We’ve said this before and we’ll say it again, the future is now – especially when it comes to Australian agriculture.
In a compelling report from ABC Australia’s Rural section, the country’s agriculture industry is, little by little, implementing new technology such as robots, DNA tech and the Internet of Things.
These new techs were showcased at the AgFutures annual event, hosted by the Queensland Department of Agriculture. The Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (or QAAFI) has also said that gene technology has the potential to increase the country’s productivity when it comes to crops.
QAAFI Chief Executive Robert Henry added that the groups scientists are looking at major crops such as wheat, rice and sugar cane, so they can identify the genes that controls the quality and efficiency of production.
Make no mistake; these are not your usual GMO crops, but rather a focus on the acceleration of their conventional breeding.
Henry said, “using the rapid developments in biotechnology and the information technology, we can speed up the process [of conventional breeding] and make bigger gains,”
“In wheat we understand bread quality and in rice the qualities the consumer wants, and that means we are going to be able to produce products that attract a higher price in a competitive market place.”
What it appeared to be the biggest agriculture news ofthe AgFutures event is whether or not the concept of virtual fences could become a reality. When the delegates of the event were asked if this can happen, the simple answer was a resounding yes.
Imagine – no more costly wire or wooden fences to protect your fields from wildlife or other pests, which may get broken into or damaged from natural causes. A fence that you can control, repair, increase and decrease anytime you want to – and sources say it’s due for a commercial release next year.
All of these technologies are made possible through investments made in research & development, automation and innovation studies. With regional and rural internet connection improving thanks the nbn®’s new satellite internet, farmlands can now gain access to online resource that will further aid farm productivity.
The nbn®’s Sky Muster satellite brings better satellite internet connectivity to regional Australia. To get onboard Sky Muster, call Activ8me today 13 22 88 or visit: https://activ8me.net.au/internet/skymuster
image courtesy of TheQuTube Youtube