The robotic systems, sensors and intelligent devices set to revolutionise the family farm over the next generation will be showcased at the Henty Machinery Field Days (HMFD) new Agri-Centre this year.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Agri-Centre, to be located next to the agronomy plots, has been introduced by the HMFD Co-operative Board as a new feature for the 2014 field days on September 23-25.
HMFD chief executive officer Belinda Anderson said the Agri-Centre would display the latest in agribusiness and farming technology, and feature a comprehensive program of informative guest speakers.
Mrs Anderson said visitors would be able to see, hear and ask questions on robotics, drone technology, precision guidance, software programs, grain marketing, remote sensing, livestock electronic identification, intelligent automated systems and carbon farming.
Among the guest speakers will be Agent Oriented Software managing director, Dr Andrew Lucas, with an overview of unmanned and autonomous systems, and the role of the Australian Association for Unmanned Systems.
Queensland University of Technology agricultural robotics chair Professor Tristan Perez will give a robotics demonstration, while Dr James Underwood, Australian Centre for Field Robotics, Sydney University, will speak on the latest research developments.
Standards and regulations for unmanned aerial drones will be covered by Civil Aviation Safety Authority manager (future technology and regulatory trends) Jim Coyne.
The Agri-Centre program will also feature soil scientist Dr Christine Jones, Nuffield scholar Ashley Fraser on seed coat technology, Luke Schelosky, GPS-ag, on aerial drone technology, Monsanto’s Matt Hayes on gene technology and commodity marketing consultant Tim Glass.
HMFD chairman Ross Edwards said the 2013 field days reflected on 50 years of history while this year the theme would be looking beyond the horizon to the next 50 years.
“This will allow those interested in the cutting edge technology to listen and ask questions of selected experts within their fields,’’ Mr Edwards said.
“We, at Henty, envisage major changes in agriculture over the coming decades, and believe this centre will provide a better understanding of where agriculture and farming is headed in the future.
“The challenge for Australian farmers for the next 50 years is to focus on farming smarter, not harder.
“Farming smarter can raise production levels, improve input and efficiency, and provide the flexibility to weather variable seasonal conditions.’’
The Agri-Centre speaker sessions will run from 10am to 3pm each day.
I
