Future of grazing at hand
AUSTRALIA’S first ag tech event specifically for grazing was hosted by Maia Technology at the University of New England’s SMART Farm, bringing together experts who discussed the emerging revolution in livestock management and supply chain technologies, along with the official launch of a groundbreaking decision support tool, MaiaGrazing.
Hosted by Maia Technology, the event, titled Australian Ag Tech in 2017 – Precision to Decision for Grazing featured speakers including Australian Farm Institute executive director Mick Keogh; veteran beef enterprise consultant Bill Hoffman; director of Resource Consulting Services Dr Terry McCosker; UNE SMART Farm’s Professor David Lamb; CEO of Agersens Ian Reilly; Pastures from Space director Dr Simon Abbott; Australian Meat Industry Council general manager Patrick Hutchinson; Willmot Cattle Company’s Stuart Austin and Maia Technology co-chairman Alasdair MacLeod.
According to Mr McLeod, the event was held to showcase the significant ag tech innovation that exists in the grazing sector, and discuss how it can be harnessed to increase productivity and profit.
“We brought together some of the greatest minds and most experienced experts in ag tech and grazing at this event, because until now, grazing has very much been the poor cousin to cropping when it comes to harnessing technology to maximise performance,” he said.
“We wanted to showcase what’s available now to graziers, but also discuss how these new technologies and systems can set new standards underpinning food safety, food traceability and environmental sustainability for the industry, and explore Australia’s very real opportunity to become a leader in the convergence of ag tech and grazing.”
Australian Farming Institute executive director Mick Keogh agreed.
“Some have suggested that digital agricultural will be the next major agricultural revolution – I tend to agree with this,” Mr Keogh said.
“I think it’s becoming very clear that ag tech will transform the way that farm businesses and their supply chains operate in the next few years and that will open up major opportunities that will enable the sector to grow.
“However, those who are not prepared for change run the risk of becoming victims of that change.”
Bill Hoffman of Hoffman Beef Consulting said he was confident better grazing management decisions could help achieve the best outcomes for productivity and profit.
He said the biggest challenge facing producers was how to make it all work and get the most from it.