History and technology collided as farmers were shown the benefits of drones at Brickendon Estate.
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The historic homestead at Longford was the location for a drone workshop hosted by the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture and NRM North on Thursday, October 4.
Farmers and consultants were taken through a number of practical demonstrations by a number of guest speakers, such as DroneAg’s Will Bignell.
Mr Bignell said advancement in sensor technology meant drones were fast becoming invaluable tools.
“Sensor technology has improved so it means farmers can more easily detect problems from the air.”
He said working in tandem with satellite images, drones were able to assess and diagnose paddock health for crops but could also work for cattle and sheep.
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Drones that have a large range are capable of moving small herds of sheep and cattle, and also are valuable in checking the levels of water troughs and the condition of pregnant ewes.
Mr Bignell said drone technology had been popular a number of years ago but had waned due to the saturation of the precision agriculture industry.
However, he said that farmers were coming back to the technology and were looking for practical advice.
“They are coming to us after they have tried to give it a go themselves,” Mr Bignell said.
The day also featured UTAS drone/pilot researcher Stephen Harwin and Tasmanian farmer Michael Nichols who has achieved record yields through adopting this technology.
“Using NDVI images as the crops are growing to vary the rate of nitrogen has allowed for yield increases across most crops,” he said.
“Last year our fertiliser bill was reduced by $25,000 by using this technology.”
Sponsored by AK Consulting, DPIPWE, RMCG and Plant Health Diagnostics, the event provided networking opportunities with drinks and dinner following the afternoon demonstrations.
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