The Tropical North Queensland (TNQ) Drought Hub plays a pivotal role in connecting agricultural producers to innovative agricultural technologies (AgTech) that can enhance their operations and build resilience against the challenges of drought.
Tailored Support and Technology Optimisation
The TNQ Drought Hub offers various resources and tools to help producers identify and implement suitable AgTech solutions. One of its key offerings is the AgValuate program, a farm-specific innovation readiness assessment tool. This program assists farmers in evaluating their operations and identifying technology gaps through a structured, question-based format. By generating customised reports, AgValuate highlights quick wins and long-term strategies for technology implementation, guiding producers towards effective solutions tailored to their unique challenges.
TNQ Drought Hub Adoption Officers actively engage with producers to discuss their specific needs and challenges. This hands-on approach facilitates a deeper understanding of the local agricultural context and allows for the identification of AgTech options that best fit individual farm operations. The Hub's TEKFARM program exemplifies this commitment, where Advisors work directly with farmers to explore technology opportunities, apply for grant funding, and integrate new solutions into their farming practices.
The deployed technologies are monitored to understand how they are performing and working, with the results being shared through neighbour day farm visits, local events and workshops.
Adoption Office Keerah Steele, based in Georgetown, said “When working with producers we sit down and talk about land management, pasture management, water management or other parts of their business that they want to improve”, adding “We help them find suitable technologies, talking to the agtech companies to get answers and understand what different options do and don't offer. We also provide training and support to get the most out of the agtech.”
Building Drought Resilience in Tropical North Queensland
The integration of AgTech into farming operations is crucial for enhancing drought resilience. By facilitating access to innovative technologies, the TNQ Drought Hub empowers producers to improve their water management, optimise crop yields and livestock returns, and increase operational efficiency.
For instance, technologies that help beef producers monitor the performance of cattle - at both mob and individual animal levels provides essential information when determining grazing, feedlotting and selling strategies.
The TNQ Drought Hub also collaborates with agricultural companies and researchers, to foster innovation and streamline the commercialisation of new AgTech solutions. This collaborative effort not only accelerates the availability of cutting-edge technologies but also ensures that they are both feasible and relevant to the needs of local producers. Providing feedback from producers helps Agtech companies develop the right solutions, and connects them to opportunities for trials to gather critical data of product performance.
Through its comprehensive programs and collaborative networks, the TNQ Drought Hub effectively connects producers with the necessary AgTech to enhance their farming practices and build resilience against drought. By prioritising tailored support and continuous innovation, the Hub not only helps secure the future of agricultural producers but also strengthens the overall agricultural community in Tropical North Queensland.
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