Tech Yards Talks presented by nbn

Pasture monitoring using drones with Nicholas Brazier 

Time: 12.00 – 12.30pm 

Date: Monday May 3, 2021 

Speaker: Nicholas Brazier, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries 

Venue: RaboTruck Stage in the Ken Coombe Tech Yards 

Cost: FREE 

Synopsis: Keeping an eye on your pastures and monitoring pasture health is an important part of grazing management. Multi-spectral imagery, of which NDVI is the most well known, provides an accurate assessment of pasture health, but the cost of the sensors and drones can easily exceed $10,000 for even the most basic NDVI equipped drone, with more advanced sensors exceeding $50,000.  

Relatively inexpensive drones (less than $3,000) can be used for more than just taking nice aerial photos. They can also be used to provide an estimate of ground cover, pasture health, and variation of species within a pasture swathe. This topic will demonstrate how a relatively inexpensive drone has been used to provide quick and easy monitoring of pasture health within research trials, and the potential the technology has for monitoring pasture health on a broader scale. 

Providing producers with the rainfall information they want with Dr Chelsea Jarvis 

Time: 12.30 – 1.00pm 

Date: Monday May 3, 2021 

Speaker: Dr Chelsea Jarvis, Centre for Applied Climate Sciences, University of Southern Queensland 

Venue: RaboTruck Stage in the Ken Coombe Tech Yards 

Cost: FREE 

Synopsis: Rainfall is a key element for successful pasture management and cattle production across northern Australia. However, rainfall in this area is notorious for being highly variable with one year bringing floods and the next drought. While current rainfall forecasts provide some information, at climate workshops hosted by the Northern Australia Climate Program (NACP), producers communicated that they would like to know the likelihood of receiving meaningful rainfall.  

NACP researchers took this request to heart and developed a new ‘burst’ forecast product specifically designed to meet producers’ requests. This product shows the chance of receiving 20, 30, 50, or 70mm of rainfall within three consecutive days. Depending on the location, these rainfall amounts would be enough to start or spur pasture growth or provide information about when to plant a crop. The burst forecast is still being reviewed by both researchers and producers with the feedback to date being very positive. NACP hopes to roll out this new product in the near future. 

Data Sharing – The Good, The Bad and The Ugly with Dave Swain & Dr Kate May 

Time: 1.00 – 1.30pm 

Date: Monday May 3, 2021 

Speaker: Dave Swain, Technical Director, TerraCipher & Dr Kate May, Project Manager, Food Agility 

Venue: RaboTruck Stage in the Ken Coombe Tech Yards 

Cost: FREE  

Synopsis: Your data is valuable. But to really realise it’s true potential and innovate your business, you’ll probably have to share it with service providers. When sharing data, it’s important to consider security, ownership and rights, but what do these terms even mean? And how can you find out if your data will be safe and deliver value back to your business?   

In this talk, we’ll unpack what these terms mean and give you some practical tips to consider before sharing your data. We’ll look at some examples from the FinTech sector to see what they have learnt as they push towards open banking platforms, and how these lessons may apply to ag in the future. Finally, we introduce a new initiative called Trakka that is working with cattle producers to create a secure producer controlled data sharing platform. 

When done right, data sharing can create lots of new business opportunities. Being aware of some of the potential pitfalls can help you avoid a bad or, even worse, an ugly data sharing experience. 

Building digital resilience for the future of Australian agriculture with Robert Hardie 

Time: 11.00 – 11.30am 

Date: Tuesday May 4, 2021 

Speaker: Robert Hardie, Head of Segment – Agriculture, nbn Australia  

Venue: RaboTruck Stage in the Ken Coombe Tech Yards 

Cost: FREE 

Synopsis: Australian agriculture’s vision for the future involves an industry worth 50% more than it is today, and digital agriculture is an essential enabler of this future state of play.  With the build of the nbn™ network now complete, how can farmers across Australia leverage the capability of the fast and far-reaching nbn™ network to grow productivity, save time and make more informed decisions about their farming future?  How, too, can digital enable farmers to build their business resilience – as seasonal conditions have improved, what role can digital play in the farms of the future?  

The potential influence of concerns about health, animal welfare and environmental factors on future meat consumption in Australia with John Rolfe 

Time: 11.30 – 12.00 

Date: Tuesday May 4, 2021 

Speaker: John Rolfe, Professor, CQUniversity 

Venue: RaboTruck Stage in the Ken Coombe Tech Yards 

Cost: FREE  

Synopsis: Consumers are increasingly focused on non-visible factors of the meat that they buy, considering issues such as health, production systems, animal welfare and the origin of the meat. There is also more attention on meatless and low meat diets, partly to address perceptions about the greenhouse emissions from the beef sector.  

To test the importance of these issues for Australian consumers, we surveyed 1200 households across the country in June 2020, and tested the importance of these factors in different ways. The results show that consumers pay most attention to health and quality aspects. They are prepared to pay more for meat that comes from more natural systems and have positive animal welfare outcomes, but not for meat that has a lower carbon footprint. However there are sub-groups of consumers who consider these issues to be important. 

Feeding the world & fighting climate change with seaweed with Dr Rob Kinley 

Time: 12.00 – 12.30pm 

Date: Tuesday May 4, 2021 

Speaker: Dr Rob Kinley, Chief Scientist, FutureFeed 

Venue: RaboTruck Stage in the Ken Coombe Tech Yards 

Cost: FREE 

Synopsis: Hear how a farmer’s observation of more productive cattle led to the discovery of a seaweed that has the power to virtually eliminate methane emissions from ruminant livestock. Dr Rob Kinley will take you on the journey from a small farm in Canada to a global solution to methane emissions from ruminant livestock. 

Retinal scanning – from James Bond to cow paddocks with Simon Winter 

Time: 12.30 – 1.00pm 

Date: Tuesday May 4, 2021 

Speaker: Simon Winter, Agricultural Consulting 

Venue: RaboTruck Stage in the Ken Coombe Tech Yards 

Cost: FREE 

Synopsis: Biometric scanning technologies are evolving fast and there are many emerging opportunities for the red meat industry to harvest learnings and ideas from other industries. US government agencies and the security industry have been using retinal scanning technology for some time now and as costs come down, it’s time to explore it’s use in animal applications.

Technology in the Beef Processing Industry with Darren Hamblin, Dr Peter McGilchrist & Dr Alex Ball 

Time: 9.00 – 10.00am 

Date: Wednesday May 5, 2021 

Speaker: Darren Hamblin, MasterBeef Developer; Dr Peter McGilchrist, Senior Lecturer, University of New England; Dr Alex Ball, Managing Director, Rural Analytics. 

Venue: RaboTruck Stage in the Ken Coombe Tech Yards 

Cost: FREE 

Synopsis: Gain insight into the development of the MasterBeef App, the science behind its use and the commercialisation of the App. 

The MasterBeef App was used throughout the ANZ National Beef Carcase Competition run as part of Beef2021.  The competition allows beef producers from around Australia to have a unique opportunity to benchmark their product on a national level. With participating processors in every state, this is truly a national event.  Grading of competition entries has been undertaken by the MSA Graders at each plant who have used the MasterBeef app to provide additional feedback to producers. 

The concept of blockchain, its potential and its limits in solving supply chain traceability, sustainability and ethical treatment of animals with Peter Hughes 

Time: 10.30 – 11.00am 

Date: Wednesday May 5, 2021 

Speaker: Peter Hughes, Head of Australia & New Zealand, Everledger  

Venue: RaboTruck Stage in the Ken Coombe Tech Yards 

Cost: FREE 

Synopsis: Blockchain, its potential and its limits in solving supply chain traceability, sustainability and ethical treatment of animals. 

Peter Hughes Blockchain Round Table at the RaboTruck Stage 

Time: 11.00am – 12.00pm 

Date: Wednesday May 5, 2021 

Speaker: Peter Hughes, Head of Australia & New Zealand, Everledger 

Venue: RaboTruck Stage in the Ken Coombe Tech Yards 

Cost: FREE  

Synopsis: Join Peter Hughes of Everledger for an informal discussion on blockchain.

Women leading the way: Exploring technology and agriculture with Rachel Hay 

Time: 12.00 – 12.30pm 

Date: Wednesday May 5, 2021 

Speaker: Dr Rachel Hay, Lecturer Marketing/Social Scientist, James Cook University 

Venue: RaboTruck Stage in the Ken Coombe Tech Yards 

Cost: FREE 

Synopsis: To meet increased demand for Australian beef products, find and attract rural workers, and to enhance productivity, food security and provenance of Australian agricultural products we need to access smart technologies.  While men are adopting smart technologies faster than ever before, women are responsible for the purchase, installation and maintenance of adopted technologies, creating more responsibility for farming women.   

The presentation explores the engagement of women and technology in Agriculture.  It highlights the importance of rural women’s use of, and role in managing, technology and the valuable skills and attributes that rural women bring to decision-making in management and in leadership. 

Genetics, Genomics and Market Access moderated by Geoff Maynard with Ben Hayes & Ced Wise 

Time: 9.30 – 10.30 

Date: Thursday May 6, 2021 

Speaker: Ced Wise, Veterinarian & breeding expert; Ben Hayes, Centre Director Animal Science, The University of Queensland; Geoff Maynard, 5 Star Senepol & Maynard Cattle Co. 

Venue: RaboTruck Stage in the Ken Coombe Tech Yards 

Cost: FREE 

Synopsis: Gain insight to the export opportunities of genomics and genetics research. Ben Hayes will discuss making quick, easy and accurate breeding decisions with genomics. Ced Wise will talk about the flow of bovine genetics around the world and its potential and limitations. 

Possibilities in technology and sustainability with David Halpern 

Time: 10.30 – 11.00am 

Date: Thursday May 6, 2021 

Speaker: David Halpern, Sales and Operations Lead for the Small Medium & Corporate segment of Microsoft Australia, Microsoft 

Venue: RaboTruck Stage in the Ken Coombe Tech Yards 

Cost: FREE 

Synopsis: Opportunities to empower Australian businesses through the adoption of innovative technologies that deliver business, economic and societal impact. 

I am connected but am I protected with Scott Reid 

Time: 11.00 – 11.30 

Date: Thursday May 6, 2021 

Speaker: Scott Reid, Director, Riot Solutions 

Venue: RaboTruck Stage in the Ken Coombe Tech Yards 

Cost: FREE 

Synopsis: As Agribusiness owners digitise in an effort to be more efficient and automate many farm processes, connectivity has exploded. Without an understanding and knowledge of connectivity, many could be left exposed to Cyber threats without even knowing.  Hear Scott Reid break down all things Cyber Security in a simple and easy way. 

Growing tomorrow’s technology for a more profitable and sustainable future for farmers with Luke Chandler 

Time: 11.30am – 12.00pm 

Date: Thursday May 6, 2021 

Speaker: Luke Chandler, Managing Director, John Deere Australia/New Zealand 

Venue: RaboTruck Stage in the Ken Coombe Tech Yards 

Cost: FREE 

Synopsis: John Deere’s Australia / New Zealand Managing Director, Luke Chandler shares his insights into Australian innovation that has become the cornerstone of Precision Agriculture today, and the new, technology-driven farming frontier that will continue to assist our producers to sustainably grow their efficiency, profits and reputation as the best in the world. 

Due North – Can Technology Create a New Reality for Northern Australia with Dr Jane Thomason 

Time: 12.00 – 12.30pm 

Date: Thursday May 6, 2021 

Speaker: Dr Jane Thomason, Co-Founder British Blockchain and Frontier Technology Association 

Venue: RaboTruck Stage in the Ken Coombe Tech Yards 

Cost: FREE  

Synopsis: The question ‘are you for or against digitisation’ is like asking our ancestors if they were for or against the wheel. We live in a digital world and its growth is exponential.  It accelerates economic growth, facilitates job creation, and is overhauling industries.  

How can we understand its potential and devise smart policies that harness its’ benefits, focusing on industries that create a new future potential enabled by technology. How can we learn from countries that have harnessed digital technologies to transform themselves? Can we create a bold new digital vision for Northern Australia, harnessing its abundant land, water, sunshine and deep water ports to Asia?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has entered the farm and is disrupting red meat value chains with Dr Evan Shellshear 

Time: 12.30 – 1.00pm 

Date: Thursday May 6, 2021 

Speaker: Dr Evan Shellshear, Head of Analytics, Biarri Optimisation 

Venue: RaboTruck Stage in the Ken Coombe Tech Yards 

Cost: FREE  

Synopsis: Artificial Intelligence (AI) has entered the farm and is disrupting red meat value chains across the globe. With Australia being a global supplier of premium products, how will AI allow our industry to capture more value and bring more wealth back to Australian producers, manufacturers and retailers? This talk will cover the paradigm shift in the way we monitor, package and sell our animals via AI and show you what the new value chain will look like in the next five years.  

Talking connectivity – how nbn is enabling agritech to take off right across Australia with Robert Hardie 

Time: 1.00 – 1.30pm 

Date: Thursday May 6, 2021 

Speaker: Robert Hardie, Head of Segment – Agriculture, nbn 

Venue: RaboTruck Stage in the Ken Coombe Tech Yards 

Cost: FREE 

Synopsis: Join Robert Hardie from nbn as he talks to leading agtech providers about the role of connectivity in enabling digital agriculture to flourish.  With internet-enabled digital agriculture anticipated to add up to $15.6 billion to the value of production by 2030, potentially contributing to an 11% increase in productivity in the extensive livestock sector, now is the time to be thinking about how technology – either devices deployed on farm, or web- or app-based analytic tools – can help you and your farm business prepare for the future.  Find out how you can get your connectivity working for you and your farm business.

I am connected but am I protected with Scott Reid 

Time: 1.30 – 2.00pm 

Date: Thursday May 6, 2021 

Speaker: Scott Reid, Director, Riot Solutions 

Venue: RaboTruck Stage in the Ken Coombe Tech Yards 

Cost: FREE 

Synopsis: As Agribusiness owners digitise in an effort to be more efficient and automate many farm processes, connectivity has exploded. Without an understanding and knowledge of connectivity, many could be left exposed to Cyber threats without even knowing.  Hear Scott Reid break down all things Cyber Security in a simple and easy way. 

The 5 V’s of Data and how it can be delivered where you need it with Tom Andrews 

Time: 9.30 – 10.00am 

Date: Friday May 7, 2021 

Speaker: Tom Andrews, C.E.O and Co-founder, Connected Farms 

Venue: RaboTruck Stage in the Ken Coombe Tech Yards 

Cost: FREE 

Synopsis: While getting access to data in rural Australia can be difficult for farmers there are some key tips to be aware of in using data and also a “heads up” view of what’s coming in the way of internet connection to the farmhouse and for over the farmland. 

In this talk Tom Andrews will review the 5 V’s of data:  Volume, Velocity, Variety, Veracity and most important of them all, Value.   

This will include typical data usage and times to download and how a range of data sources can be a good thing on a property.  Included will be a range of tips to save on your data usage and make more effective use of your precious data. 

In the final part of the talk Tom will review what’s happening in getting business grade connections out to rural farm offices/houses and also how to get that connectivity where it is most often needed – out in the paddock. 

An Interactive Panel: Identifying the barriers and discussing solutions to adopting AgTech in the beef industry. What is preventing you from accessing innovative technology in your beef enterprise?  

Time: 10.00 – 11.00am 

Date: Friday May 7, 2021 

Speaker: Georgie Somerset, President, AgForce; Kristy Sparrow, Regional Advocate, Better Internet for Rural, Regional & Remote Australia; Will Wilson, Calliope Machine and Hire Company and cattle Producer; Will Harrington, WiFi Queensland, JCU PhD Student and Producer;  and  Andrew Sevil, Producer. 

Venue: RaboTruck Stage in the Ken Coombe Tech Yards 

Cost: FREE 

Synopsis: Hear from producers who will discuss and identify the barriers to adopting AgTech and how they have overcome these. Get ready to be part of an interactive session where you can ask a question and learn about real on property IT solutions. Moderated by Georgie Somerset with Kristy Sparrow of Better Internet for Rural, Regional & Remote Australia and producers Will Wilson, Will Harrington and  Andrew Sevil. 

Your cattle station 2030! with Andrew Coppin 

Time: 11.00 – 11.30am 

Date: Friday May 7, 2021 

Speaker: Andrew Coppin, Chairman – AusAgritech & CEO FarmBot 

Venue: RaboTruck Stage in the Ken Coombe Tech Yards 

Cost: FREE 

Synopsis: What will your cattle operations will look like in 2030?  Technology will be paramount for managers to achieve higher productivity, better asset utilization and enhanced quality across their operations. In this talk, Andrew will discuss: How might key themes like carbon reduction, climate, sustainability and regenerative ag play out? What sort of technology will play key to that for cattle stations?  How might we run our stations differently to today? What technologies will merge and be at the forefront of our operations? What will a day in the office look like for me then?