Students from across the region took to Bowen in early November to learn about the latest technology in one of the Whitsundays’ major industries.
Bowen Gumlu Growers Association’s (BGGA) Innovation Field Day held at the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) research station in Bowen was a “huge success” according to organisers.
Attracting over 150 producers, industry stakeholders, students, and agricultural businesses from across North Queensland, the event was both an opportunity for locals to learn about one of the region’s economic drivers, as well as businesses to see the improvements in ‘Agtech’.
BGGA Chief Executive Officer Ry Collins highlighted the attendance of over 60 students from Bowen, Home Hill, and Proserpine High schools who saw first-hand what kinds of Agtech are emerging in the industry.
“The field day was a great opportunity for industry and our community to come together, share information and learn about new technologies and advancements in the horticulture sector,” Mr Collins said.
The event hosted a comprehensive program of speakers, displays and demonstrations, including the autonomous Robotti and GUSS units that demonstrated robotic weeding, seeding, spraying, and slashing as well as automated packing from LYRO robotics.
Mr Collins said it was a key business priority for BGGA to collaborate with industry and provide growers with information and access to the latest agtech products and services that helped them improve on-farm efficiency, reduce input costs and remain profitable.
“It is vital that we continue to pursue new ways to meet and adapt to challenges, be more productive and sustainable and ensure our industry is able to continue to be prosperous into the future,” he said.
Bowen Gumlu Growers Association hosted industry stakeholders, locals, and school students at an open day highlighting new agricultural and horticultural technology
