SwarmFarm’s SwarmBot (right) has found a market in growers looking to free up labour by investing in an autonomous spray unit. Photo: SPAA

GROWING interest in autonomous farm machinery is being challenged by rising cost concerns, as Australian grain growers are called on to help track changing attitudes and barriers to adoption in an annual national survey.

Launched this week by Grain Producers Australia, the Tractor and Machinery Association of Australia, and the Society of Precision Agriculture Australia, the 2026 Autonomous Farm Machinery Survey is part of an ongoing program to benchmark technology uptake and grower experiences.

Now in its third year, the survey builds on previous findings showing increasing engagement with autonomous machinery alongside significant financial and practical challenges, providing evidence to inform government policy, machinery development, and industry investment.

Previous surveys found the proportion of respondents using semi-autonomous machinery, including GPS guidance and autosteer, increased from 27 percent to 45pc, while interest in learning more about autonomous machinery rose from 61pc to 69pc.

However, the proportion identifying affordability as a barrier also increased from 52pc to 68pc, raising questions about whether technology development is keeping pace with growers’ practical and financial needs.

GPA research, development and extension spokesperson Andrew Weidemann said regular benchmarking was essential to understanding whether growing interest was translating into practical adoption.

“Growers can see the potential in autonomous machinery, but the technology has to work reliably in Australian farming conditions and the numbers have to stack up,” Mr Weidemann said.

“We’re seeing greater engagement, but cost and connectivity remain significant barriers.

“By tracking these issues year after year, we can see what’s changing and where more work is needed.

“That gives us evidence to take to governments, researchers and manufacturers to make sure their decisions reflect what’s actually happening on Australian farms.”

TMA executive director Gary Northover said the annual survey provided manufacturers with valuable insights into how the Australian market for autonomous machinery was developing.

“Manufacturers are investing heavily in autonomous technology, and understanding how Australian farmers are responding is critical to bringing the right machinery and systems to market,” Mr Northover said.

“Regular feedback helps us identify where demand is emerging, what capabilities growers are looking for and where further product development or technical support is needed.”

“It also gives manufacturers a clearer picture of how the market is changing over time, which is important when making decisions about product development, investment and introducing new technology into Australia.”

SPAA executive officer Angelique McAvoy said the survey complemented SPAA’s work through the GRDC-funded Grain Automate program, which is helping broadacre growers understand and adopt autonomous technologies.

“Grain Automate is focused on building growers' knowledge and confidence through practical demonstrations, education and engagement,” Ms McAvoy said.

“The survey gives us a broader picture of what growers are using, what benefits they’re finding and what’s preventing others from adopting the technology.

“Together, this work helps us identify where information, training and practical support can make the biggest difference.”

The survey forms part of a three-year partnership established in 2024 between GPA, TMA and SPAA, building on their collaboration since 2019 to develop and implement the Code of Practice for Agricultural Mobile Field Machinery with Autonomous Functions in Australia.

The partnership brings together grower representation, machinery manufacturers and dealers, and precision agriculture expertise to support the safe and practical adoption of autonomous technology.

Mr Weidemann encouraged all broadacre growers to participate, regardless of their knowledge or experience with autonomous machinery.

“You don’t need to be using autonomous machinery, or even know much about it, to have something valuable to contribute,” he said.

“We want to hear from growers already using the technology, those considering it and those who haven’t seen a reason to invest.

“Understanding what’s holding growers back is just as important as knowing what benefits others are finding.”

The 2026 Autonomous Farm Machinery Survey is open online until November 30, and takes less than 10 minutes to complete.

Participants enter the draw to win one of six $250 eGift cards, redeemable at a wide range of retailers.

Source: Grain Producers Australia