Facilitating Technology Solutions for Hilltops Farmers

Harden Murrumburrah Landcare Group

  • Project code: PRO-016114

  • Project stage: Current

  • Project start date: Friday, May 13, 2022

  • Project completion date: Wednesday, June 12, 2024

  • National Priority: AFI - AgriFood Innovation

Summary

This project will support producers on their agtech journey by providing a range of technology access solutions, contextualised to the most common geographical and infrastructure issues of our member base, which will improve their ability to consistently access wi-fi, broadband and mobile networks. These enabling actions, developed in conjunction with the IT consultant, will address the fundamental barrier to farm technology adoption in our region.
The proposed workshop and tour will encourage and inspire our members on their technology journey by:
– Distilling technology options
– Improving personal skills and knowledge around technology and its application
– Providing improved clarity around return on technological investment
– Providing exposure to examples of organisations / producers currently using technology in their business to better inform management decisions.

Program

AgriFood Innovation

Research Organisation

Harden Murrumburrah Landcare Group

Objective Summary

We expect our members to have a much better understanding of how they can improve their internet access (whether landline, wi-fi or satellite) given their specific local conditions. With enhanced internet accessibility, they can improve their understanding of technologies available to assist their business and decision-making capabilities. An example is tank sensor technology which allows water tank levels to be accessed via mobile phone anywhere in the world. The producer does not need to drive to every tank every day during hot summer months to ensure water levels are adequate to feed their stock. This can save hours per day resulting in significant improvements in labour efficiencies.
Similarly electronic ear tags in livestock allow producers to better understand individual livestock performance such as:
– calves or lambs scanned per animal
– calves or lambs weaned per animal
– rate of weight gain per individual animal
– wool shorn per sheep.
This knowledge, gained in an efficient manner using technology, will enable producers to improve their livestock performance in a targeted manner. The improved understanding of such operational benefits should result in increased take-up and usage of agricultural technology solutions. It is expected there will be a greater adoption of those technologies that improve resource use efficiency across one or more areas such as:
– time
– money
– inputs (ie., nutrients, soil amieliorants), or
– labour.
This will lead to more sustainable, profitable and balanced businesses.