Two Sunshine Coast brothers behind Australia's latest rural security technology company, Land Watch, were blown away with the interest shown for their product at FarmFest 2021.
James and John Hill, said the 2021 event was Land Watch's first experience with FarmFest, and that their stall attracted more keen interest than any other previous field event.
"We came to this event to build connection and reputation in the industry, agriculture is particularly spread out industry, so it's been great to make so many connections," John said
"We did Beef week and had 100 expressions of interest over the week, in just three days at FarmFest we've taken the details of 120 potential clients to build relationships with.
"We understand that the best client is the neighbour of our current client, so it's great to build on these relationships and not just been seen as people flying in from the Sunny Coast."
James has had years of experience in the security industry and said that all the attention their stall has been getting comes bittersweet.
"It's shocking to hear how much theft is out there," James said.
"Hearing stories about how much trouble people are having out there on their farms can be really distressing.
"Unlike traditional security farmers are trying to monitor not just the sheds and the houses, but also fields, tanks, dams and livestock."
To battle the everyday hurdles of connectivity, data, and power, Land Watch opt for a solar-powered security cameras that automatically backs up data so footage never gets lost or corrupted.
Their technology is waterproof and has infrared powered night vision to ensure 24-7 effective monitoring and reliable farm safety.
Data has shown show that crime rates in rural and regional areas have increased faster than in metropolitan areas in recent years, leaving farming communities that once left their doors unlocked at greater risk of theft.
James said that he hopes their product can help farmers get a better night's sleep.
"We want farmers to know that just even though their property is 20,000 acres that they can still have same level of security as a metropolitan office," he said.
"You don't need internet, you don't need 4G, you can link the cameras to the house and be notified about what ever is going in your property as it happens."
"Now it's just about providing education and building relationships with industry so farmers know that this technology is out there and can provided to them."
