AgTech consultants Farmers2Founders are looking to link farmers with advanced technology to solve on-farm problems through a program called TEKFARM. Introducing farmers to tech companies to develop on-farm solutions will help increase yields.

Established in 2018, Farmers2Founders offer programs to benefit farmers and are now starting the TEKFARM in partnership with the agricultural industry in South Australia. 

Founder of Farmers2Founders, Dr. Christine Pitt, said their new TEKFARM program will help producers find, test and select the best technologies for their farming operations as well as give AgTech companies with proven technologies the chance to deliver more value to their customers.

Prime Minister Albanese has been sworn in and looks set to be joined by many new independents. Now technology conversations have focused on the road ahead. Headwinds have grown stronger in the tech industry on many fronts during the past month, but the challenges are tied to opportunities for organisations in every industry. And the ability to succeed consistently returns to one idea – it’s not about the tech, it’s the people behind it.

The South Australian AgTech conference is concentrating on showcasing affordable technology solutions farmers can adopt in 2021.

A piece of AgTech being demonstrated at the Loxton smart farm launch in 2020. Self-driving vehicles and micro-drones that sow, spray and harvest crops are set to be among a wide range of cutting-edge agricultural technology on show at AdvanceAg 2021. Dr Leanna Read, the independent chair of the South Australian Government’s AgTech Advisory Group, said organisers anticipate this year’s July 23 event to build on last year’s success.

A series of demonstration farms to fast track new technologies aimed at boosting the state’s agriculture sector are gaining momentum.

The South Australian Government has committed to making PIRSA Research Farms available to South Australian primary producers to showcase the opportunities available through AgTech.

The farms will also give the startups and AgTech innovators the chance to trial hi-tech products in a controlled environment ahead of commercialisation.

Australia’s agricultural industry is undergoing an evolution. As a key powerhouse driving economic growth in the country, agribusiness forms one of our fastest-growing sectors and one of the largest employers in regional Australia.

The industry aims to grow from $60 billion to $100 billion by 2030. So, how do we get there? Answering this question formed the central theme of “Agribusiness: Australia’s Powerhouse”, a series of events hosted by BDO and the Australian British Chamber of Commerce over the last couple of months in Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane.

Across the four events, a number of topics were consistently raised regarding how we reach this $100 billion target. BDO’s agribusiness experts have prepared the following report, deep-diving into four of the key issues covered at the events.

The development of technology that combines Internet of Things sensors with AI and machine learning is the future of agtech, according to BDO.

An example of the technology is an agtech software system that has used artificial intelligence and satellite imagery to map every vineyard in Australia.

Demand for agricultural technology will explode in coming years, and start-ups should work more closely with wealthy and intelligent farmers for ideas and funding, agribusiness leaders say.

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development executive director Liam O’Connell told a panel discussion the agtech sector was set for massive growth because it could help farmers solve basic problems around reducing costs, inefficiency, improving profitability and reducing impact on the environment.

WA Farmers chief executive Trevor Whittington said the top end of WA farmers were extremely intelligent with highly valuable businesses, and they were prepared to spend big on adopting agtech to increase productivity.

A special AgTech stream at _southstart [conference] is set to explore how AI, big data, biotech, robotics and other emerging technologies play a role in transforming agriculture – known as “the world’s least digitised industry” – and have the potential to drive efficiency and combat climate change.