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TECHNOLOGY
 Cutting Edge Farming Equipment - Assisting Management Decisions
The success of our Australian rice industry has gone hand-in-hand with the rapid development and uptake of technology.
Most of the equipment used on rice farms is fitted with computer-aided devices; these allow our growers to manage their techniques with accuracy.
Some Hi-Tech Farming Equipment
- GPS (Global Positioning Systems) and Precision Farming
- The use of satellite networks assist in precisely matching crop needs with crop requirements.
- Computerised Whole Farm Design and Laser Landforming
- The use of computer aided design (CAD) and laser technology to design efficient farm irrigation systems. Land forming using laser landforming ensures the most efficient use of water. Farmers have precise control over the flow of water on and off the land.
Laser landforming immediately achieves water savings of up to 25% over conventional land preparation techniques.
- GIS (Geographical Information Systems)
- GIS is used to organise geographical information which is then stored digitally on a database.
 Remote Sensing- Spectral imaging obtained from satellites and aircrafts assist planning and management of the farm system. Farmers can work out the exact capabilities of their farm by identifying enterprises to suit each area.
- Aerial Machinery
- Experienced agricultural pilots use satellite guidance technology to distribute seeds and other inputs across a rice bay with precision and accuracy. This works hand in hand with precision farming.
- ‘Ricecheck’ Farm Extension and ‘MaNage Rice’
- The 'Ricecheck' recommendations booklet and the 'MaNage Rice' computer software package developed by the CSIRO & NSW Agriculture accurately assess crop requirements and provide farmers with the latest agronomic advice on the Best Management Practices (BMP’s).
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Technology