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September AgTech Insights

Welcome back to AgTech Insights! We continue to explore the latest developments, news, and opportunities in agricultural technology to enhance the resilience of ag in TNQ.

Connectivity

  • The Starlink Mini is now available in Australia. This compact device, about the size of a laptop, is DC powered with a built-in WiFi router. Plans allow for portable use.
  • Telstra and Optus have extended their 3G shutdown, now set for 28 October 2024. To find out if your mobile phone is impacted SMS 3 to 3498 or visit Telstra or Optus.
  • The On-Farm Connectivity Program is open for Round 2, seeking Expressions of Interest from businesses that supply connectivity equipment to the agricultural sector and want to take part in Round 2 of the Program. EOIs close 29 September 2024. More information available here

‘Like Tinder for Cows’: Beef AI Vision

  • An exciting collaboration between the Queensland Government’s Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), and agricultural AI specialist InFarm has resulted in a prototype autonomous camera system. This system utilises machine vision and artificial intelligence to identify cattle and monitor their condition. Learn more here.

Sml-Carrie_Wilson_Headshot (002)

Carrie-Ann Wilson

Knowledge Adoption Officer

Traceability and Sustainability

  • A new online database, hosted by the Australian Farm Institute, collates Australian agricultural sustainability regulations to assist farmers and agribusiness operators. The database will be under development until July 2025, with users encouraged to provide feedback. Visit the database.

Horizon Scanning Report

  • The emerging forces shaping Australia’s rural industries have been explored in a new AgriFutures report authored by Sarah Nolet, Managing Partner of Tenacious Insights. This report outlines 10 key forces that have the potential to disrupt how we produce, market and consume agricultural goods. Nolet emphasises that horizon scanning isn’t about predicting the future but preparing for a broad range of possibilities. Read more here.

Beef Industry 

  • CQU is conducting a survey to understand what motivates beef farmers to use genetic tools in their herds. The survey is anonymous and takes approximately 15 minutes to complete – closes in October 2024. Complete the survey.

Training Programs

  • SmartAg Queensland has launched an industry-led training initiative, offering accredited and micro-credential training to the cotton, cane, horticulture, and grain industries. This program aims to help farmers attract, train, and retain a skilled workforce. Learn more here.

Invasive Species

  • The Centre for Invasive Species Solutions has launched a new website to provide tools, strategies, and resources for managing feral cats and foxes. Access the website.

Jobs and Skills Atlas

  • The new Jobs and Skills Atlas is live, providing detailed labour market data across regions in Australia. It allows users to explore industry and occupation data at national, state, and regional levels. Explore the Atlas here.

Generative AI in Agriculture

  • Generative AI is a potentially transformative technology in agriculture. It allows users to query data in natural language, simplifying complex datasets into actionable insights. A new article explains how this could reshape arable farming. Read more.

Highlights from Tenacious Ventures

  • From Toys to Transformational Tech: A Skeptic’s Guide to AI in AgTech
  • Navigating a Future of 10 Cross-Sectoral Forces in Agriculture
  • An Evil Plan for Dominating in the Future of Agrifood 

Listen/Read here: Tenacious Ventures

Highlights from AgTechFinder

  • Ep 27: Data Utilisation in the Seafood Industry
  • Ep 28: Opportunities in Soil Carbon
  • Ep 30: Talking traceability and supply chain transparency
  • Ep 32: Talking Livestock Data Analytics
  • Ep 34: Talking Artificial Intelligence with InFarm

Listen here: AgTechFinder

Stay tuned for next month’s edition for further updates and insights into the dynamic world of AgTech!

The TNQ Drought Hub in no way endorse the products highlighted in the AgTech Insights and that consumers should conduct their own due diligence.

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This program received funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.
We acknowledge the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of this country and pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and Elders, past and present, of the land on which we stand today, the Djabugay (pronounced Jap-ur-kai), Yirrganydji (pronounced Irri-kan-dji) and the Gimuy Yidinji (pronounced Goom-eye Yidinji) people (and all other country/people joining us today). In the spirit of reconciliation, we also acknowledge the valuable contribution that Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples continue to make to James Cook University and the broader community.

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