Using digital technology to improve farming practices will be a feature of the Department of Agriculture and Food’s shed at this month’s Dowerin GWN7 Machinery Field Days.
Visitors will be able to view, download and test the many smartphone applications developed by the department.
Department regional director Pam I’Anson encouraged field day participants to visit the shed to learn more about the way forward in digital farming.
“Many of our department experts will be on hand throughout the two days to talk about a number of ongoing programs, as well as providing updates on the progress being made by some of our projects funded by Royalties for Region,” Ms I’Anson said.
The department’s eConnected Grainbelt project will showcase online decision tools, which include live, up-to-date information by linking to weather stations recently installed on grower group eDemonstration site.
Department project manager Tim Maling said eConnected provided technology for grain growers which included information and decision-making tools to manage risks and boost productivity.
Representatives from the department’s Sheep Industry Business Innovation project will demonstrate labour saving on-farm technology including a remote camera for monitoring tanks and troughs, and electronic identification ear tags for sheep.
Visitors will have the opportunity to find out more about Australian Sheep Breeding Values and watch demonstrations on how to use the RamSelect app.
The Boosting Biosecurity Defences project will also have a strong presence. The sheep National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) helpdesk will be set up with department experts available to explain why and how sheep movement is recorded on the NLIS database and to assist producers establish an account.
The e-surveillance of pests and diseases in the WA grains industry project will promote the MyPestGuide Reporter app and the upcoming Biosecurity Blitz.
Department subproject manager Rosalie McCauley said several iPad stations would be provided so the team could explain the MyPestGuide Reporter app.
“The MyPestGuide Reporter app helps address the state’s need for increased pest reporting to maintain international market access,” Dr McCauley said.
“The early detection of emergency animal diseases subproject will use the opportunity to raise awareness of the signs of foot-and-mouth disease and promote the subsidised disease investigation pilot program.”
The Geographic Information Service team will be on-hand for farmers to update their contact details and by doing so, will go into the draw to win a farm paddock map.
The event runs Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 August. DAFWA’s shed is located along Uberin Street, Dowerin.
Media contacts: Jodie Thomson/Lisa Bertram, media liaison +61 (0)8 9368 3937