Western Australia
June 26, 2015
Growers and producers will be able to see the latest mobile applications and online tools developed by the Department of Agriculture and Food at the Southern DIRT Techspo in Katanning on Wednesday 1 July.
An interactive display showcasing the latest webpages, products and apps developed to assist farmers with their day-to-day decision making will be staffed by a range of department experts in their fields.
Development officer Steve Tunbridge said the department was excited to be included in the inaugural Techspo.
“The day will be a great opportunity for farmers to talk about the many technologies currently available to improve livestock and cropping productivity and profitability,” Mr Tunbridge said.
“Farmers will be able to visit the various booths and play with a great range of products on display.
“These include the MyCrop and MyPestGuide apps and websites, as well as a range of livestock on-line tools.
“Department staff will be available to talk farmers through the products, help them download them onto their smart phones or tablets and answer any questions they may have.”
The new MyCrop app prototype, funded by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and the department, is an interactive online tool and app that brings crop diagnostics to the paddock for wheat, barley, canola and pulses.
It also includes decision support tools such as variety selectors for wheat and barley, CropCheck and MyEconomic.
The MyPestGuide app was developed by the department with funding from the Council of Grains Grower Organisations (COGGO) and Royalties for Regions.
It provides a photo reporting tool so users can send observations directly to the department to ask for an identification as well as an ID guide which lets the user quickly determine which pest, according to the crop, is causing the damage observed by its type or size.
Livestock online tools and calculators have been designed to help producers manage their ewe flock more effectively and make better management decisions about feed budgeting and grazing.
The Sheep Industry Business Innovation project, also funded by Royalties for Regions, will profile a number of sheep productivity workshops including the Lamb Survival Initiative, Lifetime Ewe Management, 100%+ Club and RamSelect.
The department’s display will also include information about the eConnected Grainbelt project, made possible by Royalties for Regions funding.
The project is designed to help grain growers better manage their risks through using technology solutions.
Mr Tunbridge encouraged producers to take advantage of the technology and expertise that will be offered on the day.
Further information on Techspo, being held at the Katanning Leisure Centre from 8.30am to 5pm, on Wednesday 1 July is available on the Southern DIRT website.
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