TNQ Drought Hub
James Cook University Australia
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Trusted Advice Key to Smarter AgTech Decisions

Key takeaways

  • As technology options expand, producers are looking for clear, impartial guidance before investing. The workshop reinforced that they want support that helps them assess return on investment, practicality and fit within their own production system, not just a sales pitch.
  • When considering new tools, producers consistently want, proof of local use in similar production systems, clear data on economic benefits, realistic time commitments for set up and management and clarity around compliance or reporting benefits.
  • Insights gained will help improve how north Queensland producers access reliable, regionally relevant advice and make confident technology decisions suited to their enterprises.

As AgTech continues to evolve at pace, ensuring producers have access to clear, impartial advice is becoming just as important as the technology itself.

In December 2025, TNQ Drought Hub Adoption Officer Jane Barker attended the TekFarm AgTech Advisor Workshop in Sydney as part of the Farmers2Founders TekFarm project. The initiative, supported by grant funding and specialist advisory services, aimed to accelerate AgTech adoption across Australian agriculture. With the tech delivery phase complete, consultants from around the country gathered to reflect on lessons learned and explore future models of AgTech extension.

A central question guided the day’s discussions: what does an AgTech advisor look like in Australia?

Participants unpacked the challenges of building a business case for these roles, particularly given the time required to upskill and remain current in a fast-moving technology landscape. Conversations explored how to provide the independent, trusted advice producers are seeking when assessing new tools and platforms.

AgTech advisors reflecting on lessons learned and exploring future models of AgTech extension

The group acknowledged that while TekFarm grants helped drive producer motivation, it was the time and guidance provided by AgTech consultants that delivered much of the value.

Discussions reinforced what producers consistently want when considering technology adoption. They are looking for evidence of local use, clear data on economic contribution within their specific production system and landscape, realistic time commitments for set-up and management, and clarity around compliance benefits.

Jane said the workshop confirmed that people remain central to effective technology adoption.

“Technology moves quickly, but trust and local context still matter most,” Jane said. “Producers are looking for impartial advice that helps them weigh up return on investment and practicality within their own operating environment. Skilled advisors who understand both the technology and the production system increase the chances of successful application and that creates momentum.”

Discussions also touched on the role of artificial intelligence in technology selection. While AI can assist in filtering options, the consensus was clear: people guide AI development, validate outputs and provide the local intelligence that producers rely on.

For the TNQ Drought Hub, the workshop strengthened national networks and sharpened thinking around how to support informed, practical AgTech adoption. By refining advisory models and learning from real-world experience, the hub continues to improve the way producers access reliable information and make confident technology decisions suited to their region and enterprise.