The digital revolution has swept through the grains sector, collecting in its wake everything from broadacre machinery through to smart phone apps that can help growers decide which spray nozzle to use.
Technology has been a focus at the BCG Expo for a number of years, and this year, at the rebranded ‘Future Farmers Expo’, it will take centre-stage.
For the 2015 Future Farmers Expo, supported by Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), BCG has sharpened its focus on the issues that challenge and excite farmers outside of the paddock.
Along with farm business management discussions on stewardship, risk management and decision-making strategies, internet connectivity, data collection and using technology to harness opportunities and solve problems will be among the topics explored.
Returning to Birchip after a well-received presentation in 2014 is connectivity specialist Ian Ware.
Mr Ware, who operates an audio visual and information technology company out of Cooma in NSW, will share his knowledge and expertise on internet connectivity.
Growers at this session will hear how they can boost their current internet connectivity and get tips on how to expand coverage, improve download speeds and decrease costs. Information in this address will apply to farmers both within and outside the new National Broadband Network (NBN).
Following Mr Ware, Kaniva farmer and 2015 Nuffield scholar Jonathon Dyer will reveal how new technologies can improve on-farm efficiencies, productivity and profitability.
Supported by Nuffield Australia, Mr Dyer is currently exploring ‘Big Data’, focusing on the vast amounts of information captured on farms such as yield data, telemetry/machine data, EM38 mapping information, weather data, paddock records, soil moisture and temperature data and so on.
According to Mr Dyer the ability to capture, store and analyse large volumes of information can help farmers to solve complex problems and gain business insights.
“This will enable us to do things like identify consistently under or over performing areas of the farm, make more informed decisions about machinery or infrastructure, become more specific about the application of crop inputs and discover things about our farm we may not have previously been aware of.”
Mr Dyer will also touch on data ownership and inform growers on how to protect their information and how they might be able to use their data to create value.
Those interested on understanding the NBN can also have their questions answered at the Future Farmers Expo with NBNCo’s Elizabeth Simonetti and her team hosting an exhibitor stand in the main exhibitor pavillion.
The BCG Future Farmers Expo will run from 1pm to 6pm on Thursday, July 2 with an industry dinner to follow (bookings essential). Entry to the Expo is free for BCG members and $50 for non-members.
For more information visit the events page on the BCG website (www.bcg.org.au) or phone Ciara Cullen on (03) 5492 2787.
