FEATURE drones

On April 11, 45 growers and industry stakeholders gathered near Pemberton for a high-tech field event coordinated by PotatoLink and the Potato Growers Association of WA, Hort Innovations and VegNET WA.

Words Georgia Thomas and Katrina Hill

WEATHER conditions were ideal for the day to showcase the latest drones and associated technology used on Western Australian horticulture farms.

Technicians conducted field demonstrations with two types of drones taking flight across the fields and MPC Drone Ag Director Rhys Muir talking through the machine’s capacities and capabilities, battery life and maintenance.

Grower Danny Omodei, whose family has been in Pemberton for 100 years, and farming spuds for 62 years, said like many great ideas the discussion about drones started over a few beers and soon progressed to integrating the machines into the farm practice.

“I can’t speak highly enough of drones and what they can do,” said Danny.

“We have made mistakes and needed to work with our agronomists to develop the right mixes to use to get the best results. However, we have also seen great outcomes in terms of improved efficiencies, targeted applications and time savings,” said Danny.

The demonstrations were followed by a presentation by Senior Development Horticulturist Julie O’Halloran, from Queensland Department of Primary Industries’ VegMech program, along with Queensland grower Bryce Lamb, who recently returned from a US study trip looking at advanced vegetable mechanisation to maximise labour and cost efficiency.

Local vegetable grower Jake Ryan, chair of the Warren Cauliflower Improvement Group, presented the Open Weed Locator (OWL), an open-source AI spot-spraying system developed by researcher Guy Coleman. Jake has been pioneering the build of a 16-channel manifold weed sprayer for brassicas like cauliflower and cabbage, tailored to the region’s needs. Thanks to additional funding support from sponsorship and VegNET innovation project, Jake and a team of Manjimup growers will take part in a study tour, visiting farms, attending field days, and participating in a hands-on workshop to build four AI camera units. The project will also launch an open-source weed image library, helping to make the technology of AI-driven precision weed management more affordable and accessible to other Australian farmers with Jake strongly encouraging other farmers to explore open-source technology options.

Potato Growers Association of Western Australia CEO Simon Moltoni said the event’s popularity showed how important innovation and technology is for industry.

“Labour continues to be a challenge, as well as increasing costs of production, so if we can use new technology to reduce our overall costs, and increase our efficiencies, then growers are prepared to give it a try,” said Simon.

There was also a trade display at the event featuring:

• WA Potatoes: Smart Spud impact sensor technology.

• Farmlink Rural: MAIT Irrigation monitoring and management systems.