A recent field event at Dijoe Station, just out of Cobar, brought together more than 25 NSW producers to explore practical technology solutions for drought resilience.
Ethan Manns of Dijoe Station, shown above, said his drone “has been a great investment and will likely pay for itself in the first 12 months”.
The event was led by Elders Cobar rural products sales manager, Pam Owers, and delivered in partnership with Farmers2Founders’ TEKFARM program. It featured three key workshops followed with presentations covering carbon farming, AgTech (with a focus on drones) and resilient seed technology.
The workshops were designed to identify gaps in producer skills, knowledge, and drought resilience strategies.
Elders’ extension agronomist Tom Jefferies coordinates the TEKFARM program for Elders, alongside NSW technical services manager Adam Little. Adam said the focus on practical innovation is driving more strategic approaches to drought resilience.
“Remaining at the forefront of agricultural innovation means we can offer practical, forward-thinking solutions that actually make a difference on-farm,”
“Our innovation arm, Thomas Elder Sustainable Agriculture, bridges the gap between research and Australian farmers. We work in collaboration with industry, universities and government to support the adoption of new technology, and we were pleased to bring some of this new technology to Cobar.”
One of the highlights of the day was the drone mustering demonstration, with live on-screen action and in-field viewing. The drone pilot on the day, Ethan Manns of Dijoe Station, showcased practical uses of his DJI Matrice 30T and thermal camera such as:
- Checking water levels in poly tanks using thermal cameras
- Mustering stock more efficiently in scrubby country and utilising the loudspeaker
- Low stress stock handling
- Detecting feral animals with the thermal camera.
Workshops on-arrival ensured that every session directly responded to real-world challenges and opportunities raised by producers on the day. Carbon farming business specialist Chris Taarnby was testament to this addressing key issues in his carbon and natural capital sessions.
Field day participants in one of the workshops.
Elders’ extension agronomist Tom Jefferies said the core purpose of this work is to help farmers build resilience in the face of variable conditions.
“Whether it's drone mustering or improved seed varieties, we're focused on tools that save time, reduce stress, and support better decision-making,” he said.
This event was proudly supported by the TEKFARM program managed by Farmers 2 Founders through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and Elders Rural Services.