In 2021/22 Queensland Farmers’ Federation teamed up with Enzen Australia (Enzen) and National Narrowband Network Company (NNNCo) on a digital farming project, creating an innovative Internet of Things (IoT) solution to cover the end-to-end operations of two demonstration farms in Southeast Queensland.
Digital, or smart farming, and precision agriculture involve the integration of advanced technologies into farming practices to increase production efficiency and the quality of agricultural produce. Smart systems rely on connectivity and the sensors capable of capturing the real time, daily, weekly, and monthly data on variables such as energy, climate, and water.
The project aimed to support industry to develop, trial and promote smart farming solutions in agriculture and food supply chains, while enhancing digital skills, creating regional jobs and driving efficiencies for businesses. In broad strokes, the project aimed to create exemplar smart farms by utilising Internet of Things (IoT) solutions to improve operations across:
The project engaged two mixed cropping and horticulture farms with some intensive animals.
The project implemented a Low Power, Wide Area (LoRaWAN) network technology and a combination of smart meters, sensors, and control devices on the demonstration sites to capture data on livestock; the environment; assets; soil health and moisture; health and safety; security; water and energy; weather and processes.
Farmers then received this data in real time with accompanying analysis to assist them in identifying end-to-end business improvement opportunities to reduce energy costs, water losses, waste and emissions. The information obtained also presents opportunities to optimise animal welfare and achieve other outcomes through further investigation.
Through this process, QFF and our project partners developed an understanding of the significant energy efficiency and agricultural productivity gains that can be achieved through digital farming.
The learnings from this project will continue to be shared with the agricultural sector to ensure the broader farming community can benefit from this project.
Visit our industry news section to read more in-depth outcomes on this project.
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The Digital Agriculture Project has received funding from the Queensland Government through the Agribusiness Digital Solution Grants Program 2021.
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