De-risking automation and in-field robotics in horticulture

Weeding, seeding, spraying and slashing – our Gatton Smart Farm team is running the latest in AgTech through its paces to help Queensland vegetable growers boost productivity and cut costs.

“From field automation and new weeding tech to protected cropping and supply chain, we’re working with growers and industry to explore which tech will make a real difference to growers,” said Director of Vegetables, Systems and Supply Chains Ian Layden.

Fourth generation vegetable farmer Troy Qualischefski of Qualipac is working with our Smart Farm team to assess the environmental and economic benefits of using autonomous weeder and seeder FarmDroid.

Troy grows broccoli, onions and pumpkins across 1,000 hectares in the Lockyer Valley.

“We’re using FarmDroid, a solar-powered robotic autonomous seeding and weeding machine, to plant a range of vegetable crops,” Troy said.

“We’re using it to overcome labour shortages and ensure that we’re operating as efficiently as possible.”

In November 2023, the Gatton Smart Farm hosted around 1,000 national and international growers and members of the AgTech industry to see Australian-first AgTech in action.

“The Gatton AgTech Showcase featured the latest AgTech innovations in field robotics, sensors, drones, protected cropping, postharvest, cover cropping, strip tillage and more,” said Ian.

“It was a huge success and we were extremely honoured to be awarded the VISY Industry Impact Award at the 2024 Horticulture Awards for Excellence.”

On the back of the Showcase’s success, our Gatton Smart Farm team has partnered with Hort Innovation and the Global Organisation For Agricultural Robotics (GOFAR) on a $4.1M initiative to boost the adoption of AgTech in the Australian vegetable industry.

This project has recently supported 16 Australian growers to participate in a study tour to the United States for the International Forum of Agricultural Robotics (FIRA USA 2024).

“The ability to see a range of technologies working in the field will be a tour highlight and provide an opportunity for growers to directly engage with technology manufacturers,” said Ian.

“These opportunities will assist in identifying technologies applicable to Australian vegetable systems.”

Learn more about our Queensland Smart Farms at daf.qld.gov.au/smartfarms