Key Takeaways:
- According to a Roy Morgan survey, 89% of Australian farmers have used or would consider using AgTech.
- 72% of farmers are currently utilizing AgTech in their operations.
- Leading AgTech includes farm management software, eID tags, satellite technology, precision farming, drones, and remote sensors.
- High cost and lack of information are the main barriers to wider adoption of AgTech.
- AgTech offers significant benefits such as time and cost efficiencies, improved livestock management, and reduced wastage.
Widespread Adoption of AgTech Among Australian Farmers
A recent Roy Morgan survey reveals that 89% of Australian farmers have either used or are open to using Agricultural Technology (AgTech), with only 11% expressing no interest. The survey, conducted with 1,001 farmers in April and May 2024, highlights a high level of engagement with AgTech across the agricultural sector.
Current Usage and Popular Technologies
AgTech usage is prevalent, with 78% of farmers using it at some point and 72% currently integrating it into their operations. This indicates that only 6% of farmers have tried and abandoned the technology. The most popular forms of AgTech include farm management software, eID tags, satellite technology, precision farming, drones, and remote sensors.
Farm management software leads the pack, offering features such as paddock mapping, animal genetics tracking, feed inventory management, water monitoring, and biosecurity planning. eID tags, the second most utilized technology, allow for individual animal identification through microchips. Satellite technology ranks third, providing real-time data on crop performance and soil variability. Precision farming, which leverages satellite data for optimal farming practices, follows closely. Drones, used for monitoring crop health and livestock, and remote sensors, which gather various farm data, round out the top six technologies.
Benefits of AgTech
AgTech provides numerous advantages, including reduced wastage, remote diagnostics, labor reduction, and better record-keeping. Farmers have reported increased profitability, reduced input costs, and improved livestock management as key benefits. Michele Levine, CEO of Roy Morgan, noted, “AgTech is transforming the farming experience like never before, driving time and cost savings for Australian farmers all around the country.”
Barriers to Adoption
Despite the widespread adoption, barriers remain. The high cost of AgTech is the primary obstacle, cited by 66% of farmers. Lack of information about the technology and poor connectivity are also significant barriers, mentioned by 37% and 36% of farmers, respectively. Other challenges include perceived low benefits, regulatory hurdles, distrust of technology, and time constraints.
Levine addressed these issues, stating, “Although ‘high cost’ is considered a barrier, cost savings are one of the main benefits for those who adopt AgTech. There’s surely a way to reduce entry costs to reap the benefits post-adoption. The lack of information and connectivity issues also need to be addressed to drive greater uptake.”
Industry Insights and Future Directions
The survey reveals that John Deere is the most associated brand with AgTech, followed by Gallagher and Elders. The insights from the survey emphasize the need for targeted approaches to address the barriers and educate farmers on the benefits of AgTech.
Farmers expressed interest in government support to facilitate AgTech adoption. The survey covered various farm types, including beef, cropping, sheep (meat and wool), horticulture, and dairy, ranging from small farms to large operations with annual revenues over $5 million.
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
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