IN BRIEF Get connected Anew report outlining to 4G and NBN, that’s not a problem,” “Non‑consumers are also seeking the ways producers can he said. evidence it’s being produced in an implement connectivity “But if you’re on a farm with no NBN, you ethical and sustainable way – they on‑farm is helping to have to put your own communication want information ranging from unlock the benefits of new infrastructure in to allow sensors to talkenvironmental use to animal welfare digital technologies. to each other. and energy consumption. MLA joined forces with professional “If you’re looking to make your farm “Further down the supply chain, digital – if you buy a soil sensor or a building these technologies into service company KPMG and agrifood a farm has massive potential. It’s innovation leaders Aatlis to produce the weather station – one consideration needs to be how you get the data from real‑time information, accessed more Agri 4.0 Connectivityat our Fingertips frequently than would otherwise report, released in June. It highlights the sensors back to your computer or the $20.3 billion uplift in gross value phone. That is, how you make it useable.”be possible. Put simply, it can produce estimated to be available via enhance the quality of business The report outlines different types of decisions exponentially.” digital agriculture, and addresses the data communication protocols, including sense among producers that they’re LPWAN, Sigfox, digital UHF and satellite.Meanwhile, MLA is also working at a disadvantage due to an inability to It informs producers about the different with Food Agility CRC to build an achieve on‑farm connectivity. protocols that exist and discusses the online resource where producers Setting up digital infrastructure positives and negatives of each. Case can find out what ag‑tech solutions on‑farm studies are used to demonstrate how are available. ■ Sean Starling, MLA’s General Manager some producers are engaging with this technology, what they’ve learnt and Sean Starling of Research, Development, Innovation what works ontheir farms. E: sstarling@mla.com.au and MDC, said producers were looking to concepts such as Internet of Things Connecting the entire supply chain mla.com.au/agri4.0 and the sensor‑heavy Factory 4.0, Sean said MLA pursues the concept Check out MLA’s video on the which has been widely publicised and of connectivity and a digitally‑enabled Carwoola Smart Farm Initiative, is gathering steam globally across supply chain for many reasons. which showcases what’s currently many industries. “Consumers are demanding more available to producers in the “It all requires data to be connected. Ininformation about how and where the connectivity solutions space, at a city environment with easy access product is produced,” he said. mla.com.au/carwoolaconnect Find out if it’sfittoload An updated guide to help welfare practices. identify who is the ‘person in charge’ producers, agents, buyers “The guide has been developed to of animals at different stages of and transporters decide help livestock operators meet the the journey. ■ if an animal is fit to be loaded Australian Animal Welfare Standards for transport by road or rail was and Guidelines for the Land Transport Michael Crowley released by MLA in July. of Livestock, and decide whether an E: mcrowley@mla.com.au animal is fit to be loaded for transport To download the guide or to The 2019 edition of the national guide, and for the entire journey by road or order a hard copy, visit the Is the animal fit to load?, includes newrail, to any destination within Australia.” MLA website: content to ensure best practice animal mla.com.au/isitfittoload welfare when preparing, loading and The guide includes: delivering cattle, sheep and goats. • New information about loading MLA General Manager – Producer densities for livestock, managing Consultation and Adoption, Michael effluent, and the chain of Crowley, said the release was responsibility for all involved timely in recognition of ongoing dry • Checklists to help assess whether conditions across many livestock an animal is fit to load production regions, and reflected • The roles and responsibilities of industry’s commitment to animal consignors and transporters, to 5