Narrabri included in Farms of the Future government program

Narrabri Shire farmers could improve agricultural technology and communications as part of the NSW Farms of the Future grant program.

The shire is among 11 local government areas which are eligible for financial assistance up to $35,000 for initiatives that will support increased productivity.

Farmers can use their grant to select devices from a dedicated agtech catalogue website that best suits their farming operation.

The catalogue features IoT devices, digital monitoring products and connectivity solutions from 50 suppliers who were selected through an expression of interest held in 2022.

Technology eligible as part of the program includes animal management, asset management, connectivity solutions, dashboards to view agtech data, informed agronomy systems and water management.

The Farms of the Future program has been developed in partnership with Tocal Agricultural College, one of the leading providers in specialised training for agricultural and rural industries.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the NSW government was backing the industry with $20 million in grants as part of the Farms of the Future program to support investment in everything from soil moisture sensors to dashboards to help monitor the farm from your mobile.

“The ag sector is always innovating and this fund will help producers tap into the latest technology to drive productivity in the paddock and allow them to work smarter, not harder,” Mr Toole said.

“A grant of up to $35,000 could put some of these technologies in reach for hundreds of farm businesses and unlock multiple times that in cost savings and boosted productivity.”

Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said embracing on-farm technology will help take agriculture in NSW to the next level.

“Despite the challenges over the last few years, our primary industries sector continues to break records and is currently valued at a whopping $23.1 billion, and we’re confident we can boost this to $30 billion by 2030,” Mr Saunders said.

“Encouraging farmers to engage in widespread use of agricultural technology and digital connectivity will help drive substantial growth now and into the future, which is great news for our farmers and regional communities.”

While the establishment of the fund has been welcomed in eligible council areas, including Narrabri and nearby Moree Plains, the limited locations have been met with concern from farmers in surrounding areas ineligible for the program.

Neighbouring council areas including Gwydir, Walgett, Gunnedah and Warrumbungle shires would not be eligible for assistance.

NSW Farmers Young Farmers Council chair Martin Murray, of Delungra, said the scheme should operate on a state-wide basis.

“I think we should be opening it up to the entire state and assessing as to the merit of the individual business and the people who are operating it rather than the LGA that they live in,” Mr Murray said.