A New Zealand sustainability transformation leader will urge south-west Victorian farmers to think about how technology can improve their systems when she presents at the upcoming Koroit Agricultural Field Day.
Chair of Agritech New Zealand Bridgit Hawkins says technology can provide solutions for most challenges farmers are facing today – but they need to make sure they get the benefits.
Ms Hawkins will lead innovation technical presentations and workshops in the basketball stadium at the Koroit Agricultural Field Day on February 22. DemoDAIRY Foundation is assisting with this activity.
Ms Hawkins founded her own agri-tech business about 15 years ago focused on dairy effluent management, is chief sustainability officer for CropX and works with ag companies such as Bovonic in the agri-tech space.
She will set the scene with information about the types of precision agriculture available for farmers and the opportunities and challenges they present. In a separate presentation, Ms Hawkins will outline effluent technology systems developed by CropX.
Ms Hawkins said every farmer needed to discover what’s important for them in the technology field and where they are at with their capabilities.
“Technology provides solutions for most challenges farmers are facing today, but how do you find the ones that are right for you and how do you ensure you get the benefits you hope to get from that investment?” she said.
“Farmers need to make sure they get the benefits that technology can bring for them, work through their biggest pain points and chose a technology that works for them.
“For example, if you don’t want to sit at a computer, choose something that is more automated.”
Ms Hawkins said that once farmers start to investigate, they will be surprised by the amount of technology options that could help their performance and sustainability.
“Taking a step and making a start is the most important thing,” she said.
Ms Hawkins added that farmers could also play a role in the development and evolution of these technology solutions. “The more time they can give to engage with companies that are developing technology, the better the company will understand the problem they are trying to solve,” she said.
The field day will feature more than 45 exhibitors, including tractors, drones, contracting and irrigation equipment, dairy innovation and feed and pasture companies. The event will cover all agricultural fields with a special focus on dairy.