Tech Innovations that will blow your mind!
AgriFutures evokeAG. is Asia Pacific’s annual showcase of bold ideas, groundbreaking innovations and disruptive science driving agriculture towards a better future. Entering its sixth year, evokeAG. continues to facilitate investment, nurture innovation and create impact, which is reflected in its new evergreen tagline: Invest. Innovate. Impact.
The Hubs Knowledge Broker, David Gallacher was there, take a read of his observations!
Tech Trends worth watching
Drone mustering - The big change in this space in 2025 was the CASA relaxation of rules mean stations can now get approval to fly drones on‑property within weeks. Drone Hand is pushing into livestock work, including mustering and yard counts, and is setting up an assembly plant in Darwin. Rising helicopter maintenance costs are driving interest in drone alternatives.
Virtual fencing Halter is now the dominant player, valued at over US$1b and expanding across NZ, the US and Australia. They expect NT licensing in 2026. A newcomer to watch is AgX, developing shock‑free virtual fencing using ear tags instead of collars—cheaper, easier to fit and more animal‑ethics friendly.
AI for extension
Large language models are starting to support farm extension. Chat BCG launched in Victoria using 30 years of cropping info. A similar NT-focused knowledge bank could be built from public domain resources if industry wants it.
Forage & farm management
AgriWebb continues to grow across the north and has significantly upgraded its forage tools. CSIRO is developing forage quality assessments that will plug in. A major project underway aims to add an AI “decision assistant” that suggests management actions based on property, herd, weather and market data.
Automated cropping Ornata now offers remote tractor operation by retrofitting existing machinery with cameras and safety systems. One operator can oversee multiple tractors, offering labour flexibility and the potential for 24‑hour operations when timing is critical.