Managing a livestock business in western Queensland is a significant undertaking, but new remote monitoring technology could help ease the tyranny of distance for producers.
The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), through the Leading Sheep initiative, is organising field days in St George, Morven, Isisford and Longreach in June to profile the latest in remote monitoring and how pastoral businesses are integrating the technology into their enterprises.
“Remote monitoring means that producers can check on water, stock and fencing without leaving the house,” DAF senior extension officer Nicole Sallur said.
“This can free up valuable time, means false alarms don’t waste hours and ultimately the business can run more efficiently.
“It also means producers can leave their property and still keep an eye on what’s happening or take a much needed holiday.”
Producers will be able to hear from those who have already integrated remote monitoring into their business, including Dirranbandi’s Duncan Banks, and where it works best for their purposes.
Mr Banks combines a commercial-style water meter with communication technology to remotely monitor 30 water troughs on his 4000 hectare property called Dunwold.
“Data transmitted by a two-way radio to Duncan’s computer and mobile phone shows the highs and lows of water flow, which reduces time and labour costs of water monitoring,” Ms Sallur said.
There will also be a range of displays from companies providing remote monitoring equipment, including technology for monitoring water and electric fences, as well as cameras and unmanned aerial vehicles.
The forums will be held:
- Monday June 19, Balonne Skill Centre, St George 9.30am to 1.30pm
- Tuesday June 20, Morven Racecourse, 8.30am to 12.30pm
- Wednesday June 21, Isisford Showgrounds, 10am to 3pm
- Thursday June 22, Rosebank Shearing Shed, Longreach, 10am to 3pm
For more details visit the leading sheep website.
