or calculations used to solve problems.

    “The computer used an algorithm to predict where the slugs would be.”

  • crop

    Plants grown for food, like wheat or potatoes.

    “The farmer harvested a good crop of wheat this year.”

  • monitoring

    Watching and checking something regularly.

    “Monitoring the weather helps farmers know when to plant their seeds.”

Quick quiz

01What is the estimated cost of slug damage to crops in the UK?

02What is the name of the project that helps farmers predict slug infestations?

03How much has the Slimers project been funded for?

04Who worked alongside scientists in the Slimers project?

Answered 0 of 4

Discussion

How can technology further improve farming practices in the future?