Farm productivity is set to boom thanks to a NSW Government pilot program encouraging greater use of innovative smart ag technology in regional NSW.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, John Barilaro today visited Angullong Vineyard near Blayney and said the Farms of the Future program includes three different farms that will test smart ag technologies.
“Every day we are seeing more and more technology emerging in the agricultural space,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The Farms of the Future pilot program will let us test different technologies together on real farms and assess the digital connectivity needed to help our farmers use and benefit from these tools.
“The Farms of the Future program will test a range of commercially available technologies on properties in Blayney, Narromine and Coonamble to see the technology in action and explore connectivity options.”
Local Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said the NSW Government was conscious of the connectivity issues impacting regional NSW that often make it difficult for farmers and agribusiness to make the most of digital technologies on their properties.
“There are big opportunities for our farmers and agribusiness to make use of on-farm technologies and this government will continue to deliver better digital connectivity so they can benefit,” Mr Toole said.
“The NSW Government’s contribution to the mobile blackspot program has already seen 126 towers installed to improve regional connectivity, including nine in the Bathurst region.”
Angullong property owner James Crossing said smart ag technologies provide an opportunity to more carefully monitor and manage resources, which is an important tool for any business owner.
“Having real time information on our water, soil moisture, weather and in-crop conditions at our finger tips, as well as monitoring our livestock and staff across our property saves us valuable time and resources which contributes to the success of our farming business,” Mr Crossing said.
The Farms of the Future pilot program is funded by the $4.2 billion Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund and will inform future scoping studies and program development.
To learn more about the technologies being tested as part of the Farms of the Future pilot program or to register your interest in the virutal workshops and field days, please visit Farms of the Future.
