Birchip Cropping Group (BCG) hosted its Ag Tech Expo on 16 July at Charlton Park, drawing over 120 farmers and industry representatives from across Australia.
The event aimed to cut through the hype often surrounding ag tech, and instead explore how emerging tools, data systems and automation are working in the paddock. By focusing on practical examples and farmer-led discussions, the event helped to bridge the gap between research, commercial products, and real-world application.
The process of deciding what to trial, and how to implement, it, can be daunting. Common questions consider return on investment, reliability of the technology, compatibility with other technology on farm and fit within the overall farming system are common. Recognising that emerging technologies often come with questions and uncertainty, BCG structured the day to focus on peer-to-peer learning. Each session included a farmer to help keep discussions grounded to what really happens in the paddock.
Collecting data for the next generation
Hamish Munro, fifth-generation farmer from Orange, NSW and co-founder of Pairtree Intelligence, spoke about the paid pace of technological change in agriculture. He encouraged growers to prioritise collecting and storing high-quality data, which will help train future AI models to support on-farm decision making. By practicing good data collection on farm, growers can build a resource that creates a legacy for their business and benefits the next generation.
Sensor technology in practice
Andrew Minnikin and Brendan Nolan from INCYT demonstrated soil moisture probes, asset tracking devices, and weather stations. Banyena farmer Frank Burchell joined them to share how he uses INCYT sensors to inform management decisions based on soil moisture data. He shared his farm dashboard with the audience, showing live examples of data these sensors are collecting on his farm.
Exploring weed control technologies
Professor Michael Walsh (Charles Sturt University) facilitated a panel on weed management with Bailey Kilpatrick (SwarmFarm Robotics), Shane Kable (Single Agriculture), and Jono Robinson (Warakirri Cropping). The discussion covered practical applications of spot spraying, autonomous machines, drone weed mapping and other technologies, along with questions about what’s next for weed control.
Pathways to automation
Edward Scott (Society of Precision Agriculture Australia, SPAA) discussed how growers can assess where they are on the journey to on-farm automation, and how to get more from existing technology. Jordan Lee (Verge Ag) demonstrated boundary mapping compatible across machinery brands. Key takeaways included identifying quick wins, creating an accurate digital twin of the farm, and seeking support rather than trying to do it all alone.
Economics of automation
Roger Lawes (CSIRO) presented work on a calculator designed to help farmers understand the costs and benefits of adopting automation, reminding attendees that what works for one business may not suit another.
Technical exhibits and networking
Technology providers including Weed-IT Australia, Pairtree Intelligence, O’Connors, Single Agriculture, SwarmFarm Robotics, SPAA, Verge Ag, Bioscout and MagrowTec exhibited their products and services. Attendees used the opportunity to ask questions and explore how each technology fit within broadacre cropping systems.
After lunch, a farmer panel discussed real-world experiences with technology adoption. Donald farmer Kyle Pearse described how a SwarmBot sprayer has become part of his operation, reducing chemical use through spot spraying. His advice to other growers: “Don’t be scared by the process.”
New resource for local growers
To close the day, BCG launched ChatBCG, an AI tool built on 33 years of BCG research. Like ChatGPT, it answers questions specific to farming systems across north-west Victoria using BCG’s data. The platform aims to support growers with local, evidence based in formation.
ChatBCG is free for everyone until 16 August, when it will become restricted to BCG members only. Try ChatBCG today: https://www.bcg.org.au/chatbcg/
The BCG Ag Tech Expo provided farmers with practical insights into emerging tools and technologies, supported by discussions with experts and peers. By focusing on data quality, economic analysis and shared experience, the event encouraged growers to consider how innovation could add value to their own businesses.
Grain Automate is a Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) initiative on behalf of Australian grain growers aimed at accelerating the adoption of machine automation, autonomy and digital technologies in the Australian grains industry.
