Agriculture

SwarmFarm Robotics raises $12M AUD Series A to put integrated autonomy in the hands of growers

With over 1.3 million acres covered to date, SwarmFarm Robotics seeks to chart a farm-centric path in the race to farm autonomy. SwarmFarm Robotics today has raised a $12 million AUD Series A ($8.3 million USD) to develop and grow the Integrated Autonomy category in agriculture through the versatile SwarmBot platform and a breakthrough operating system network, SwarmConnect, that enables developers to create an array of innovative applications for users of the autonomous platform. “There is enormous demand for autonomy in agriculture, but today, most solutions unlock minimal potential,” said SwarmFarm CEO Andrew Bate. “The current equipment providers believe that farmers just want to be plucked from the cab or replaced by robotic arms. We believe that farmers want more. They want a technology ecosystem built to address the issues in their locality, a farm-centric system that leaves the lowest possible footprint on their fields, helping them do more with less. They want Integrated Autonomy, so that’s what we’re building.” The team at SwarmFarm defines Integrated Autonomy as a new approach to autonomy on-farm that unlocks the full potential of driverless technology by providing specialty robotics solutions with an open platform to develop on. “While many companies are making driverless tractors and developing niche robotics solutions in agriculture today, we believe that there is a third category of autonomy that combines the robot and the application within a development framework that will allow farmers to customise their equipment for their needs and allow developers to bring their innovations to life much more rapidly,” said Bate. “It’s the best of both worlds. For the farmer, we provide customised autonomy in a box. For the developer, we provide a streamlined path to the grower with a tight feedback loop.” The company’s Series A funding round was led by Emmertech, an AgTech fund […]

Innovate to Grow opportunity for WA agrifood SMEs

A new online learning program is now available to Western Australia-based small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the agrifood sector, to help support their research, product development and innovation ambitions. The Innovate to Grow: Agrifood WA program is delivered by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, with support from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). Monika Szabo, SME Collaboration Manager for CSIRO, said Innovate to Grow is a great opportunity for businesses looking to turn an idea into a viable research and development (R&D) opportunity. “Innovate to Grow aims to boost WA agribusinesses’ innovation performance by supporting businesses in advancing their ideas through the innovation pipeline and educating owners on how valuable R&D can be to them through this journey,” Dr Szabo said. “With assistance from experienced researchers and innovation experts, participants can examine their technical and business challenges, explore their research, development and innovation opportunities, and develop actionable business and funding plans,” she said. DPIRD Investment Services Manager Peter May said this program presented an excellent chance for WA agrifood businesses to innovate their business. “In addition to the learning benefits from the program, participants will increase their professional network and become part of the program alumni,” Mr May said. “This program complements a range of existing agrifood industry innovation programs supported by DPIRD,” he said. Applications close Monday 13 March. The program will commence on Tuesday 4 April. More information on Innovate to Grow is available from the CSIRO agrifood WA webpage.

Fixing farmers water woes will support reduction of agricultural emissions

Jase Keen, Senior Sales Engineer – Water Utility & Country Director, New Zealand, Grundfos Grundfos is supporting the agricultural industry with reducing its carbon footprint by providing farmers with tools and technology to reduce unnecessary water use along with encouraging energy efficiency through solar pump solutions. Why are agricultural emissions such a problem? Agricultural emissions are an ongoing problem because they directly impact the environment and global warming. As global temperatures rise, New Zealand will continue to be divided by weather extremes – rain battering the west and south, and high temperatures bringing drought and fires to the north. The country’s water supply and quality are also at risk of deterioration due to the growth of polluting activities. Currently, 50 per cent of New Zealand’s gross emissions are made up of agricultural emissions, and although methane emissions from livestock make up the largest portion, this is not the only source. There are other energy intensive practices on farms that are contributing to the mix. For example, the amount of water used, and the energy needed to run irrigation pumps are among some of the most significant expenditures in agriculture. Agricultural irrigation is an intensive operation – lifting and moving water around farms with pumping systems consumes plenty of energy, and many existing water pumps rely on fossil fuel to power their systems. Worn or improperly sized pumps and fittings can also cause irrigation systems to use up more energy than necessary, for example, it is estimated that 26% of stock drinking water is lost as leakage.[1] There is a growing need for intelligent technologies that reduce water usage and energy consumption, manage the water source, and make irrigation more efficient across the board. What is the bigger picture? Supporting the reduction of emissions over the long term requires the […]

Government action needed on farmer feedback

New Zealand: DairyNZ recommends the Government makes significant changes to its emissions pricing proposal – taking on board the feedback of farmers and their representatives. In its submission, now available online, DairyNZ stands by the He Waka Eke Noa recommendations developed by the primary sector, in partnership with Government officials. The industry-good organisation does not accept the Government’s pricing proposal, Te tatai utu o nga tukunga ahuwhenua, which DairyNZ chair Jim van der Poel says undermines the balance and equity He Waka Eke Noa aims to achieve. “It is unacceptable for farmers, who have made their thoughts very clear on this issue. The Government needs to take this feedback on board,” says Mr van der Poel. “DairyNZ recommends the Government adopts the He Waka Eke Noa recommendations, which represent more than two years of collaboration, including extensive negotiation with Government partners. The Government must ensure any agricultural pricing is fair and equitable for farmers. “The sector could not support any other solution.” Over the past six weeks of Government consultation, DairyNZ held 14 in-person events and 10 webinars, engaging with over 1000 dairy farmers. “Farmers expressed deep concern about the impacts of the Government’s proposal on the sector and New Zealand’s economy. Areas of concern were significant and wide-ranging, including price-setting, collectives, sequestration, reward and recognition for on-farm planting, and governance,” says Mr van der Poel. “The Government’s response to He Waka Eke Noa has missed the mark on many of these criteria. It places a financial burden on the farming community and removes the ability for agriculture to have a say in its own sustainable future.” Of the farmers DairyNZ engaged with, 99 percent think more on-farm planting should be recognised. Ninety-five percent see governance representation as important or extremely important, while 94 percent believe additional criteria should […]

Government comes to the party on R&D for agriculture emissions

DairyNZ says the Government’s R&D commitment of $339m to reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions will help Kiwi dairy farmers remain high-performing. The Government funding announced includes the establishment of the new Centre for Climate Action on Agricultural Emissions. “Additional funding and the new Centre will add to the significant investment already being made by the sector into R&D – so, collectively, it will accelerate the development of technology and tools to really drive further emissions reductions by the ag sector,” says DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle (pictured). “Because Kiwi dairy farmers are already so efficient, there’s no silver bullet. We need new high-impact technologies and to accelerate their uptake to continue reducing our environmental footprint, while enabling farmers run successful businesses.” DairyNZ has worked consistently with the Government to ensure they understand the scale of the climate change challenge affecting farmers, and the opportunity to remain world-leading sustainable dairy producers. “DairyNZ has advocated strongly for Government to invest significantly more in supporting the sector to play its part to address climate change. So it’s great to see our work on behalf of farmers coming to fruition,” says Dr Mackle. Today’s announcement is a step in the right direction to accelerate the development of new technology needed on-farm as soon as possible, and support farmers to adopt these tools. “We’ll continue to advocate for how this R&D funding is invested, as new solutions develop. This will bring the best outcomes for farmers and New Zealand into the future,” said Dr Mackle. Kiwi dairy farmers already have the world’s lowest carbon footprint for on-farm milk production and want to retain that competitive advantage – to continue contributing for their families, the economy and local communities. “We already have a world-leading position with low carbon dairy and a world-first emissions reduction plan […]

Outstanding start for Agricultural equipment deliveries in 2022

2022 agricultural equipment deliveries have kicked off to fantastic start. This, coupled with many machines that are already on order as customers begin to gear up for spring / summer 2022, is driving the current performance. TAMA president Kyle Baxter said, “he was seeing and hearing first-hand how strengthened commodity prices are giving farmers and rural contractors the confidence to invest in new equipment”. The flow of equipment into New Zealand has increased dramatically, and this has offered much welcomed relief for customers who are requiring a new piece of equipment, which is then being put to work straight away when it arrives. Overall tractor sales are up more than 25 percent for the year to date compared to 2021 (which was already an increase on 2020 by around 19%) and this trend looks set to continue with confidence in the agri-sector remaining strong”, according to the Tractor and Machinery Association. There have been consistent increases across every horsepower sector, with some standout results in certain sectors such as a 20% increase in the sub 40HP sector, coupled with over a 30% increase in the 100-150HP plus sector which is predominantly used in the dairy segment. Regional performance which has a strong diary influence such as Northland, Waikato, Taranaki, and Southland, have also experienced significant growth. Lastly, in 40Hp – 100HP sector significant growth of 27% has been achieved, with this category predominately focused on horticulture and some dairy segments in regions such as Bay of Plenty, Hawkes Bay and Nelson. Again, strong commodity prices are driving and providing buyer confidence. The 2022 year recorded a superb start, and that, coupled with increasing imports of Ag equipment, is a trend that will likely remain strong all the way through to summer 2022. Many of our members are also turning their eyes to beyond 2022, as they look […]

Enhancing NZ’s pasture-to-plate Story: FarmIQ earns FernMark distinction

FarmIQ has been accepted into the FernMark Licence Programme for both FarmIQ and Farmaxproducts, becoming the first New Zealand agricultural technology (Agritech) company to earn the distinction. Achieving the FernMark is a milestone in the FarmIQ and Farmax story, adding mana to the brand and its products. The recognition also helps strengthen New Zealand’s agricultural offering by adding another chapter to its pasture-to-plate story through our innovative use of technology. FernMark is formal government recognition of a product’s connection to New Zealand and communicates the country of origin to consumers around the globe. New Zealand depends on its great reputation to thrive in key export markets and international consumers are willing to pay more if they can be assured that a product came from New Zealand. “Having an iconic Kiwi Agritech company like FarmIQ telling their story to the world enhances the perceptions of New Zealand – we are a country that creates innovation because we care about the land and the people. FarmIQ is a great demonstration of that ingenuity and care, and we welcome them to the FernMark programme” says New Zealand Story CEO, David Downs. FarmIQ is map-based farm management software that keeps farmers’ everyday information in one place. It helps drive better decisions, improved performance and provides peace of mind ahead of audit time. “FarmIQ and FARMAX products are proudly designed, built and supported in New Zealand for pastoral farming operations. We’re passionate about the agricultural industry, and it’s great for agri-technology like ours to be recognised as contributing to our industry and representing a different kind of Kiwi ingenuity,” says FarmIQ CEO, Will Noble. Adding to the excitement is the inclusion of the FARMAX products under the licence. Last year, FarmIQ and Crown Research Institute (CRI), AgResearch, formed a strategic […]

Eitan-Dan-of-CropX-and-MetService-CEO-Stephen-Hunt-1-NZF

CropX and MetService to provide rural sector with specific weather data

Farmers will now be able to access high quality and site specific weather forecasts and data from their smartphones in a new partnership between global farm-management company CropX, and MetService, New Zealand’s national weather authority. MetService will provide weather data for CropX to share via its cloud based platform direct to an app on the farmer’s phone. The data will be backed by science, based on modelling as well as from local observations from specific weather stations in farming hubs. “This partnership means that as well as farmers having access to the data our soil monitors provide, they will have further and fuller information on the weather in order to make good water and nutrient management decisions to ensure the best outcomes for the pasture in the growing cycle, with minimal water and fertilizer inputs,” says Eitan Dan, Managing Director of CropX New Zealand. The agreement will see CropX using MetService weather data on their farm-management platform, with MetService now a licensed reseller of CropX’s technology. “No business could be more at the mercy of weather than farming,” says Eitan. “New Zealand farmers make important and costly decisions based on the weather multiple times a day – so accuracy and ease of accessing weather information is essential. We want to provide this to our CropX customers to supplement the data they receive from our soil sensors.” MetService rigorously evaluated CropX technology, and were impressed by the consistency and accuracy of the data and the seamless setup and operation. “MetService is thrilled to partner with CropX, who provide a great service to New Zealand farmers and growers,” says Peter Fisher, Business Development Manager at MetService. “We employ over 100 meteorologists in New Zealand, and operate the most in-depth weather observation network in the country, including New Zealand’s weather radar,” says Peter. “We […]

Roadmap to put uniquely Australian protein onto global menu

A new roadmap by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, shows how Australia can serve up a wider range of high-quality protein products to feed the world’s growing population and help capture a $13 billion market opportunity for all types of protein. The report ‘Protein: A roadmap for unlocking technology-led growth opportunities for Australia’ also outlines how Australia could create up to 10,000 jobs and become a global leader. With an expected two billion extra people on the planet to feed by 2050, coupled with changing tastes and dietary preferences, the world is going to need to produce more protein, more sustainably and from more sources. Growth opportunities include new plant-based products, turning lesser cuts of red meat into value-added protein powders and nutraceuticals, developing higher-protein and better tasting legume crops, creating a new sustainable industry in Australian white-flesh fish, and exploring non-traditional forms of protein like cultivated meat and edible insects. CSIRO Chief Executive, Dr Larry Marshall, said Australia’s strong history and global reputation in agriculture and food present a big opportunity for future growth. “As protein demand grows and new consumer trends emerge, solutions from science can help create new markets and complement our existing, globally competitive traditional markets. This will help shift Australia’s reputation from being the world’s food bowl of commodities to becoming a global delicatessen of unique higher value exports,” Dr Marshall said. “CSIRO’s Future Protein Mission recognises the scale of this challenge and brings together a wide network of partners with the latest innovative technology to seize this opportunity for a resilient and sustainable food system. “We can supercharge growth in our traditional protein industries by harnessing technologies like digital traceability and integrity systems that enhance the premium status of Australian red meat, and grow new complementary protein markets through techniques like precision fermentation to […]

Human activity driving global plant evolution

Urbanisation is changing the evolution of plants in cities worldwide, new research shows. Global Urban Evolution Project (GLUE), a ground-breaking study involving Lincoln University ecology senior lecturer William Godsoe, has found the clearest evidence yet that white clover is frequently evolving in cities all over the planet as a direct response to environmental changes caused by human activity. Humans constantly re-shape the environments where they live, dramatically altering ecosystems, with cities being among the most profoundly transformed environments on Earth. The collaborative project, led by evolutionary biologists at Canada’s University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM), can be used to help better conserve rare species and allow them to adapt to urban conditions, while preventing pests and diseases from adapting to the same environments. The scientists chose to study white clover, as it is one of the few organisms present in almost every city in the world, providing a tool to understand how urban environments influence evolution. However, the implications reach far beyond the humble clover plant. Dr Godsoe said Christchurch was one of 160 cities surveyed by the scientists to understand how urbanisation shaped the evolution of clover. “In a global sense, the study showed that environmental conditions in cities tend to be more similar to each other than to nearby rural habitats, and Christchurch was no exception. “White clover typically produces hydrogen cyanide, both as a defence mechanism against grazing animals and to increase its tolerance to water stress. “However, when it grows in cities, it typically produces less of it, due to repeated adaptation to urban environments and the lack of herbivores and water stress in these areas.” In that regard, downtown Christchurch could be deemed more comparable to downtown Tokyo than to surrounding Canterbury farmland and forests. Dr Godsoe surveyed 40 sites between Moorhouse Ave and the […]

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