ON FARM NATIONAL IN BRIEF Opportunity knocksHe said the innovations which achievethe greatest impact are the ones for northern beef which consider the whole farm system and the value chain. “Tools and technology are enablers Beef production systems Standards Australia (MSA), objectivethat will support producers in making across northern Australia measurement technology on and decisions through turning data into off farm, and AgTech Finder (a newdecisions, improving feedback, need to evolve by increasing transparency and reducing adopting new tools and platform linking innovation companies to producers – see page 4) are costs in order to meet productivity technology if the industry is to among the tools available to help and profitability targets.” capitalise on growing demand for northern production systems evolveFor example, MLA’s new genetics Australian beef and improving to meet consumer expectations in a resource (genetics.mla.com.au) market access conditions. highly competitive global market. helps commercial cattle and sheep This was one of the messages from “The benefits, like increased producers start using breeding MLA General Manager – Producer productivity via genetics or higher pervalues in their sire buying decisions, Consultation and Adoption, Michael kilogram prices for MSA‑graded beef,reflecting the clear link between Crowley, when he tackled the are proven,” Michael said. genetics and industry profit drivers question of how to put more ‘value’ such as market compliance, eating into the value chain at the Northern“It’s important we maintain our focusquality and improved fertility. ■ Beef Research Update Conference inon engaging with these pathways Brisbane in August. to drive improvements in production genetics.mla.com.au systems if we are to capitalise on the agtechfinder.com Michael said using genetics, enormous opportunities on offer for mla.com.au/msa industry programs such as Meat the industry in northern Australia.” Smart tracker onthemove G lobal positioning system The ‘G Farm’ tracker (pictured below“This means remote assessment of the (GPS) trackers aren’t just left in calf’s ear), made by farminganimal’s health and status is possible revolutionising livestock technology company IDS Australasia, and treatments can be administered monitoring and offering works hand‑in‑hand with livestock without having to shift an entire mob,” a solution to cattle theft – they management tools such as weather IDS Australasia Managing Director stations and water monitors to draw Pieter van Jaarsveld said. could also deliver guaranteed on real‑time information, and is now best practice certifications commercially available to producers.“It’s a vital tool in improving both for consumers. an animal’s growth outcome and This follows a lengthy development low‑stress stock handling techniques.” period and trials, including teamingThe tracker is powered by a built‑in up with MLA and Carwoola Pastoral solar panel and battery and built to last Company near Bungendore, NSW, on thefive years. ‘smart farm’ project, which put a range of ag‑tech innovations through their paces.It can send an alert when animals IDS Australasia installed 340 trackersmove outside farm boundaries, aiding on animals at Carwoola properties toanimal security. collect valuable information on pastureAlthough this technology is in its utilisation and animal movement. infancy, it’s evolving quickly with How does it work? each new iteration being evaluated A tag in the animal’s ear records real‑timeby MLA. movements and ambient temperature The technology can provide on‑farm to track the animal’s location and gatherproductivity benefits as well as crucial data about health and behaviour.demonstrating animal health and It works in conjunction with the Nationalwellbeing to consumers. ■ Livestock Identification System so the Pieter van Jaarsveld animal can be pinpointed via drone ids‑gfarm.com scanning or GPS fixes every hour. 12