AGRICULTURAL DRONES
on display at Gingin Demo Day
Growers explore new precision farming technology
Western Australia’s vegetable industry took another step towards the future when growers gathered at a farm in Neergabby for a live demonstration of the DJI T100 agricultural drone.
Words Angela Tarbottom, Regional Development Officer, vegetablesWA
HOSTED by vegetablesWA through the VegNET program, the event provided local growers with the opportunity to see one of the world’s most advanced agricultural spraying and spreading drones operating in a commercial vegetable production system.
Set against the productive farming landscape of the Gingin region, the demonstration highlighted how emerging technologies are reshaping modern agriculture. The DJI T100 showcased its ability to apply crop protection products with exceptional precision, reducing overlap, minimising waste and providing growers with an efficient solution for challenging paddocks or wet conditions where traditional machinery may struggle. The technology also has the potential to reduce crop damage by eliminating wheel tracks while improving operator safety through remote operation.
The DJI T100 ready for action.
One of the highlights of the demonstration was the opportunity for growers to engage directly with the Australia Agritech team. They welcomed questions throughout the presentations and remained available during the live demonstrations to discuss the technology, explain its features and help growers understand how it could be adapted to suit different farming systems and operations.
“People are often surprised by how straightforward the systems are once they’re shown how everything fits together,” Australia Agritech Director Judy Zhu said. “We try to simplify the setup and operation because giving growers the confidence to use the drone effectively after purchase is one of the most valuable things we can do.”
Operating an agricultural drone of this scale, however, requires far more than simply purchasing the equipment. In Australia, spray drones are regulated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), with operators required to hold the appropriate licences, registrations and operational approvals. Depending on the aircraft, operation and location, pilots may require a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL), drone registration, an approved Remote Operator Certificate (ReOC), and must comply with CASA airspace rules.
Rather than replacing existing farming practices, drones complement conventional equipment by providing targeted spraying, spreading, mapping and data collection capabilities that support better decision making and more efficient use of inputs.
Above: Growers get a closer look at the DJI T100.
These regulations ensure that agricultural drones can safely share Australian airspace while maintaining the highest standards of public and aviation safety. The demonstration site was also subject to specific restrictions due to its proximity to an RAAF base. As a result, obtaining the correct permissions to fly required additional approvals, and strict operational guidelines had to be followed throughout the demonstration.
The Gingin event also reinforced Western Australia’s growing reputation as a leader in agricultural innovation. As labour shortages, rising input costs and increasing sustainability expectations continue to challenge growers, precision technologies such as agricultural drones are becoming valuable tools within the farming toolbox.
The strong turnout from growers across the region reflected the industry’s appetite for practical, on-farm demonstrations that showcase technologies capable of delivering real productivity gains. As regulations continue to evolve alongside advances in drone capability, Western Australian agriculture is well positioned to embrace precision farming solutions that improve efficiency, support sustainability and strengthen the future competitiveness of the state’s vegetable industry.
Thanks again to all the growers who attended the demonstration. It’s fantastic to see so much interest in agricultural innovation across the region.
More information
For more information about agricultural drone technology, precision farming tools, and future demonstration events, please contact Angela Tarbottom on 0427 373 037 or email angela.tarbottom@vegetableswa.com.au.