Farm

Grain production is a global game with those embracing efficiencies and technologies having the edge. Not only is now the time to catch up to the rest of the world when it comes to AgTech, it’s an opportunity for Australian grain growers to move markedly ahead.

In a digital and data-heavy world, producers can find it difficult to isolate meaningful information and translate it into profitable decision-making. It’s a challenge that Co-Founder and CEO of Bitwise Agronomy Fiona Turner, experienced at her own vineyard, ‘Jinglers Creek’ in Tasmania and something she set about to change. Using expertise in technology development and artificial intelligence (AI), Fiona helps growers capture data that accurately estimates horticultural crop yield, enabling better management.

The push for Australian farmers to have the right to fix their own machinery has been in the headlines since a leading manufacturer reached a deal with farmers in the United States of America in 2021. AgriFutures evoke^AG. 2023 workshop presenters, Andrew Cooke and Andrew Skinner argue ‘the right to repair’ shouldn’t just apply to farm tools like tractors and headers, but also to data. They say while few producers are also technologists, every producer deserves to control and re-use their own data.

A quick disclosure — I love M.J. Bale suits. I was married in one, and most items in my wardrobe that aren’t workwear bear its label. The popularity of the Australian menswear brand shouldn't mean that it needs to worry about things like ethical clothing or sustainability, which have become selling points with consumers. It speaks to the morality of the clothier that it does. After becoming Australia’s first carbon-neutral fashion brand in 2021, the tailors to farmers, footballers and the top end of town have partnered with Sea Forest, an environmental technology company based in Tasmania, to further decarbonise their business by attacking the gassiest part – the sheep that produce the wool.

Enabling farmers with greater connectivity and driving productivity on-farm are key priorities for wireless networking company Zetifi, that’s just scored a $12 million Series A investment round to scale up production and support widespread adoption.

From paddock to plate and each step along the supply chain, Harvest Road is transforming its approach to animal welfare and sustainability. With significant investments across its premium beef, aquaculture and horticulture businesses, Harvest Road CEO, Paul Slaughter shares their bold vision to becoming a global agrifood leader.