A tsunami of new technology will disrupt traditional agricultural production methods according to ANZ rural economist Con Williams.
Williams says the number of apps and innovations designed to help improve agricultural businesses has exploded in recent years.
“Farmers and growers need to embrace the changes new technology brings as they are all aimed at increasing the bottom line, and perhaps just as importantly, making it easier to do business,” says Williams.
Williams was outlining details of his Agri Focus research at the ANZ Pavilion during the four days of the National Agricultural Fieldays at Mystery Creek from June 14 to 17.
He is urging people to try some of the technologies available.
“Adopting a new piece of technology into a business can sometimes involve a leap of faith for the non-tech savvy. But this can be eased by doing some research into the various apps on offer, and many of them offer a free trial to test them out,” says Williams.
The Innovation Pavilion at Mystery Creek was presenting new technologies such as health and safety apps for farm management, finance and compliance as well as robotic fruit pickers and drone technology.
“With the rate of change only set to expand over coming years, mastering the use of technology within a business will be an essential part of success in the future,” says Williams.
“I think New Zealand industries want to do the right thing, and most farmers are keen to adapt farm practices and invest where they can in addressing societal and consumer concerns. Technology plays a critical part in helping them do that,” says Williams.
