From 7–10 October, Gulf Savannah NRM staff members Rob Biddle and Janani Gedara joined the AgTech Showcase Tour — a four-day journey through the Gulf Savannah and North Queensland cattle regions.
The tour brought together producers, researchers, and extension officers from NRM organisations and the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Queensland to see firsthand how emerging technologies are transforming northern grazing systems.
The event began in Georgetown with live demonstrations of remote cattle weighing, drone mustering, and Farmbot water monitoring systems by local producers. Participants saw how these innovations are helping producers improve animal welfare, reduce labour demands, and make more informed management decisions through real-time data.
Day two took the group to Wambiana Station in Charters Towers, where Peter O’Reagain (DPI) discussed long-term pasture resilience trials, and the Lyons family shared insights into cattle genetics and data-driven breeding strategies. These sessions sparked meaningful discussion on how science and technology can work together to boost productivity while maintaining healthy land condition.
Day three at Spyglass Research Station showcased adaptive grazing and virtual fencing demonstrations. DPI’s Jarrod Muller and Nicole Spieser explained how spatial grazing data supports smarter paddock planning, while Amelia Downs producer Jane Moore shared her experiences using virtual fencing to manage herd movement and pasture recovery.
The tour concluded at Reid River Export Yards, highlighting the connection between technology, animal performance, and the northern live export supply chain.
Reflecting on the week, GSNRM Agriculture Project Officer Janani Gedara said:
“The AgTech Showcase tour was a great opportunity to see how innovation is being applied on the ground to solve real challenges in northern grazing systems. As part of Gulf Savannah NRM, it was valuable to learn how tools like remote monitoring, drones, and virtual fencing are helping producers strengthen business resilience and make more informed decisions. It’s exciting to see technology being used in such practical, results-driven ways.”
Program Manager Rob Biddle added:
“As a community-based organisation, Gulf Savannah NRM (GSNRM) continues to lead the way in supporting innovation and collaboration across Northern Queensland’s pastoral and farming industries. We’re committed to helping producers adopt practical, on-ground solutions that improve productivity, sustainability, and resilience,” said Mr Biddle, “It’s about making sure the latest tools and technologies are accessible and relevant to the unique conditions of our region.”
A standout initiative has been the deployment of 100 virtual fencing collars provided by GSNRM to support a trial being conducted by NQ Dry Tropics at the Spyglass Research Station. These collars are proving especially valuable for smaller properties, enabling more precise herd movement and supporting pasture recovery through controlled grazing.
“Virtual fencing is a good example of technology that holds real promise for the future,” said Mr Biddle. “By supporting the Spyglass trial, we’re helping demonstrate how this approach can offer flexible, cost-effective solutions for managing grazing pressure—particularly in remote and challenging environments.”
A highlight of recent activities was Day 2 of the Wambiana Station tour, where respected stud breeder Michael Lyons delivered a compelling session on the importance of genetics in herd improvement.
“Michael’s session really brought home how science and technology can work hand-in-hand with traditional knowledge,” said Mr Biddle. “Understanding EBVs and BreedPlan information and figures empowers producers to make smarter breeding decisions that lead to long-term productivity gains.”
Looking ahead, GSNRM is working with Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and other partners to deliver a series of producer-focused workshops starting in the upcoming dry season. These workshops will build on the momentum of recent events, offering hands-on learning in genetics, AgTech, and sustainable land management.
“These workshops are about building confidence,” Mr Biddle said. “We want producers to walk away with practical skills and knowledge they can apply immediately to improve their operations.”
Together, GSNRM and its partners are shaping a future where innovation and collaboration go hand in hand to support the prosperity of Northern Australia’s grazing communities.
The AgTech Showcase Tour demonstrated that technology adoption in the north is not just about new tools — it’s about people, collaboration, and building stronger, more resilient grazing businesses across Northern Queensland.
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This initiative was supported by NQ Dry Tropics and Gulf Savannah NRM through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, and delivered in partnership with Farmers2Founders through the TEKFARM project.