Zetifi business development manager Rob Lansdown with GPSA CEO Brad Perry. Photo: GPSA

SOUTH Australian grain producers’ connectivity blackspots are being targeted as part of a pilot program between Grain Producers SA (GPSA) and AgTech connectivity provider Zetifi.

The connectivity pilot project, funded through AgriFutures Australia’s Producer Technology Uptake Program, is seeking three grain producers who farm in mobile and internet blackspots to trial Zetifi’s long-range connectivity technology.

GPSA chief executive officer Brad Perry is calling on grain producers in areas of poor connectivity to express interest in taking part in the pilot program.

“The biggest barrier to the adoption of technology on-farm is the lack of connectivity in many cropping regions across South Australia,” said Mr Perry.

“Without reliable connectivity, it is challenging to undertake precision agriculture, remote monitoring, use autonomous machinery and advanced data analytics to name a few.

“We are excited about the opportunity to team up with AgTech business Zetifi to install its Cell and Rover technology on three South Australian grain producers’ properties to extend phone and internet coverage as a solution for black spots and on-farm connectivity.

“This will be the first of its kind project in South Australia that will pilot last-mile connectivity for vehicles and machinery on farms”.

Zetifi Chief Executive Officer Dan Winson said he’s looking forward to working with GPSA and applying the businesses’ connectivity solutions to South Australian grain farms.

“We’re really grateful to Brad and the team at GPSA for the initiative they’ve shown in creating this opportunity for South Australian farmers,” said Mr Winson.

“Our unique approach to on-farm connectivity was developed with regular input from grain growers around our base in Wagga Wagga, so we know that this setting is well suited to our products and we’re excited to be able to showcase the benefits they provide as part of this project.”

AgriFutures Australia Innovation Manager Ulicia Raufers said the third round of the Producer Technology Uptake Program has enabled a further 28 producer groups and networks to design bespoke projects to increase AgTech adoption on-farm and on-boat.

Expressions of interest to participate in the pilot program are sought from SA grain producers by emailing [email protected]

Source: GPSA