Ahead of another expected hot summer, Australian agtech company Farmbot is urging farmers to take advantage of a Federal Government-backed rebate program by investing in water monitoring technology which will save them time, fuel, natural resources and money.
Canberra’s On-Farm Connectivity Program (OFCP), part of the Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia, aims to help primary producers increase productivity and develop more sustainable farming practices through the adoption of connected machinery and sensor technology, such as water monitoring solutions.
Known for its expertise in managing water for livestock through its remote monitoring technology, Farmbot participated in the first round of the OFCP and was recently announced as an eligible supplier of the initiative in its second round.
Round 2 offers up to a 50 per cent rebate on the cost of eligible Farmbot water monitoring solutions for farm operators of any size.
The company's co-founder and managing director, Andrew Coppin, says with an unpredictable summer ahead, combined with rising on farm costs, the OFCP's funding is making it easier for them to help more producers get started with reliable water monitoring technology which will enable them to better manage their resources in the long term.
Farmbot's water management solutions are designed to cover the entire water supply chain – from pump to pipe, tank and trough.
Farmbot's products include water tank level sensors, pump controls, rain gauges, and farm security solutions, all aimed at improving connectivity and operational efficiency for primary producers across Australia.
“Water is critical to the success of any agribusiness, and poor management can have serious consequences for livestock, families, and operations,” Andrew explains.
“Being able to remotely monitor water sources means that there is less time, fuel and labour costs involved because there isn't a need to regularly visit water tanks across paddocks or properties,” he says.
“Farms of all sizes – corporate or family-owned – can improve water management, save resources, and gain peace of mind by using Farmbot."
Andrew says the company also provides support throughout the OFCP application process to ensure a smooth experience for farmers.
Based near Dubbo, farmer Scott Tourle participated in the first round of the OFCP where he received a 50 per cent subsidy on Farmbot rain gauges, water tank monitors and water flow metre sensors.
Participating in the program enabled him and his son to purchase better and more equipment than they would have normally bought.
“Our investment has been repaid many times over, including the time and effort saved from not having to go and physically check water systems every day,” Scott adds.
“Just having the knowledge our stock is in good health, with good, consistent water, is such a bonus because in the past we have had tanks leak and all of a sudden our stock is out of water. We just can't afford that,” he says.
For farmers considering applying for the second round of the OFCP grants, Scott says the 50 per cent subsidy is an excellent opportunity to make improvements on the farm.
“If there's something you can use to improve your profitability and your technology, and at the same time receive a 50 per cent subsidy, it's well worthwhile,” he says.
“It encourages us, along with other farmers, to have a go at new technology and see the benefits it can bring.”
Regional Tech Hub general manager Jennifer Medway says farmers showed a strong interest in the first round of the OFCP and she is predicting an even greater demand for grants in the second round.
“As a free, independent service dedicated to helping others improve connectivity in regional, rural, and remote areas, we lead the charge in assisting farmers to boost productivity and operational connectivity,” Jenifer says.
“The OFCP will further enhance on-farm connectivity and support rural Australians in leveraging new technologies as it provides crucial support to address some of the business challenges of farmers while fostering connections with innovative Australian solutions.”
With an increased budget of $18 million, the second round of the program now accommodates more producers and has raised the eligibility revenue cap to $4 million (averaged over the past three years). The minimum rebate has also been reduced to $1000, making it more accessible to a broader range of applicants.
Recognised as the Australian AgTech Scale-Up of the Year at the recent Technology Scale-up Awards, Farmbot continues to make a significant impact on the agricultural industry by delivering innovative solutions that enhance farm operations and empower farmers with cutting-edge technology.
For more details go to www.infrastructure.gov.au/media-communications-arts/better-connectivity-plan-regional-and-rural-australia/farm-connectivity-program
