The technological future of Tasmanian agriculture is on show today at the annual Precision Agriculture Expo at the Hagley Farm School.
The Expo combines machinery demonstrations with technology displays to showcase the most up to date precision agriculture techniques and initiatives available to farmers.
The annual expos have been an integral part of a broader Precision Agriculture Project led by the Tasmanian Agricultural Productivity Group (TAPG).
The Tasmanian Government has ensured the expos would continue for four years with a $60,000 grant to the TAPG.
Precision Agriculture encompasses a whole suite of digital-based technologies including the use of satellite technology, mapping, automation, sensors, data collection and processing.
As part of the Project, farm demonstration activities were undertaken across six different locations in Tasmania, with various crops grown including carrots, poppies, grass seed, onions, peas and seed potatoes.
By measuring the yield variability in crops, research to date has found that there can be a difference between minimum and maximum yields of up to 20 times with the use of precision agriculture techniques.
Through our comprehensive AgriFood Plan for 2018-23 the Government is investing more than $150 million to grow the value of agriculture to $10 billion a year by 2050 further boosting the economy and creating jobs across Tasmania.
Through a range of initiatives we are promoting innovation and new technology on farm and stimulating the farmers and agricultural jobs of the future:
The Precision Agriculture Project reflects a successful collaboration between the TAPG, Tasmania Institute of Agriculture, farmers, contractors and the Tasmanian Government.
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