THE latest innovations shaping the future of agriculture were showcased at the Farms of the Future Agtech Discovery Day last week.
Hosted by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, the free event was held at the Australian Cotton Research Institute and attracted farmers, graziers, agricultural professionals, industry representatives and technology suppliers.
James Miller and Lucy Windeyer.
Throughout the day, attendees heard from leading suppliers and watched live demonstrations of emerging technologies designed to improve productivity, sustainability and on-farm efficiency.
The event featured the latest Agtech and connectivity solutions for cropping, cotton, irrigation and mixed livestock enterprises.
Kerryn Shearman and Erica Tudor.
Exhibits and demonstrations included virtual fencing and livestock monitoring, drone mapping and spraying, remote irrigation solutions, farm mapping and sensor technology, along with systems aimed at improving farm connectivity and workplace safety.
“Virtual fencing is always a large talking point, with most producers enquiring about this new technology and the benefits it can have on farm,” said agtech specialist Tyson Peterswald from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
James Quinn and Lachie Littleton.
“Farmers who attended really enjoyed the wide variety of agtech suppliers and demos on site, so they really got to experience tech across the board.”
The Discovery Day provided producers with the opportunity to speak directly with technology suppliers, ask questions and gain insights into how Agtech can be applied on-farm.
Narrabri High School agriculture students at the Agtech Discovery Day, Ashlee Morris, Tori-Lee Brunning, Caitlin Evans, Skye Manning, Ava Urquhart and teacher Rachel Lilliebridge. Photos: Ali Smith.
Morning tea and lunch gave participants the opportunity to network throughout the day before a social gathering at the Tourist Hotel brought the event to a close.
“I was very happy with the turnout; 65 producers attended the event and from the moment they got there, presentations of the suppliers were rolling out and the producers got to see Agtech in action, it was great to see,” said Tyson.
“The event was really about the DPIRD Farms of the Future program trying to give back to the community by showing the agtech and connectivity solutions farmers often face around the area.
Ellie Bennett and Ellen Brennan.
“It’s a great opportunity for suppliers to showcase how they can help pain points farmers face, then vice versa, it’s a great opportunity for producers to come meet the suppliers and see their agtech first-hand.
“This is only the beginning for this event at ACRI, each year, we will be hosting multiple events here, targeting different areas of Agtech and connectivity solutions.”
More photos from Farms of the Future Agtech Discovery Day in a future edition.
Tyson Peterswald.
