Safeguarding the cotton industry
New research vessel Etelissets sail
Digging into soil health research
Meet Julie O’Halloran
DPI leading Aussie growers in global AgTech discussion
Vegetable growers saw the latest in AgTech on a study tour to California late last year and have already started planning how to incorporate it into their businesses.
We led the International Forum of Agricultural Robotics US Grower Study Tour (FIRA USA 2024), giving Australian growers exposure to cutting-edge technological solutions and opportunities to connect with global leaders in the agriculture industry.
Ian Layden, Director of Vegetables, Systems and Supply Chains for DPI, said Australian vegetable growers are strongly interested in learning about the latest advancements in AgTech and identifying technologies applicable to Australian vegetable systems.
“The tour offered more than 35 in-field technology demonstrations and solutions for speciality crops,” Ian said.
“The farm visits, networking opportunities with growers from around the world, and insights into the future of agricultural innovation, were all incredibly well received.
“The tour has helped us to identify technologies applicable to Australian vegetable systems, that we plan to showcase at the Gatton Smart Farm and on commercial farms across the country.
“Growers embraced the opportunity to connect with tech manufacturers and other like-minded growers, with several now investing in the technology they learnt about on the tour.”
The tour was part of a new $4.1 million initiative led by DPI and funded by Hort Innovation.
Visit www.horticulture.com.au and search on $4.1 M
Meet the grower
The Australian and UK delegations on a farm visit as part of the FIRA US Grower Study Tour. Photo courtesy of Benjamin Sarion
Koala Farms CEO Anthony Staatz. Image courtesy of Koala Farms.
Meet the researcher
Principal development horticulturist Julie O’Halloran uses agricultural science and the latest AgTech to support Queensland vegetable growers increase yields and reduce costs.
With more than 20 years’ experience in agricultural development and extension, she has spent 17 years working in the Lockyer and Fassifern Valleys’ vegetable industry.
Julie manages several diverse projects as part of the department’s Gatton Smart Farm initiative.
“I’m currently leading the advanced vegetable mechanisation program to accelerate the adoption of automated and mechanised technologies,” said Julie.
“Through study tours, commercial demonstration sites and webinars, the program helps increase grower awareness of available commercial technologies and connects them with international AgTech manufacturers.”
Recently, Julie appeared on ABC TV’s Landline to discuss her work assessing the benefits of FarmDroid, an autonomous weeder and seeder.
“With evaluation technologies like FarmDroid, we assess them in 3 ways: economic, agronomic and grower experience,” she said.
Anthony Staatz, CEO of Koala Farms in Queensland’s Lockyer Valley, was one of the growers on the study tour. Koala Farms grows different varieties of lettuce and other soft vegetables like broccoli and spinach on 600 hectares across 4 locations.
Anthony found it particularly thought-provoking on the tour to explore the full business potential of implementing some of the showcased AgTech tools and systems.
“I learnt how different startups are classified and the pathway forward for these new technologies to reach the growers,” he said.
Anthony has always had a strong interest in technology to produce better quality produce at a lower cost. His strong interest saw him, along with a collaborator, enter the New Inventors competition in 2025 with their Low Impact Harvester. The harvester reduces damage and bruising to soft vegetables throughout the harvesting process.
in California leading the grower study tour looking at AgTech opportunities
“Economic considerations include reduced input costs for labour and diesel, while agronomic characteristics look at the impact of greater precision on crop establishment and the efficacy of weed control.
“The grower’s experience in implementing new technologies into their business is essential in driving the adoption more broadly.
“One of the reasons I like working with growers is to support them in making changes and developing management practices for the benefit of their farming system. It’s rewarding when it makes a difference.”
Julie has been fortunate to love all her roles in agriculture.
“It’s rewarding working for an industry that is critical to every human on the planet, and new technology makes it an exciting time for young people considering a career in agriculture.”
See Julie on ABC TV’s Landline. Visit www.abc.net.au and search on weeder seeder.
“As producers we are price takers. The only way to increase margins in our businesses is to improve efficiency or productivity, decrease risk or reduce input costs,” Anthony said.
“My role is to ensure we are exploring innovations that might help us achieve those goals.”
Since attending the study tour, Anthony is looking at Plant Tape and automation in his packing shed.
“There will be a lot of game changing technologies coming into horticulture. The trick will be picking the right solutions for your business, so that will mean a lot of research, development and new learnings.”
For more information about Koala Farms visit www.koalafarms.com.au
Julie O’Halloran
Safeguarding the cotton industry by combating disease
Cotton diseases are tugging at the threads of the $1 billion industry in Queensland – but together we’re weaving a stronger future.
“Diseases are a significant challenge for Australian cotton growers, leading to an 8-12% reduction in yield or complete crop loss in some cases,” said Dr Linda Smith, principal plant pathologist.
We have partnered with the Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC) and the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) to reduce the economic impact of current and emerging cotton diseases to less than 5% of production costs by 2028. This partnership is backed by a $13 million investment through the Australian Cotton Disease Collaboration (ACDC) initiative.
Across Queensland, our scientists are working closely with growers to implement on-farm solutions that can help mitigate the impacts of diseases such as Verticillium and Fusarium wilts, reoccurring wilt and foliar diseases.
“We are developing innovative disease management strategies, including improved diagnostic tools, irrigation and nutrient regimes that minimises disease development, residue management to reduce inoculum build up and enhanced biosecurity measures,” said Linda.
“We know that early detection and rapid response are key to managing cotton diseases effectively.
“Through this collaboration, we are equipping growers with the knowledge and resources they need to identify disease threats early and take proactive steps to protect their crops.”
By leveraging cutting-edge research and practical solutions, this initiative aims to deliver meaningful change for cotton growers across Australia.
“Our shared vision is to ensure growers have the tools and resources they need to thrive despite the challenges posed by pests and diseases,” said Linda.
The ACDC initiative underscores a shared commitment to strengthening the resilience of Australia’s cotton industry.
By addressing disease threats and enhancing industry confidence, this collaboration sets the stage for sustainable growth and the long-term viability of the industry.
Learn more about the Australian Cotton Disease Collaboration at crdc.com.au/Australian-cottondisease-collaboration
DPI principal plant pathologist and Deputy Director of ACDC, Dr Linda Smith
Flamin’ Snapper!
Etelis joins the fleet
Our new research vessel Etelis has set sail, helping our fisheries researchers tackle the high seas and reach new horizons with a suite of advanced features and increased capabilities.
Fittingly named after the Flame Snapper found in the offshore deep waters of Queensland, the vessel is proving its worth as a valuable resource in marine research.
“Etelis has really been a gamechanger in helping us target deepwater finfish offshore. It’s bigger and more stable than our previous vessel, and can handle the swell and conditions better, meaning we can get to our stations a lot safer and faster,” said fisheries biologist Dr Matt McMillan.
“The increased capability of having a larger, more equipped vessel means we can do a lot more work out on the water, both inshore and offshore.”
The 8-metre-long Etelis has all the right gear for our researchers to make the most out of their trips out to sea, and being a trailer boat, it can easily be transported to even remote parts of Queensland.
A fully enclosed cabin, large versatile deck space, high-end electronics, deck capstan, and access directly to the ocean below via a sea door makes tagging, sampling and gear trials easier and safer. It also allows work to be done at a greater scale than previously.
“On our maiden voyage we had a highly successful run catching Bar Cod offshore from Brisbane to take back to the lab. It was immediately noticeable how much more capable the vessel was on the water and in aiding our research into the biology and lifecycle of east coast deepwater finfish,” Matt said.
Etelis is fit-for-purpose equipment that makes it possible for the department to stay at the forefront of marine research.
The new vessel provides improvements in capability, efficiency and safety
Matt McMillan with Etelis’ namesake, a Flame Snapper
A peek inside the cabin. Senior fisheries scientist Sam Williams takes Etelis out on a fish tagging trip off the Sunshine Coast
Demonstrating alluvial gully remediation to enhance reef water quality
Gully erosion is a significant challenge in grazing lands across northern Queensland, particularly in areas with highly erodible soils.
These gullies can reduce the productivity of grazing land, damage infrastructure, pollute downstream environments, and require ongoing costly interventions.
Our Spyglass Gully Remediation project, funded by the Queensland Government’s Queensland Reef Water Quality Program, focuses on addressing this issue through 3 key objectives:
• Erosion control and sediment reduction
Testing innovative approaches to stabilise soil, improve vegetation cover, and reduce sediment flowing from Continong Creek to the Burdekin River.
• Monitoring and research
Using tools like LiDAR, water quality sensors and vegetation assessments to enhance understanding and measure the success of alluvial gully remediation techniques.
• Knowledge and skill building
Empowering graziers and technical experts with practical knowledge through workshops and site visits.
“We are trialling a range of cost-effective strategies, emphasising long-term stability and minimal maintenance,” said senior soil conservation officer Simon Hunt.
“A range of approaches, from those relevant to graziers to more intensive interventions, will be tested to develop practical principles for managing alluvial gullies.”
Alluvial gullies differ from hillslope gullies in their location and scale. They typically have extreme soil conditions and continue to grow without an external catchment, making them more challenging to manage and stabilise.
“We have a technical advisory group and a local producer group providing input into the project’s design and activities to ensure best outcomes.”
Simon said one of the project’s key strengths is that the insights gained have multiple benefits.
“Insights from the project will benefit local graziers, and contribute to policy and industry practices, sustainable land management solutions, and improved water quality outcomes for our vital waterways,” Simon said.
The project is delivered by the Department of Primary Industries in collaboration with the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation, and James Cook University.
For more information on new techniques and innovations to improve farm practices in reef catchments, visit Farming in the Reef at www.qld.gov.au/ FarminginReefCatchments or call DPI on 13 25 23.
A remediation site on Spyglass midway through bulk earthworks
Senior soil conservation scientist Simon Hunt and earthworks contractor Darren Brabon
Digging into Queensland’s soil health research
Take a handful of soil. It might look like plain old dirt, but it’s actually a microscopic metropolis bursting with life.
“A single handful of soil contains billions of bacteria, kilometres of fungal hyphae, tens of thousands of protozoa, thousands of nematodes, hundreds of different insects, worms and arachnids, plus metres of plant roots,” said Dr Tony Pattison, principal nematologist.
Across Queensland, our scientists are digging deep to tackle soil health challenges from nutrition and erosion control to microbiology and nematology.
As a department, we invest over $4 million annually in projects improving soil health for Queensland’s agriculture, horticulture, grazing and forestry industries.
Tony’s team is focused on boosting soil health and microbial diversity to help manage Panama Disease TR4, a severe threat to banana crops.
“Healthy soils act as an army with microbes defending against disease like Fusarium, which causes Panama disease,” Tony says.
“Maintaining ground cover, balancing nutrients and minimising tillage can help farmers boost their soil’s microbial biomass and keep pathogens in check and Fusarium under control.”
In broadacre cropping, principal research scientist Dr David Lester is working to overcome conditions that constrain grain production. We’re tracking fertiliser nitrogen using isotopes to better understand how N fertiliser could be used more efficiently and reduce losses from unused fertilisers. Our research continues to explore the benefits of deep phosphorus banding to improve root access to moisture and nutrients.
“We’re working with industry to evaluate long-term residual benefits for yield and grower returns,” said David.
Meanwhile, our Pilot to Paddock project is transforming intensive livestock manure into fertilisers.
“Inorganic chemical fertilisers are energy-intensive and potentially inefficient, leading to significant environmental losses,” said principal environmental scientist Dr Matthew Redding.
“Using a combination of chemical fertilisers and manures, we can boost crop growth, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and close the loop on carbon and nitrogen cycles.”
These are just a few examples of the work we’re doing to ensure our soils continue to support productivity and sustainability, in line with the National Soil Strategy.
Contrasting banana production systems comparing intensively produced bananas in a bare soil monoculture (Philippines) (Left) with bananas produced in a less input-intensive system with diverse vegetation cover to promote greater soil microbial defenses Queensland (Right)
Samples from a grain harvest showcasing the difference using nutrients in the right place at the right time
The future of farming is AI-right
Have you herd the news? Artificial Intelligence is being put to the test at our Brian Pastures Research Facility to help take cattle monitoring to the next level.
A collaboration with leading Australian technology providers InFarm and Think Digital is putting digital eyes in the paddock to detect cattle and monitor their condition using advances in machine vision and AI.
Following the successful trial of CattleCam in identifying cows and calves, the AI model is now being developed to deliver a range of innovative Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) preparedness tools.
Research is already underway to train the AI to look for changes in behaviours and signs of disease that may indicate a health issue, including endemic problems such as cattle tick and buffalo fly.
“We’re collaborating with InFarm and Think Digital to take CattleCam to the next phase, developing the AI model even
AI is being used to develop remote surveillance tools to identify issues such as buffalo fly
further to build automated remote surveillance nodes and a mobile phone app,” AgTech principal scientist Paul Stewart said.
“It means we have the potential to put a surveillance tool in every producer’s hand to notify them of any changes in condition or issues, giving them the data to make informed decisions.”
The use of emerging digital technologies in developing innovative AgTech solutions is paving a new path for producers to address challenges faced by Queensland’s northern beef industry.
“It’ll be another tool in their kit in the early detection and intervention of disease. Having an app in the palm of your hand combined with 24/7 remote surveillance nodes can mean a quicker response to potential EAD incursions and a faster return to disease free status,” Paul said.
ABC Landline recently visited our Brian Pastures Research Facility to learn more about this work. To watch this video, please visit www.abc.net.au and search for Cattle Cams.
Revolutionising native foods: Yaala Sparkling’s success story
From bush to bottle, native ingredients are transforming the market – and we’re ensuring they reach their full potential.
Our food scientists at the Health and Food Sciences Precinct in Coopers Plains work with businesses across Queensland’s primary industries to develop innovative, value-added products.
Through innovation and cutting-edge research, the team drives the growth of Queensland’s primary industries by creating new market opportunities for producers.
A great example is our partnership with Yaala Sparkling, an award-winning First Nations business that has developed and scaled up a range of sparkling waters infused with native food ingredients.
“Our work with Yaala Sparkling showcases the transformative power of collaboration,” said food technologist Trish Lindeman.
“By leveraging our expertise and resources, we’ve helped bring to market a product range that not only celebrates Australia’s native ingredients but also drives innovation in the food and beverage sector.”
Through rigorous research and a consumer-led product development approach, our Food Innovation team provided expertise at every stage of the process.
From formulation development and raw material selection to refining processing methodologies and scale-up trials, we ensured the highest standards of quality and consistency.
Additional support included labelling compliance, shelf-life evaluations, and consumer sensory assessments, highlighting our comprehensive approach to product development.
Yaala Sparkling can now produce larger volumes, and the products are available online and through select retailers.
This work was part of the Indigenous Native Food Program (INFP), which assists First Nations businesses in developing and commercialising new products with native food ingredients.
By supporting the development of market-ready products, the program has created pathways for economic growth, job creation and cultural preservation.
It has also empowered Indigenous entrepreneurs to lead innovative businesses, fostering regional engagement and promoting the unique flavours of native Australian ingredients to a broader audience.
Yaala Sparkling
Tara Croker and Mel Davey (Yaala Sparkling) with Trish Lindeman and Kerridyn Hooker (DPI)
In the MEDIA
Warm water wonders
ABC Landline recently visited our Bribie Island Research Centre to learn how we’re using innovative systems and collaborating with oyster farmers to breed blacklip rock oysters and Queensland sunshine oysters on a commercial scale.
To watch the video, please visit www.abc.net.au and search for ABC Landline episode Warm water wonders
< Queensland sunshine oyster spat at Bribie Island Research Centre
Cattle Cams: AI detecting cattle skin diseases
We invited ABC Landline to our Brian Pastures Research Facility to see how our researchers are collaborating with leading tech companies to monitor cattle and detect signs of Emergency Animal Disease using AI and machine learning.
To watch the video, visit www.abc.net.au and search for ABC Landline episode Cattle Cams
< ABC’s Landline interviewing Jerome Leray from InFarm
Sweet injection for the sugarcane industry
Australia’s sugarcane industry is set to benefit from an up to $32.6 million injection into research and development over the next 4 years. We’re working with Sugar Research Australia to drive projects that will boost productivity, sustainability and profitability for growers, milling companies and regional communities.
To learn more visit www.sugarresearch.com.au and search for sugarcane industry to benefit from $32.6m research
< Sugar Research Australia Research Facility at Meringa
Sunn-y solution for cotton farmers
Our principal research scientist Dr Paul Grundy and principal plant pathologist Dr Linda Smith are trialing Sunn hemp as a promising new solution to a tiny pest that’s stunting some cotton crops.
To read the ABC story sunn hemp trialled in cotton fields to combat reniform nematodes visit www.abc.net.au and search for sunn hemp
< DPI staff Harry Gaston and Gail Spargo with local agronomist Damien Erbacher