Starting something new doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. It all begins with one change, one tool, one step at a time. You don’t need to have all the answers right now, and that’s okay. We are here to support you at every step, ensuring AgTech works for you and your farm.
Show transcript
Luke Chaplin (SkyKelpie): An idea is just an idea without support. Queensland can help that idea become a real-world solution.
Tim Neale (DataFarming): How do we help farmers do more with less? How do we make them more efficient and more cost-effective?
The ecosystem in Queensland starts right back at research and development.
Sonya Comiskey (Pine Tree Projects): People who are prepared to take risks, try new things...
Kara-Glenn Worth (Digital agriculture innovator): ...collaborate, and share ideas, resources, and connections to drive AgTech forward.
Luke Chaplin (SkyKelpie): The diversity of Queensland’s agricultural landscape really lends itself to real-world testing and validating solutions with end users.
Sonya Comiskey (Pine Tree Projects): There’s enormous variability across the size of farms, production systems, commodities, and climate.
Tim Neale (DataFarming): These are really tough environments to test technologies in, so if it works here, it can work anywhere.
The Queensland Government has been a great driver in accelerating AgTech growth. We’re already developing global businesses.
Luke Chaplin (SkyKelpie): The door is open for innovation.
Kara-Glenn Worth (Digital agriculture innovator): It’s hard for me to even comprehend the possibilities.
End of transcript.
Identify your top priority
What’s the first challenge you'd like to solve? Focus on a goal that will save you time, cut costs or make your day easier.
Here are some common challenges faced by producers:
- "I spend too much time driving between paddocks just to check water levels."
- "I need more accurate data to know when to spray or irrigate."
- "Managing all my stock is taking up too much of my day. I need a simpler system."
Picking something achievable ensures you can focus on solutions tailored to your operation.
Burlington Cattle Station struggled with wasted time checking water troughs across thousands of hectares. They installed water sensors connected to a network. As a result, they saved hours of daily work, detected issues early, and ensured livestock always had sufficient water.
Leverage existing resources
AgTech isn’t about replacing everything; it’s about working smarter with the tools and infrastructure you already have.
Start by asking yourself:
- "What technology is already working?" Could new AgTech tools, such as dashboards or automation, improve it?
- "How’s my connectivity?" Regardless of location, options like low-earth-orbit satellites and local networks can provide reliable connections.
- "What information do I need to improve your decisions or operations?" Make sure your AgTech generates the right data for your goals.
The Australian Macadamia Society faced challenges with unpredictable weather disrupting farm operations. They implemented weather stations, sensors, and soil moisture probes. As a result, growers improved efficiency, predicted disease risks, and increased productivity using real-time data.
Start small, measure results, grow smart
You don’t have to commit to wide-scale changes all at once. A phased approach can help you feel more confident.
Here’s how to make it work:
- Trial solutions on a small area of your farm first.
- Measure tangible benefits like cost savings, time saved, or productivity gains.
- Scale your investment in AgTech based on what worked, learning and fine-tuning the process as you grow.
Neuendorf Farming found it difficult to monitor silos, gates, and soil moisture levels across the farm. They adopted smart sensors that provide real-time updates. As a result, their operations became more efficient, with reduced energy use and improved crop health.
Partner with the Queensland Government for support
The Queensland Government is ready to support your AgTech journey every step of the way:
- Access personalised solutions and insights by connecting with the Queensland Smart Farms network. Meet industry professionals, attend technology demonstrations, and explore options that work for you.
- Discover financial support through various programs, including the Queensland Government Grants Finder and Advance Queensland initiatives.
- Learn from other producers’ success stories and see the real-world difference AgTech can make to your farm.
How to get started today
- Pick your first challenge to tackle with AgTech.
- Browse the AgTech Finder to locate a supplier who might have the technology you need.
- Reach out to your local Queensland Smart Farm for advice and demonstrations.
- Explore leading programs such as Farmers2Founders, if you've got ideas, or want to scale up.
- Discover Startup Bootcamp Australia for programs accelerating AgTech innovation.
- Check out Beanstalk AgTech to learn how to connect with AgTech networks and opportunities.
- Use the Queensland Government Grants Finder to explore funding and support options.
- Learn from other farmers’ experiences with AgTech to discover how it could work for you.
Contact Trade and Investment Queensland for a range of support and opportunities to connect with if you are investment and export-ready.
Last updated: 07 Jul 2026