F E A T U R E D

UniSQ to turn dairy waste and duckweed into sustainable biofuels

A collaborative project led by the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) is aiming to accelerate Australia’s transition to net-zero by transforming dairy waste and duckweed into scalable, sustainable biofuels.

Backed by nearly $200,000 through the Australian Government’s Australia’s Economic Accelerator (AEA) Ignite program, the project will develop scalable technology to convert nutrients from dairy manure into high-volume biomass using duckweed – one of the world’s fastest-growing plants – as a renewable fuel feedstock.

The project is being led by Dr Peter Harris and Professor Bernadette McCabe from UniSQ’s Centre for Agricultural Engineering, in partnership with Professor Jenny Mortimer from the University of Adelaide and industry partner Mr David Halliday from Active Research.

“This research tackles a critical roadblock in Australia’s push toward net-zero emissions by addressing the challenge of producing sustainable biofuel feedstocks at scale and at low cost,” Dr Harris said.

“By using waste from dairy farms to grow duckweed in specialised growth chambers, we aim to produce over 100 tonnes of biomass per hectare per year. This far outweighs traditional crops and without competing with the food supply.”

The project will combine UniSQ’s expertise in agriculture and natural resource management with plant science knowledge from the University of Adelaide and precision manufacturing by Active Research.

The team’s goal is to reach Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 by the end of the project, validating biofuel yield modelling in preparation for future lab testing.

Professor McCabe said the project aligned with UniSQ’s research priorities in agriculture, environment, and regional development.

“This is an excellent example of circular economy principles in action, transforming agricultural waste into high-value energy solutions,” she said.

“Not only does it support sustainable agriculture and cleaner energy production, but it also opens new economic opportunities for regional industries, particularly dairy farmers.”

Beyond emission reductions in hard-to-abate sectors such as aviation and heavy freight, the team hopes the project's success will deliver flow-on benefits to regional Australia, including on-farm renewable energy, improved wastewater treatment, and a pathway to commercial-scale biofuel production.

Dr Harris, who has spent over a decade researching bioenergy and bioresource recycling, said timing was critical.

“We’re just five years out from our 2030 emissions targets to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions as per Australian Government direction, and the need for alternative fuels is more urgent than ever,” he said.

“If we want to avoid significant cost increases for industries and consumers — particularly in sectors like aviation — we need scalable solutions now.”

In May 2025, the Reserve Bank of Australia made its second consecutive rate cut, lowering the cash rate from 4.10% to 3.85%. For farmers and agribusinesses operating under relentless pressure from rising input costs—fuel, fertiliser, labour, and insurance—this decision arrived like a long-overdue rain on dry soil.

Though the reduction may seem modest on paper, the implications are anything but. Variable interest repayments on equipment finance, property loans, and working capital facilities are easing, just enough to shift the mood across the rural finance landscape. For many producers, this marks a critical moment: a chance to restructure debt, reduce repayments, and get ahead of seasonal cash flow pressures.

Lenders are already reporting a wave of refinancing activity—producers rolling over older equipment finance, extending interest-only terms on newer machinery, and freeing up capital for vital upgrades like irrigation systems and automation. There’s also been a sharp rise in tax debt restructuring, as more farmers look to clear or consolidate their ATO obligations.

Getting on top of tax debt isn't just smart cash flow management—it strengthens a farmer's position with lenders, improves credit standing, and opens up more borrowing options. At Pay In Time Finance, we specialise in helping clients restructure their tax debt and access the right finance to move forward with confidence.

We’ve seen firsthand how quickly things can turn around when producers take a proactive approach. From strategic refinancing to targeted lending solutions, we’re helping Australian farmers capitalise on lower rates before the banks inevitably tighten conditions again.

Now’s the time to plan, reduce the drag of legacy debt, and make finance work for your farm, not the other way around.

If you’re considering your next move before EOFY hits, now’s the time to act. Let us help you make the most of it. www.payintime.com.au

WEEKLY AUCTION DATES – 2025

1.) 20^th June 2025 2.) 26^th June 2025

Ag Machinery

Agriculture is transforming rapidly as new technology reshapes how farmers work. Innovations like AI-powered tools and advanced equipment boost efficiency, increase yields, reduce environmental impact, and improve worker safety. Staying competitive in today’s evolving industry means adopting these game-changing advancements. In this blog, we’ll explore the most impactful farming technologies and why upgrading your operation with these tools can unlock new opportunities and drive success.

The Evolution of Farming Technology

Civilizations have grown alongside man’s ability to grow and cultivate food, and in many ways, the tools available to sustain and support population growth reflect the most innovative technologies of the time. Where once sticks, hoes, and sickles revolutionized farming, today’s farms are increasingly relying on tools that hadn’t even been imagined a few decades ago.

From drones that fly above the fields to irrigation systems that weave their way across fields, farming is firmly rooted in the digital age with the rise of precision tools. In many ways, agriculture’s shift towards agribusiness has necessitated a shift in how farmers approach the land. You may be feeling this shift as well.

Key Advancements in Farming Equipment for 2025

Modern farming is increasingly defined by the integration of advanced technology, which is reshaping traditional practices and driving greater efficiency across the industry. According to the latest figures from the USDA released in December 2024, some 68% of large crop farms are making use of precision agriculture technology. Let’s look at some of those tools and their potential to benefit your operation.

Autonomous Tractors

Driverless, or autonomous tractors, first introduced by John Deere in 2022, are gaining traction on farms due to their wide-ranging benefits. These innovative machines excel at precision planting, can operate around the clock, and significantly reduce the need for human labor, making them an increasingly popular choice in modern agriculture.

New tractor technology has always been a key factor in expanding a farm’s ability to increase output, and today’s autonomous tractors are poised to enable a significant leap in efficiency. Leveraging GPS technologies and the latest in artificial intelligence, these tractors are programmed to deliver a high tractive effort for purposes of tillage, among other agricultural tasks.

Smart Irrigation Systems

Resource management has become an increasingly important component of farming over the past half century, and smart irrigation systems are designed to address and maximize the benefits of integrating this knowledge. By measuring and monitoring weather and soil data, these systems optimize water use to lower water bills, improve crop health, and support sustainability efforts.

Falling under the broad category of IoT (the so-called “Internet of Things”), smart irrigation systems leverage wireless technology and connections to broader databases of knowledge to make data actionable in the moment, enabling a decision-making shift from reactive to proactive, making this innovation a key driver of higher yields and more efficient resource use.

Robotic Harvesters

If smart systems help increase crop yield, it makes sense to look towards technology to improve the harvest process as well. Robotic harvesting is gaining popularity, with machines now increasingly handling delicate and repetitive processes, including strawberry and apple harvesting.

Robotic harvesters address labor shortages while excelling at handling delicate fruits, increasing their market profitability, and minimizing waste. Their ability to operate around the clock and in various conditions further enhances their value in modern agriculture.

Crop Monitoring Drones

Although farming is traditionally a land-based endeavor, advancements in technology are elevating agricultural practices—quite literally—into the skies. Drones, as key precision agriculture tools, are playing an increasingly pivotal role in providing real-time field analysis, offering insights into pest control and crop health with unprecedented efficiency.

By enabling early detection of potential issues, these precision agriculture tools reduce the need for labor-intensive manual inspections. This proactive approach often leads to more targeted applications of chemicals and fertilizers, helping farmers minimize inputs while maximizing crop quality and marketability. The result is a more sustainable and profitable approach to modern farming.

Vertical Farming Units

While we’re looking skyward, it’s worth exploring another transformative innovation in agriculture: vertical farming technology. These cutting-edge indoor farming systems leverage hydroponics or aeroponics to enable year-round crop production in controlled environments.

The precision of vertical farming technology minimizes the need for pesticides, producing crops that appeal to health-conscious and sustainability-focused market segments. Additionally, its vertical design allows for farming in unconventional spaces and maximizes yields on smaller footprints, making it an ideal solution for urban areas and regions with limited arable land.

Precision Planting Equipment

Precision planting equipment is revolutionizing modern agriculture by leveraging technologies like GPS and automation to enhance efficiency. These advanced, data-driven systems ensure optimal seed placement and growth, enabling farmers to reduce waste and maximize yields without needing more land or resources. This approach not only boosts productivity but also supports more sustainable farming practices.

Why Upgrading Equipment Matters

In today’s evolving agribusiness landscape, success often comes down to working smarter, not harder, and modern farming equipment is designed to help you do exactly that. From planting to harvest, these advanced tools tackle challenges like stretched resources and rising costs, all while improving efficiency. Many even enable more precise applications, reducing the need for pesticides and other inputs.

Upgrading your equipment isn’t just an expense—it’s an investment. Modern machinery can quickly pay for itself by lowering operational costs and boosting productivity, ensuring a strong return on investment alongside higher yields per hectare. Embracing the latest innovations can unlock new opportunities, enhance your farm’s profitability, and establish a competitive advantage for the future.

Why Finance, Not Lease

For farmers planning to invest in the future, financing offers a cost-effective and flexible way to acquire cutting-edge tools, without the constraints of leasing.

Financing stands out as the smarter choice for equipment acquisition because it provides ownership. This allows farmers to build equity in their machinery while sidestepping the limitations, restrictions, and ongoing costs often associated with renting or leasing. Ownership also offers the freedom to use and customize equipment as needed without worrying about lease terms or penalties.

With Pay In Time - Finance, financing becomes even more accessible. Our tailored solutions empower farmers to invest in advanced tools that boost productivity, reduce operational costs, and position their operations for sustainable, long-term success. Learn more about why financing is a better alternative to leasing and how it can help you achieve your goals.

Pay In Time - Finance Can Help You Achieve Your Goals

From autonomous tractors to smart irrigation systems and drones, modern technology is revolutionizing agriculture at a rapid pace. Successful farmers are expanding their horizons by embracing innovation, unlocking greater efficiency, higher yields, and improved resource management in the process. Staying ahead in this evolving industry means having access to the tools that can make a difference—and we’re here to help make that possible.

At Pay In Time - Finance, we specialise in equipment financing and have a proven track record of supporting the agricultural industry. Whether you’re looking to replace outdated machinery, scale your operations, or invest in the latest technologies, our Equipment Finance Agreements provide flexible, affordable solutions for purchases over $10,000. For added support, we also offer Working Capital Loans to help cover critical operational expenses, ensuring your farm has what it needs to thrive.

Getting started is simple. Our streamlined application process is designed to save you time, and our team is always ready to answer any questions or guide you through the next steps.

Don’t wait to take your farm to the next level. Contact www.payintime.com.au today and start investing in the tools that will drive your success for years to come.

Input Costs

Lettuce thinning is one of the most labor-intensive and time-sensitive tasks in the field. Until now, growers had few reliable options: expensive hand crews, limited chemical thinning services, or inaccurate mechanical scrapers.

With Ecorobotix’s new Lettuce Thinning Algorithm for the ARA Ultra High Precision (UHP) Sprayer, you can now fully automate thinning and weeding with plant-by-plant precision, giving your crop a uniform head start.

What Makes ARA Thinning Different:

✔ Plant-by-Plant AI Precision: Identifies individual plants for removal or retention—even eliminates doubles early in the season.
✔ Consistent Spacing: Set your final plant stand early, reducing competition and optimizing uniform growth.
✔ Labor Savings: Fully replaces thinning crews; no service contracts or extra labor needed.
✔ Faster Field Turnaround: Thinning earlier allows quicker entry for fertilizer applications, maximizing weed control and nutrient access.
✔Simple Activation: Existing ARA owners can unlock thinning with a software license—no additional machine or complicated setup required. ARA makes thinning simple, scalable, and grower-owned, without sacrificing accuracy.

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

Weekly Article – Owning livestock comes with Legal Obligations

When I think about what matters most to me, it’s not the title on the gate or the number of heads in the paddock—it’s the life I get to live and the legacy I’m building with my family. Raising children on the land is a privilege many Australians dream of. On the land, they learn resilience, respect for animals, and the true meaning of hard work. They watch the seasons shift not on a calendar, but in the soil beneath their boots.

This lifestyle is one of Australia’s best-kept secrets—but it’s not without responsibility.

The Australian Dream Comes with Legal Obligations

Buying land or livestock might feel like a romantic leap into rural life, but it also triggers a range of legal responsibilities that new landowners often underestimate. From the moment you register a Property Identification Code (PIC), you're stepping into an industry built on integrity, traceability, and biosecurity.

You become accountable—not just for the animals in your care, but for how they move through Australia’s supply chain.

At JAB Agri Solutions, we work every day with small-scale producers and hobby farmers to ensure that the dream doesn’t turn into a compliance nightmare. We help you understand what’s required under the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS), the Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) program, and how to complete your National Vendor Declarations (NVDs) correctly. These aren’t just tick-box tasks—they protect our industry, our trade partners, and your business.

Our Industry Is Australia’s Backbone

Agriculture—and livestock in particular—isn’t just a sector. It’s a critical part of the Australian economy. Our red meat industry is worth over $20 billion annually, supporting rural communities and driving international exports.

And yet, behind those big figures are small producers—people like you and me—running 40 head or less, often on less than 200 acres. We make up a significant portion of livestock movement across the country, but we’re often underserved in terms of resources and education.

That’s why I started JAB Agri Solutions.

We Bridge the Gap

Based in the Darling Downs, we know what it's like to raise cattle, trade livestock, and manage land while juggling compliance, bookkeeping, and family life. Our strength lies not just in what we do—but how we do it. We're practical and we understand the frustrations producers face when navigating industry systems.

Through tailored workshops, our upcoming National Education Hub, and a compliance software toolkit in development, we're working to remove barriers and simplify the complex.

Whether you're managing a lifestyle block, running a side hustle post-retirement, or growing your beef operation into a business, we’re here to make sure you’re not left behind.

A Family Way of Life Worth Protecting

This industry has shaped who I am—from the dusty yards I grew up in to the cattle truck ramps I’ve worked beside. It’s why I’m so passionate about getting it right, not just for us—but for the next generation.

My boys are growing up in a world where animals are more than livestock—they’re part of the rhythm of life. They’re learning values that can’t be taught in classrooms: stewardship, grit, and pride in the land.

But none of that is possible without understanding the responsibilities that come with the dream.

So before you buy land, take on animals, or start selling livestock, ask the right questions:

• Do you know what a PIC is and how to manage it?

• Are you NLIS and LPA compliant?

• Do you understand your biosecurity obligations?

• Do you have proper record-keeping practices in place?

If you’re unsure, don’t worry. That’s exactly why we’re here.
Click here to read our full Knowledge Guide on Livestock Obligations
📧 For help getting started or workshop enquiries, get in touch anytime.

Kind Regards,
Amanda Burchmann
Livestock Production & Industry Development Specialist
Founder | Advocate | Producer
📞 0408 847 536
📧 [email protected] 
🌐 www.jabagrisolutions.com.au

Read more here…

“Samantha Watkins Photography”

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Realm Group Australia

REALM Group Australia (RGA) - originally est. 1992. The most trusted online Ag Marketing System in Australia. Built by Farmers for Farmers! Education is the KEY. True Pioneers - We were the first, and we are still growing. Proud Supporters of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) & Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC)