Farmers in NSW are some of the most innovative and forward thinking in the world, with adoption of on-farm technology coming to the fore in primary industries around the state.
NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Dr Anthony Clark, said while digital technologies for agriculture (AgTech) offer real opportunities, farmers face much uncertainty in respect to their practical application.
“The NSW Government is invested in AgTech, and making it easy for adoption, so I am pleased today to launch a new publication DPI’s new publication AgTech: an introduction, which is a practical guide to digitising more of the farm,” Dr Clark said.
“This publication will help producers big and small to navigate through the complex world of digital technology and connectivity in agriculture.
“By gaining a better understanding of the language, devices, installation techniques, uses and communications, farmers will be able to be at the forefront of our digital revolution.”
AgTech: an Introduction, is a great example of how DPI is accelerating a more rapid adoption of digital technologies by the sector, ultimately to drive productivity, sustainability and resilience of farming businesses.
The guide draws on practical experience in using on-farm digital technology in DPI and a leading agricultural advisor Darren Price.
“The government recognises that digital is as much about people and ways of working as it is technology. DPI has a strategic integrated approach to delivering customer-centred, digitally enabled services, and helping producers benefit from digital in their business,” Dr Clark said.
“As well as this guide, we are delivering a range of other projects to help producers even further. This includes Climate Smart Pilots which demonstrates how AgTech can help respond to climate variability and climate change in the field, and implementing LoRaWAN (long range wide area network) connectivity on 13 of DPI’s research stations to assist management of sites and farming operations, and provide practical demonstrations of its benefits.”
“I encourage all producers to get a copy of this guide to support the practical adoption of AgTech that make sense for their business.”
You can purchase the book or eBook from Tocal College at https://www.tocal.nsw.edu.au/publications/farm-management/agtech
