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Farms of the Future - Pilot Farms

The Farms of the Future pilot tested options for the NSW Government in the development of the proposal for the expanded program. The three pilot farms provided an opportunity to test technology options in partnership with farms and communities, providing a place for producers to experience Agtech working on site in commercial farming environments.

This involved:
  • Deployment of a wide range of commercially available connectivity solutions and field sensor technology across various agricultural sectors on three farms in Narromine, Coonamble and Blayney.
  • A development and education program for producers in the pilot farm regions, providing access to a range of digital resources and information.
  • Blayney Pilot Farm
    November 30, 2022

    Blayney Pilot Farm

    The Crossing family property, Angullong, on the Belubula river near Blayney has a wine grape vineyard and also a cattle grazing enterprise. Parts of the property are quite elevated and there is a steep, unsealed 4 km drive to the...

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  • Coonamble Pilot Farm
    November 30, 2022

    Coonamble Pilot Farm

    Brian and Donna Ditchfield run a mixed farming enterprise with sheep, cattle and fodder cropping southeast of Coonamble, towards the Warrumbungle Mountains. The business extends over two properties which are 50 km apart. Brian decided where he wanted sensors based...

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  • Narromine Pilot Farm
    November 30, 2022

    Narromine Pilot Farm

    Rob and Susannah Tuck operate ten farms in the Macquarie Valley in a 40 km radius near Narromine. They have a diversified mix of 5000 ha of dryland rotational cropping and between 1200 to 2000 ha cotton under irrigation, and...

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Climate Smart Pilots

In the Climate Smart Pilots project, digital technologies are being used to help farmers develop adaptation strategies and to improve the management of climate. In partnership with farmers the team is developing new digital sensor technologies, and trialling AgTech and IoT (Internet of Things) devices on farm. Four main sites have been established to assess the role of these emerging technologies. These sites feature an open sensor network allowing farmers to trial new monitoring technologies upon their own enterprises and realise the benefits specific to their operations. This method lowers the risk to farmers by addressing two major barriers to adoption – the cost to install infrastructure and the availability of services and support. These pilots aim to provide on-ground demonstrations of how technology can provide more complete and close to real time information about production changes related to climate.
  • Justin and Pip Jarrett
    November 30, 2022

    Justin and Pip Jarrett

    Be inspired by how Pip and Justin Jarrett, co-owners of See Saw Wines, have embraced the challenge of change and are taking action to make their business more climate resilient. The Jarrett's have addressed the lack of rain by reducing...

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  • Ian and Pru Pearce
    November 30, 2022

    Ian and Pru Pearce

      Curious to learn how to halve your water usage by watering more regularly? Ian and Pru Pearce at Stoneleigh Orchard have done just that, as well as embraced other techniques that have helped their business become more sustainable and...

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  • Bruce Maynard
    November 30, 2022

    Bruce Maynard

    A farming practice that lowers costs, reduces inputs and risks, while at the same time improves yield, landscape function and biodiversity. Sounds too good to be true? Bruce Maynard has achieved this by taking a holistic approach to his mixed...

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