Adoption of new technology is transforming agriculture

The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Farms of the Future program has just released a documentary that sheds light on how cutting-edge technology is transforming agriculture.

You can watch it now at www.agtech.dpi.nsw.gov.au. From large feedlots to family-owned mixed enterprise farms, this film captures the experiences of three businesses that have adopted new technologies to address their main farming challenges. 

The Farms of the Future team offered training, guidance, and the Agtech Toolbox website to guide them on their agtech adoption journeys.

The documentary introduces us to three remarkable farmers who share a common goal: harnessing agtech’s potential for sustainable, efficient farming. 

Tess and Andrew Herbert of Gundamain Pastoral Co: These Australian Farmers of the Year have embraced agtech across their diverse feedlot operation. From monitoring cattle entry weights to optimising water usage, they’ve elevated efficiency for their staff.

Nick Blunt, manager of his Orange-based family farm emphasises education. His crossbred ewe enterprise underwent a business health check to determine his agtech adoption path and now he is confident in his data-driven decisions.

Michael and Helen Payten of “Alfalfa,” Canowindra. Their mixed enterprise farm relies on agtech to monitor complex water systems and soil moisture.

Agtech isn’t just about weather stations and sensors; it’s a silent partner in the paddock. Soil moisture probes optimise irrigation, reducing water waste. 

Smart collars track livestock health, ensuring timely interventions. Water level sensors ensure stock are watered and leaks minimised.

Beyond individual farms, agtech’s impact can reach into the broader community creating jobs in software and hardware development, data analysis, and maintenance. It fosters collaboration between farmers, government, and tech experts. 

Agtech can help to ensures that future generations inherit a resilient, thriving agricultural sector. Watch the Accelerating Agtech documentary to improve your understanding of the opportunities Agtech offers farmers today. 

The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Farms of the Future program is funded by the Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund.