183 results for data and AI

Forest growers can now easily and affordably assess wood quality across their resource, while also making decisions around location and management that will best serve the quality of their stands going forward.

Scientists behind a new research project say the ability to predict, maintain and improve timber quality in plantations will help decrease risk and improve the productivity, competitiveness and profitability of Australia’s growers and processors.

Are you gearing up for AgriFutures evoke^AG. 2024 and looking to forge high-value partnerships? Let us introduce you to some of the delegate organisations who will be heading to Perth on 20-21 February 2024 – and explore the world leading research, technologies, and commercialisation opportunities they’re currently offering. And where will you find these opportunities? Right here on AgriFutures grow^AG. 

The grain industry is a vital part of Australia’s economy, supplying 25% of the country’s agricultural gross value of production.

Nigel Hart, managing director of Australia’s Grain Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), says that given its important role in the food system — both at home and abroad — it’s critical that Australia’s grain industry fosters innovation through all available partners, including agtech startups. Tools that strengthen soils and yields, optimize input use, boost farm productivity and deliver, high-value, cleaner ingredients will ultimately help growers and food companies stay profitable in the face of climate change and shifting consumer preferences.

When mechanical and aerospace engineer Ben Single searched fruitlessly for a weed detection technology that suited his family’s broadacre farming business, he took on the challenge and developed Single Shot – a drone that can map up to 1,500 hectares a day and deliver a selective spraying solution for weeds that cuts chemical use and reduces environmental impact. Now he’s seeking investors to assist in manufacturing and distribution.  

New research conducted by Voconiq, a research company spun out of CSIRO, reveals that levels of trust and acceptance of the egg industry by Australians has increased significantly since 2018, whilst the COVID-19 pandemic is continuing to highlight the importance of eggs in Australian lives.

Hort Innovation is working with a consortium, led by agricultural consultancy RMCG in partnership with University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and global urban agriculture consultancy Agritecture, to assess the potential of emerging production technology and its application in the Australian urban landscape as part of a six-month project. 

The benefits to growers and Australia by use of technology such as vertical farm systems and hydroponics is food production and delivery systems that have the potential to redefine horticulture by optimising yield, quality, and supply.

The National Tree Genomics program is in the final stages of sequencing over 300 macadamia wild and cultivated varieties.

The national program harnesses cutting-edge genetic technologies for the benefit of Australian horticultural tree crop industries. New tools are currently being developed that will equip Australian plant breeders to deliver new varieties with key productivity and profitability traits. New tools will also stem from this program for growers to enhance farm productivity.

Forest growers across Australia have been enthusiastically exploring recently-launched technology that enables easy and affordable assessment of wood quality in standing trees.

The innovative tool also supports decision making relating to planting locations and forest management practices, to best serve the future quality of stands.

grow^AG. has around 9000 users per month. More than 50 per cent of our site visitors are from global markets, which really broadens our reach. This is important, not just to drive investment, but to show innovators across the world that Australia has the infrastructure and mindset to foster innovation, that we can test and develop their tech here. grow^AG. contributor Judy Kennedy sat down with Rebecca Bradford to explore how you can get the most out of grow^AG.   

An alternate take on the term “AgTech”, along with a deep commitment to food and agriculture sustainability, is driving Melbourne-based early-stage incubator, Rocket Seeder, to look at the sector from a new perspective and extend its support to startups from unconventional segments of the supply chain.

EcoSystem Farms has pioneered a soilless farming platform that symbiotically integrates aquaculture with agriculture – boosting yields across both. With the flexibility to produce all manner of crops and farmed fish, anywhere across the world, the Adelaide-based startup is seeking investors to bring to market a product that could transform the way we grow food.

It is a great time to be in rural research and innovation. There is a landslide of activity across agriculture, fisheries and forestries, all designed to deliver new technologies and opportunities to Australian farmers.

Each year, the Australian government, universities and industry invest billions of dollars in research to support agriculture, fisheries and forestry. There are 15 Research and Development Corporations (RDCs), 43 universities and hundreds of industry organisations and peak bodies, that currently house thousands of research projects. But, in order to find them, you need to know what you are looking for and where to look. Until now.

MLA, LiveCorp and University of Technology Sydney researchers are seeking interested partners to further develop and commercialise automated livestock counting video technology for live export yards and vessels, saleyards and farms.

Australians produce over 74 million tonnes of waste per year, with the amount of waste produced by farmers, fishers and foresters presenting a significant challenge. Limited support and practical options exist to avoid waste in the first place or manage it as part of the production process. 

The pre-farm gate waste program has been launched to support innovative ideas and options for the avoidance, recycling and reuse of pre-farm gate waste, and ensure there is clear direction and coordination of activities for the sector to achieve the required change.  

A collaborative network led by T+I in Germany and UQ in Queensland can support Australian industry and researchers in finding German partners and secure funding under ZIM, Germany’s largest innovation program for small to medium size enterprises (SMEs). ZIM funds German collaborations with public and private non-profit research and technology organisations (RTOs) to develop new or significantly improve existing products, processes or technical services. 

Leading Australian venture capitalist Matthew Pryor of Tenacious Ventures shares his insights and experience with growers and advisors at the Australian Cotton Conference this week. He believes the industry’s climate-adaptive technologies can attract global collaboration and multi-million-dollar investment. And now is the time for cotton growers to engage with consumers in the digital realm like never before – to drive opportunity and ensure rightful representation.

The recent New England Field Day was converted from an in-person, on-site experience to an online event featuring the 2018 drop and 2017 drop MLP ewes. A launch webinar and website showcasing sire progeny inspection videos and results, along with a site seasonal overview and associated Merino Lifetime Productivity (MLP) and New England research updates, will now be available online for the life of the MLP project

'Our Farm, Our Plan' has been developed by Dairy Australia with support from Dairy NZ and the Gardiner Foundation and is designed to help farmers answer some of the big questions, clarify business and personal goals, and prioritise what to do next.

For a 12-month period, farmers receive support to put their plan on a page and get everyone in their business on the same page. Dairy Australia farm performance lead Neil Webster said research had shown that when goals were documented people's commitment increased and they were more likely to carry through with the actions needed to achieve their goals.

Agronomist and 2021 Young Farmer of the Year Emma Ayliffe and her business partner at Summit Ag, Heath McWhirter, crisscross the country advising farmers on how to improve their crop production and soil health. Now the pair is helping farmers connect with each other, with a purpose-built social media app for agriculture – YackerApp. With a thousand users and growing, Emma and Heath are looking for investors to take YackerApp to the next level.   

Nakatomi and Meat & Livestock Australia have developed a shoe insole medical IoT device with automated remote emergency alerts. Now they’re seeking commercial investors and manufacturers for development and distribution, with high value for healthcare and various WH&S applications.