Cropping in the digital age – support at growers’ fingertips

Farm dogs beware – digital technology is increasingly proving to be a grain grower’s best friend.

The digital age is providing growers with easy access to resources and support tools in their quest to lift efficiency and productivity, according to the Grains Research and Development Corporation(GRDC).

Agricultural consultant and GRDC Southern Regional Panel member Bill Long  (left), of Ardossan, SA, demonstrates the Yield Prophet® online crop-production model to Barry Mudge of Port Germein, SA. The benefits of using the Yield Prophet® model are outlined in the GRDC’s Cropping In The Digital Cover supplement.

GRDC’s Manager of Delivery Platforms, Tom McCue, says technology is rapidly changing and making it possible for growers and advisers to capture farm information in real time and share this information immediately with a wide network.

“Data can be captured in cloud-based systems, enabling it to be viewed and analysed across multiple platforms,” Mr McCue said.

“Growers and advisers can access large volumes of information almost immediately upon its capture – making on-farm decision-making quicker and more efficient.”

Mr McCue said the GRDC was converting some of its research, development and extension outputs into easy-to-use and accessible applications – such as Weed ID and Insect ID apps – and more decision-support tools are planned for the future.

For further details, go to www.grdc.com.au/media-news