The latest SMART Farm technology has once again been highlighted at this year's FarmSmart showcase at Muresk Institute in Northam.
More than 350 farmers, industry leaders and training providers attended the free event today, which included demonstrations from Telstra with their Mobile Technology Lab and tours of Muresk's SMART Farm, the first public demonstration farm in Western Australia set up for cloud-based SMART Farm technology.
Cloud-based SMART Farm technology is the integrated use of digital equipment in modern agriculture, such as sensors and GPS, providing farmers with the data they need to make more informed and efficient choices in farming.
Visitors to the event also enjoyed seminars on adapting to a digital business, breeding better sheep, improving animal welfare and livestock handling operations through technology, and connecting consumers and producers.
Agricultural Region MLC Darren West represented Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery to officially open the FarmSmart showcase for 2019.
The event brought together industry leaders and training providers to highlight how the integration of new technology with existing farming practices can help improve quality and efficiency.
For more information about Muresk Institute and the courses on offer, visit http://www.dtwd.wa.gov.au/mureskinstitute
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
"The McGowan Government is committed to delivering stronger regional economies.
"The FarmSmart showcase is a great example of agricultural innovation, increasing productivity and diversifying the economy to create more jobs for Western Australians.
"It is vital the State Government works with the agricultural industry to ensure we are delivering the right skills at the right time and in the right places."
As stated by Agricultural Region MLC Darren West:
"As a farmer I have seen firsthand how technology is changing the way we do things and how it has opened up new opportunities for jobs.
"I thank Minister Ellery for her continued support of innovation and technology in agriculture.
"It is essential that we continue to upskill and keep up-to-date with new technology so that we can take advantage of the efficiencies and opportunities it presents to our industry."
