The Future of Precision Ag and Automation

In the evolving landscape of agriculture, the intersection of innovative machinery and precision agriculture (PA) stands out as a key development in the future of farming. Precision agriculture is a methodology and interpretative assessment platform that enhances efficiency and sustainability through precise and controlled practices. PA enables producers to collect, connect, correct and correlate so decisions regarding all agricultural management systems are informed. Pivotal to this discussion is the Society of Precision Agriculture Australia (SPAA), a not-for-profit producer-led organisation dedicated to building robust pathways for grower PA adoption, adaption, and extension. Drawing from global insights at the recent World Forum for Agricultural Robotics (FIRA) in France, Jonathan Medway will share his thoughts on the future direction of PA.  Jonathan will also discuss the critical role of automation and the importance of an Autonomous Code of Practice, ensuring ethical and practical standards for producers.

About Jonathan:

Jonathan Medway grew up on a family farm on the Liverpool Plains in Northern NSW attending Farrer Ag High before completing an agricultural science degree at Charles Sturt University in the mid-80s.

After a few years in corporate farming, he returned to Charles Sturt as a Research Officer at the Farrer Centre working with a local farmer group (FM500) comparing farming systems and demonstrating the role of objective monitoring for improved crop management. This work evolved to include the investigation of spatial variability through the use of remote sensing, soil surveying and yield mapping.

In 2000 he established a spatial data consultancy. Over its 19 years of operation, Jon worked on over 2500 projects across Australia and Internationally providing services to family and corporate farms, industry, research organisations and government agencies.

As a Senior Research Fellow - Spatial Agriculture, Jon is building the research capacity of the Graham Centre with projects including the Charles Sturt Digital Twin Farm and Cool Soil Initiative.