F E A T U R E D

Agricultural Outlook for April is favourable for Beef & Wool, while Crops keep an Eye on the Sky ahead of Seeding Window.

Senior Manager Industry Affairs, Bendigo Bank Agribusiness, Neil Burgess said: “The imposition of the ten per cent US tariff is expected to translate into only a minimal reduction of Australian beef export volume to that market, with beef export volumes to the USA expected to continue at high levels. At this stage, the only limiting factor to exports is the processing capacity of local centres due to supply chain issues.”

“Barley and canola exports are running well ahead of pace, helped by strong early-season shipments, but wheat is lagging, with China mostly absent from the market and appetite for wheat imports remaining soft, held back by large domestic supplies and soft quota limits. Weather will remain in focus as we head into the seeding window, particularly across southern cropping regions where conditions remain critically dry.”

“Australian wool has been a welcome bright spot with the market gaining ground over the past month and the AWEX EMI finishing higher in five out of the last six weeks to now sit at 1,249c/kg. This has resulted in the EMI gaining 54 cents since the last selling week in February, now up +9.4 per cent from this time last year,” Mr Burgess concluded.

Fast facts

Beef:

Australian cattle prices recorded moderate growth again throughout March, with prices peaking in the final week of the month. Supply chain issues limiting available cattle on markets provided underlying support for prices, as did ongoing export demand. The National Young Cattle Indicator moved to a peak of 371c/kg on the final day of March, but despite the increase, prices are still 15 per cent below the five-year average. Prices are forecast to see a marginal increase throughout April with continued export demand and the market recovering from wet weather, which wreaked havoc on transportation and processing capacity. The ten per cent US tariff is expected to translate into only a minimal reduction of Australian beef export volume to that market. Beef export volumes to the USA are expected to continue at high levels in March as witnessed over the past year, with the only limiting factor being the processing capacity of local centres due to supply chain issues. Beef is forecast to remain in high demand from consumers and with US beef importers, who will now be paying more to access the product. It seems likely this will have a flow-on effect on US domestic consumers. See: Full beef report and US Tariff update

Cropping:

All eyes are on the weather heading into a key period where conditions will shape the market. Dry conditions at home and crop risks in the Northern Hemisphere could see prices lift. A keen watch is for April and May rainfall to set up winter cropping. Any delays or crop stress abroad will add more fuel to the market. Barley and canola exports are running well ahead of pace, helped by strong early-season shipments. This factor, combined with robust domestic demand, has kept both commodities well balanced in terms of carryout at the end of the season, supporting prices throughout the season. Wheat, on the other hand, is lagging, with China mostly absent from the market. China’s appetite for wheat imports remains soft, held back by large domestic supplies and soft quota limits. If export volumes stay low, we could see a build-up in wheat stocks, pressuring prices into the new season. Recent grains market activity has been heavily influenced by factors unrelated to supply and demand, most notably, the Trump administration’s reintroduction of tariffs. While these trade tensions are expected to shift global trade flows over time, the extent to which they will impact overall demand remains uncertain. See: Full cropping report

Dairy:

The average southern farmgate milk price has lifted 1.7 per cent from opening to sit around $8.25/kg MS. Burra and Lactalis are the latest processors to provide step-ups to suppliers. Burra confirmed a 10-cent step up, and Lactalis 15 cents to average 8.35/kg MS and 8.40/kg MS respectively. February milk production in Australia was 4.8 per cent lower year-on-year. Dry conditions in southern states have seen Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania record their largest year-on-year declines in February. National season-to-date milk production now sits 0.1 per cent below last season. Year-on-year production is expected to continue to fall behind last season, with weather outlooks showing little relief in the near term. Our full season forecast for milk production remains at 8.3 billion litres. Feeder steer prices are also expected to take a hit with the US 10 per cent tariff on Australian beef. Local prices are expected to soften in the coming weeks, but US demand for Australian beef is expected to remain firm. This should see prices supported through 2025. See: Full dairy report

Horticulture:

Substantial rainfall totals across Queensland regions are continuing to impact horticultural producers. This may see limited availability across the East Coast over the coming weeks. Vegetable producers throughout these regions are also struggling to get crops in the ground. The peak autumn planting of vegetable crops is underway, with ongoing rainfall continuing to hamper efforts. This may have a longer-term impact with the reduced availability of these vegetables when harvest kicks off. The ongoing supply chain disruptions through Queensland and New South Wales have seen fruit and veg prices surge higher. The wholesale price index for both fruit and veg now sits well above the same point last season. Should seasonal weather disruptions ease throughout April, we may see prices decline coming into May. From a trade perspective, the direct impact of 10 per cent US import tariffs on the horticultural sector is expected to be relatively limited, however, we would expect the shifting trade flows to result in more competitive markets for citrus exports. Having said this, citrus greening disease (HLB) in Florida should support demand for Australian citrus. The other key risk to the Australian horticultural sector remains the prospect of a slowing Chinese economy. China remains by far our largest market for horticultural exports. A hit to the Chinese economy would be keenly felt, particularly across our fruit and nut sectors. See: Full horticulture report

Sheep:

Australian lamb markets have shown relative stability throughout March, easing slightly through the latter half of the month before finishing strongly. The National Trade Lamb Indicator is now at 803 c/kg, marking a +2.4 per cent increase from the end of February and up +6.6 per cent compared to the five-year average. Prices continue to be supported by strong processing capacity, although key sheep-producing regions in South Australia and western Victoria remain relatively dry, which is limiting upside. Lamb supply has remained elevated throughout March, with the average weekly slaughter totalling 492 thousand head. Average processing rates in March were slightly lower than those of February, however, this is mainly due to public holidays. Processing rates were still up +5.7 per cent compared to March 2024 and 27.2 per cent above the five-year average for the month. Supply is expected to remain heightened throughout April, but is expected to dwindle as we get closer to the middle of the year. This is expected to coincide with a tightening in the supply of mutton. Lamb prices are expected to ease in April as the market adjusts to the implementation of tariffs from the US; however, continued strong processing capacity and tightening supply are expected to limit downside. A strong autumn break across South Australia and western Victoria will play a big role in easing supply pressure. See: Full sheep report

Wool:

The Australian wool market has gained ground over the past month. The AWEX EMI is finishing higher in five out of the last six weeks and is now sitting at 1,249c/kg. This has resulted in the EMI gaining 54 cents since the last selling week in February and is now up +9.4 per cent from this time last year. Supply has been relatively steady over the past four weeks, with the national offering averaging almost 39 thousand bales over this period. However, this is still down six per cent compared to the same period last season. March did see an increase in wool testing volumes, increasing to the highest level since November 2024, but the total for March this year was still slightly lower than for March 2024. The Australian Dollar has eased slightly over the past five weeks, resulting in the EMI in USc terms gaining 31 cents to now sit at 787 USc/kg, although it did reach as high as 794 USc/kg in week 38. Wool prices are expected to face pressure throughout April as the market adjusts to escalating trade tensions. The implementation of US tariffs on China and  Europe is expected to reduce demand downstream and limit enthusiasm in auction rooms, although reduced production this season, as well as the weaker Australian Dollar, is expected to be supportive. See: Full wool report

Climate and carbon:

The Australian beef industry is no stranger to sustainability. Plenty of sustainability measures and goals have been set by the industry at various times to make sure Aussie beef producers are doing their bit. In 2017, the Australian red meat and livestock industry set a target to be carbon neutral by 2030, known as the CN30 initiative. The endgame of this project is to see Australian beef, lamb and goat production, along with processing, have no net release of greenhouse gas emissions. The industry appears to be on track to achieve this with industry body Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) contributing strongly to this project, investing more than $152 million into research and funding. Looking at sustainability from a longer-term perspective, Australian red meat greenhouse gas emissions have reduced by 78 per cent since 2005 to 31 Mt CO2 equivalent. The red meat industry’s contribution to national emissions has also fallen from 22 per cent in 2005 to 10 per cent, indicating that the project is working and is making a difference. MLA has also invested in extension, development and research into supporting the red meat supply chain. Key projects include understanding the impacts of climate change on animal production, life expectancies and welfare, improved grazing management and developing functional options to soften GHG from the perspective of a livestock producer. See: Full climate and carbon report

See also – Latest Unpacking Ag podcast: Unpacking the changing landscape of the Australian wine industry: Times have been hard for Australia’s wine sector, which struggles against shifting economic conditions and the loss of the Chinese market, resulting in a domestic oversupply. In this episode, we unpack how changing consumer preferences have impacted market conditions and what that means for Australian growers and wineries. We also discuss the 2025 vintage and where grape prices are expected to trend. 

Read more here…

As 2025 rolls on, farmers across the country are facing a familiar balancing act—navigating unpredictable weather and tightening financial conditions. The climate has been throwing mixed signals: parts of South Australia are dry and Tasmania is drying out, while Queensland and New South Wales have been blessed with solid rainfall. It’s a patchwork picture, and it’s forcing producers to stay flexible, adaptive, and prepared.

At the same time, the financial landscape is shifting. Lending to the farm sector jumped 6% last year, hitting $120.5 billion. Most of that’s going into land purchases and business expansion, but it's worth noting that a small number of large farms are carrying a big chunk of that debt. With the majors tipping rate cuts later this year—possibly down to 3.85% by August—Many are watching the market closely, looking for the right moment to refinance or restructure.

Meanwhile, the rising threat of climate events is driving up insurance premiums. For small-scale farmers, especially, that’s becoming a serious burden. Government support is more important than ever to keep policies affordable and within reach. Some insurers are stepping up with incentives for adopting sustainable practices like crop rotation and conservation tillage, which reduce long-term risk and build climate resilience.

The message is clear: now’s the time for proactive financial planning. Keeping an eye on interest rates, exploring income diversification, and taking advantage of emerging insurance options can help farmers stay on solid ground, even when the weather isn’t playing nice.

At Pay In Time  - Finance, we know the challenges firsthand, and we’re here to support the sector with finance that works in the real world—fast approvals, flexible terms, and no need for the runaround. Whether you’re expanding your operation or just need a buffer to ride out the next season, we’ve got your back.

In this environment, agility and awareness are everything. And with the right support behind them, Aussie farmers will continue doing what they do best—adapting, growing, and leading from the front.

WEEKLY AUCTION DATES – 2025

1.)18^th April 2025 2.) 22^nd April 2025 3.) 9^th May 2025

Ag Machinery

Two states post tractor sales lift 

National tractor sales remained steady in March, the Tractor and Machinery Association says, with two states and one size category experiencing increases

Activity in the tractor sales market was reasonably steady during March, with around 1,000 tractors sold across the nation.

This was 3 per cent down on the March 2024 sales number and puts the year-to-date figure at around 7 per cent behind the same time last year.

It comes in the face of some challenging conditions in the market, with some parts of the nation in drought and other parts experiencing heavy rain.

Underlying order inquiry rates remain solid which gives rise to a level of optimism that the market will continue to improve, however with the general uncertainty surrounding the current federal election cycle combined with the impact of tariffs being imposed in the United States means one cannot be certain that activity will not slip back here in Australia.

The industry has yet to fully digest the likely impact the tariffs will have on tractor sales given that Australian government has decided not to impose reciprocal tariffs on the US, however the underlying cost of product due to tariffs being imposed on goods being imported to America will likely have an impact on the sale price of machines being sent here.

The industry cannot be overly optimistic about the future and remains in a state of “wait and see”.

Looking around the nation, Queensland experienced a drop of 4.2 per cent in the month, to be 3.4 per cent behind for the year to date.

New South Wales enjoyed its first rise in some time – up by 5 per cent for the month – but remains 6 per cent behind on a year-to-date basis.

Victorian sales struggled due to dry conditions in parts of the state, and its March figures were down 9 per cent, which meant the state remains at 12 per cent below the same time last year.

Tasmania, South Australia, and the Northern Territory are all doing it tough; however, Western Australia enjoyed a solid nation-leading boost, up by 14 per cent for the month to remain only 3 per cent behind on the year to date.

Sales of all machinery categories were down for the month, except for the 100 hp to 200 hp (75-150 kw) range.

This was up 3.6 per cent compared to March 2024, but remains 6 per cent behind for the year to date.

The under 40 hp (under 30 kw) range took a hit, being down 8 per cent, however, it has been in solid territory for the first few months of this year and remains 9 per cent ahead overall.

The 40hp to 100hp (30- 75kw) range was down 1 per cent and remains 5 per cent down for the year to date, while the large 200hp plus (150kw plus) range continues to struggle.

That category was down another 8 per cent this month to be 28 per cent behind for the year so far.

Combine harvester sales enjoyed a small bounce in March off the back of some sharp incentives from manufacturers, however, the outlook for the full year remains one of somewhat dampened expectations, given the very strong past couple of years experienced in this market segment.

Baler sales continue to struggle, down another 14 per cent for the month to be 32 per cent behind year-to-date, while the sale of out-front mowers has dried up considerably.

These are down 40 per cent on the same time last year in what is proving to be a very tough market.

As has been previously mentioned, the TMA Annual Conference is scheduled to be held in Melbourne this year on July 24.

The full lineup of speakers will be released shortly.

This promises to be another great event, and the association looks forward to welcoming another strong crowd.

Thank you, Gary Northover

Agriculture in 2025 is being redefined by innovation, sustainability, and data-driven practices. With climate change intensifying, resource scarcity growing, and food demand rising, the industry is experiencing a seismic shift in the agri-input landscape.

Traditional chemical inputs are no longer sufficient. Emerging agri input trends for 2025 point toward solutions that enhance soil health, improve resilience, maximise yields, and minimise environmental impact. Biofertilizers, AI-powered soil health systems, precision micronutrient blends, and climate-resilient seeds are leading the charge in disrupting agriculture as we know it.

This blog uncovers the top agri-input trends shaping 2025, backed by research, industry data, and real-world applications.

1. Biofertilizers Go Mainstream – The End of Chemical Dependency

Biofertilizers have moved from niche organic farms to mainstream large-scale agriculture, proving their ability to replace synthetic nitrogen and phosphorus fertilisers while improving soil health.

Global Trends and Growth

• The biofertilizer market is projected to reach $20 billion by 2030, with adoption in commercial row crops, fruits, and vegetables.

• Biofertilizers reduce nitrogen fertiliser needs by up to 30%, enhancing microbial diversity and soil organic matter.

Case Study – Nitrogen-Fixing Biofertilizers in Brazil

Brazil’s soybean industry shifted to nitrogen-fixing biofertilizers, cutting synthetic fertiliser imports.

Impact – Yield stability increased, and input costs dropped by 20%, all while improving soil health.

Why It’s Disruptive – Biofertilizers will reshape input supply chains, reducing chemical usage and increasing farm resilience.

2. AI-Driven Soil Health Monitoring – Precision Soil Management

Farms are now adopting AI-powered soil sensors and Iot platforms that provide real-time data on soil nutrients, microbial health, and moisture levels. Precision soil health management is becoming the standard, not a luxury.

Global Trends and Growth

• AI-driven soil analytics are expected to grow by 35% annually as farms adopt sensor networks and machine learning.

• Farms deploying these tools have reported a 30% reduction in fertiliser waste and 15% higher yields.

Case Study – Smart Soil Monitoring in the U.S. Midwest

Corn growers applied fertilisers only where needed based on AI soil mapping, reducing nutrient runoff.

Impact – 30% less input use, better yield uniformity, and healthier soil scores.

Why It’s Disruptive – Precision soil management is making blanket fertiliser applications obsolete, leading to cost savings and environmental gains.

3. Climate-Resilient Seeds – Adapting Crops to Survive 2025’s Weather Extremes

Seed technology is shifting toward drought-tolerant, heat-resistant, and flood-resilient varieties that reduce crop loss from extreme weather events.

Global Trends and Growth

• Climate-resilient seed sales are expected to grow by 18% per year through 2025.

• Global research is focused on gene-edited traits for stress tolerance and pest resistance.

Case Study – Drought-Resistant Corn in Africa

African farmers adopting drought-tolerant corn have stabilised production despite erratic rainfall.

Impact – Yields increased by 30%, protecting livelihoods and food security.

Why It’s Disruptive – Resilient seeds will replace generic varieties, offering farmers a better defence against climate shocks.

4. Biopesticides & Biologicals – Moving Beyond Chemicals for Crop Protection

Biopesticides derived from plants, microbes, and natural predators are replacing chemical pesticides, protecting crops without harming pollinators or soil health.

Global Trends and Growth

• Biopesticide use is growing at a 15% CAGR, with the market crossing $10 billion by 2030.

• Biologicals now protect high-value crops and are expanding into broadacre farming.

Case Study – Biological Pest Control in Spain

Spanish tomato farms released predatory insects, replacing chemical sprays.

Impact – Pest control costs dropped, and EU pesticide residue limits were easily met.

Why It’s Disruptive – Biopesticides are changing regulatory landscapes, making chemical-heavy farming less viable.

5. Customised Micronutrient Blends – Precision Plant Nutrition

The next wave of agri inputs focuses on customised micronutrient formulations based on crop stage, soil condition, and weather data. Balanced micronutrient delivery boosts yields and quality while avoiding overuse.

Global Trends and Growth

• The micronutrient market is growing at 12% CAGR, driven by data-driven application models.

• Farmers are using tissue testing and remote sensing to fine-tune plant nutrition.

Case Study – Precision Micronutrients in Australia

Australian wheat farmers applied zinc and boron precisely, improving grain protein levels.

Impact – Yield quality improved by 15%, with less nutrient waste.

Why It’s Disruptive – This trend replaces broad, one-size-fits-all fertilisation, increasing both yield and nutrient use efficiency.

6. Smart Irrigation Systems – Every Drop Counts in 2025

Water scarcity is forcing farmers to adopt AI-powered smart irrigation systems, ensuring optimal water use based on real-time soil and weather data.

Global Trends and Growth

Smart irrigation adoption is growing 30% annually, becoming standard in fruit, vegetable, and broadacre systems. Farms using precision irrigation report up to 50% water savings without yield loss.

Case Study – AI-Based Irrigation in India

Farmers used AI models to predict soil moisture and water crops only when needed.

Impact – Water usage dropped by 60%, and yields rose by 20%.

Why It’s Disruptive – Water waste is no longer acceptable; smart irrigation redefines water use as a precision input.

Conclusion – The Agri Input Market is Entering a New Era

2025 will be remembered as the year agriculture stopped relying solely on chemicals and generalised input plans. Emerging trends—from biofertilizers and AI-driven soil health to smart irrigation and biological crop protection—are reshaping farming for good.

Farmers who adopt these innovations will see higher productivity, lower costs, and better environmental outcomes. Those who resist may find themselves left behind in an industry rapidly evolving toward precision and sustainability.

The future of agri inputs is customised, biological, and digitally driven, and it’s already here.

Lead the Agri Input Revolution with Invade Agro

• Biofertilizers & Biopesticides

• AI-Powered Soil Monitoring

• Smart Irrigation Systems

• Precision Micronutrient Blends

Contact us now to power your farm with the agri inputs that will shape 2025 and beyond. Farming smarter isn’t optional; it’s the new standard.

STRONG production estimates, relatively steady commodity prices, and global economic growth provide a positive immediate future for Australian farmers over the next six months, according to the Australian Agricultural Outlook 2025, a report by Bendigo Bank and Rural Bank.

Three main themes will affect the farming outlook, according to the report: seasonal conditions, trade conditions, and economic growth prospects.

The outlook for the major agriculture sectors are:

Cattle: A lift in beef production and strong export demand give a positive outlook, even with softer pricing.

Dairy: Producers face tighter margins with lower farmgate prices, but improving local production and appreciating global prices provide a cautiously optimistic outlook.

Horticulture: Above-average production and positive demand will offset lower domestic prices. High production costs continue to weigh on margins across the sector.

Sheep: Prices to remain relatively firm above the five-year average levels, being supported by a slowdown in supply and strong export demand.

Wool: The Australian wool industry is expected to remain in a holding pattern until economic conditions allow consumer demand to increase.

Cropping: Above-average production combined with ongoing volatility in the global grains sector will create marketing opportunities.

Current estimates by the Bureau of Meteorology are for above-average rainfall likely for large parts of eastern Australia over the first quarter of 2025.

With about two-thirds of Australian agricultural products exported, the supply and demand dynamics of global markets remain key to ongoing growth across the sector, the report said.

Beef production is forecast to lift marginally over the next six months as slaughter rates and processing capacity improve. Demand for Australian beef is set to remain firm as the US reduction in supply favours Aussie producers. Australian cattle prices will marginally ease across the first half of 2025 due to high supply.

“A life in beef production and strong export demand gives a positive outlook, even with softer pricing,” the report said.

Australian milk production is forecast to reach about 8.5 billion litres at the end of the 2024/25 season. This is a 1-1.5 per cent rise and would put production close to the five-year average of 8.54 billion litres.

“Monthly production this year has been an average of two per cent higher than last year,” the report said.

Global milk supply is expected to remain largely stagnant in the coming six months. The European Union herd continues to decline as slim margins, restrictive environmental regulations, and ongoing effects of bluetongue disease see farmers reducing their herds or exiting the industry.

“This is somewhat offset by consistent growth in cow productivity, but milk output is still forecast to decline marginally from 2024 to 149.6 million in 2025.”

US production will rise as herd numbers increase, but annual production will remain relatively flat. New Zealand output continues to bounce back after a couple of years of below-average production, with production five per cent higher than last year.

Australia’s domestic demand will remain consistent, while global demand will be volatile. Farmgate prices are unlikely to see further step-ups, but global prices will make moderate gains.

While local prices aren’t likely to lift further, improving local production and stronger global pricing provide optimism for the 2025/26 season.

In horticulture, the outlook remains broadly positive, with irrigation remaining a key driver of production. Labour supply is improved, with backpacker numbers at record levels, although sourcing workers is still a concern, with 34 per cent of employers struggling to recruit labour, according to the National Farmers Federation Horticultural Council.

A low Australian dollar, decent quality and moderating inflationary pressure will lift both export and domestic demand. Fruit and vegetable prices are expected to ease slightly on the back of strong supply. Above average production and positive demand will offset lower domestic prices will continue to weigh on margins across the sector.

Australian lamb supply will be lower than the first half of 2024 but above the levels of the past six months. Improved economic conditions domestically and from Australia’s trade partners will support demand, but Australian lamb prices will be steady to marginally lower, but should remain above five-year average levels.

“Firm prices and more favourable seasonal conditions should support the industry into 2025,” the report said.

Australian wool supply is expected to remain below last year’s levels due to the decline in the national flock. Demand will stay weak until economic conditions improve in China and Europe.

Wool prices will be relatively stable as the market waits for an uptick in consumer demand.

“The Australian wool industry is to remain in a holding pattern until consumer spending increases,” the report said.

We Have Been to Your Town! We don’t just sit in an office; we are hands-on with our Farmers! 🙌

Key points:

• November 19 is National Agriculture Day

• There is a jobs boom in the sector, but women and Indigenous people still face barriers to work

• Sector leaders say sexism still exists and Indigenous enrolments in agriculture are "appalling"

While the sector is booming, with four to five jobs for every university graduate, does the industry need a cultural overhaul?

When the lens is placed on work practices, is a career in agriculture truly that great for women leaders or young women trying to break into a male-dominated industry, or fabulous for Indigenous people who face obstacles to attain qualifications and later work?

Student Jess Ryan from Crookwell in NSW thinks it is.

"I love animals, love working with them, everything in the livestock industry is constantly changing, and I love doing it every day," she said.

Ms Ryan will soon graduate from a Certificate IV in agricultural studies at TAFE NSW with a view to becoming a livestock agent. 

Sexual harassment is still a problem

While there are currently plenty of opportunities, women still face significant challenges to work.

Professor Skye Charry (formerly Saunders) from the University of New England has been researching conditions in the sector. 

In her most recent report, she found that 93 per cent of women in remote areas face sexual harassment at work.

Her current research looks at male attitudes towards sexual harassment. She said it is vital for men to understand the impacts of sexual abuse and harassment in order for things to change.

"It's important. It is a deep humiliation that people can carry with them for months, years, such that their confidence can be damaged," Professor Charry said.

Ms Ryan, however, is not troubled by working in an industry dominated by men.

"It's a challenge. I stick up for myself and I don't really let it get to me," she said.

"Agriculture is as much a woman's industry as a male's. I think we're all quite capable and I've proved it."

Women at the top

Currently, more women than men study agriculture, which is having a positive flow-on effect to correct the gender imbalance in management roles.

In a 2016 census, half of all women working in agriculture identified as working in a manager's position, making up 28 per cent of all people in that role.

Tracey Martin has just been appointed as the first full-time CEO of the Australian Agritech Association. 

"I just think it's such a fascinating sector [and] I love the global dimensions of this," she said.

Ms Martin said there were many agritech businesses that are led and founded by women.

"Living in an agricultural community, on a station, it's really clear to me that women play a key role in change and building communities," she said.

NO BARK, ALL ACTION: This robot dog will get a real test once the beef herd is assembled to graze cover crops at the Farm of the Future at the University of Illinois.

Think you’ve seen everything? Unless you have seen a robot dog interact with real cows in a field with no interior fences, you haven’t! Soon, you should be able to see this technology at the Farm of the Future, which is moving from planning to implementation stages at the University of Illinois.

A key part of the Farm of the Future, located near U of I’s Beef Farm and Energy Farm south of Champaign, Ill., will be grazing trials with cover crops. “We want to establish cover crops in the fall and graze beef cattle so we can evaluate the economic impact of this practice,” explains Talon Becker, a commercial agriculture specialist with U of I Extension.

These grazing trials will be set up using the latest technology in livestock production, starting with drones to measure forage mass. Italo Braz Goncalves de Lima, with animal sciences at U of I, will help implement and manage assistive technologies.

Virtual fence

The trials will use virtual paddocks. No, cows won’t use a computer to locate virtual fence lines. They will wear solar-powered collars that receive and transmit signals. An app allows you to set boundaries for them. Because you can move the fence easily, the technology is ideal for rotational grazing, where you may want to move animals often as they graze off small areas of the pasture.

Related: New Illinois Extension agronomist ready to tackle nutrient research

Currently, five companies offer virtual fence technology, with each one using a similar concept. “We see this as another tool in the toolbox for someone wanting to do rotational grazing,” Goncalves de Lima. “It should let you do a more effective job of utilising pasture.”

NO FENCES? Perimeter fences will remain, but inside fences like the ones in this model farm won’t be needed at the U of I Farm of the Future. The farm will use a virtual fencing concept.

Don’t worry — recommendations still call for a physical fence on the perimeter of the field. “We’re going to make sure we have a perimeter fence before we turn cattle out and begin controlling where they can graze with virtual fencing,” Goncalves de Lima says.

Robot dogs

Goncalves de Lima expects robot dogs will help train and corral cows on the Farm of the Future. He and his associates are already experimenting with a quadruped robot dog from Unitree Robotics. He says the list price for models that work for this application starts around $1,850. A quick tour of the Unitree website indicates that prices and capabilities for these robots vary widely.

“These robot dogs have excellent mobility, and we intend to use them for data collection,” the animal scientist says. “We should also be able to collect data with virtual fence collars.”

Goncalves de Lima believes robot dogs will eventually be efficient at helping move cattle from one virtual paddock to the next. Right now, still in the infancy stages of using robots, researchers are trying to answer simple questions. How will cattle react? Will it be a positive experience for them?”

“So far, we have shown that cows won’t charge and destroy them like some feared,” he says. “As we move forward, we want to make sure they don’t stress animals.”

Thanks, Tom J. Bechman, Midwest Crops 

“Samantha Watkins Photography”

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