Farm Automation in Focus at GRDC GrainAutomate Workshop & WANTFA Demo Day
By Kate Parker & Simon Kruger, WMG
WMG Project Officer Kate Parker and Simon Kruger, Project Communications Officer, recently travelled to Wickepin to attend the GRDC GrainAutomate Workshop and WANTFA Soil Amelioration Demonstration, hosted by the Facey Group. The day brought together growers, advisors, researchers and service providers to look at where automation and digital tools are heading in broadacre systems, and how those tools are being applied on-ground across grain-producing regions.
While a big part of the day involved looking at machinery and equipment in action, the real emphasis was on the systems and decision-making behind automation. Presenters from Agrarian Management, DataFarming, CSIRO, and others provided practical insights into how data is being used to plan tasks, target inputs and better match machinery investment to farm needs.
Digital setup is the starting point
Bindi Isbister (Agrarian Management) opened the workshop with a clear message: automation isn’t about buying one piece of equipment, it’s about building a system that works. She walked through the five foundations of a functional autonomous setup:
- Accurate paddock boundaries
- A clear digital filing system (naming, storage, consistency)
- Reliable connectivity
- Secure data sharing
- Data security protocols
Most growers in the room were already using autosteer, and about half had section control systems. Variable rate technology was less common, and only a handful had explored driverless or fully autonomous equipment. Bindi stressed that automation can begin with small steps, such as using a sprayer on an autonomous tractor or automating specific tasks rather than entire systems.
Discussion also focused on the accuracy of boundary data. RTK mapping is still the benchmark, and most attendees had mapped external paddock boundaries. Far fewer had mapped internal features. Sprayer operators were highlighted as often having the most accurate understanding of internal paddock layout, given their experience with coverage and fenceline detail.
Bindi also introduced the Verge platform, which allows users to plan and simulate machine paths and paddock operations. It can be used to compare machinery options or estimate time and fuel savings. Several attendees were interested in using Verge to model different scenarios on their farms.
Using imagery and field data to guide decisions
Tim Neale (DataFarming) followed with a session on using satellite imagery and digital tools to inform variable rate decisions and better understand paddock variability.
Key takeaways included:
- NDVI auto-zoning tools are now accessible and relatively low-cost (approx. 50c/ha), with the ability to export files directly to most in-cab systems
- A new tool allowing users to stack multiple years of NDVI imagery (from 2017 onwards) is now available. This provides a more stable view of paddock variability across seasons
- Additional layers, such as soil pH and radar-estimated rainfall, can be added to improve decision-making
- Imagery can help identify variability in growth stages across a paddock, supporting decisions around fungicide or herbicide timing, or harvest planning
Tim noted that while digital tools are improving, groundtruthing remains essential, particularly when using NDVI to identify underperforming areas. Growers were encouraged to link NDVI maps to paddock observations and yield results, rather than relying on imagery alone.
Tim also outlined ongoing work into green-on-green weed detection, including early trials on ryegrass in cereals. Growers asked how this could compare with current hardware-based spot spraying tools, particularly in terms of cost and reliability.
Making automation investment stack up
Dr Roger Lawes (CSIRO) provided a broader perspective on machinery investment decisions, particularly those linked to automation.
His session focused on the importance of planning and evaluating machinery choices based on the full range of costs and operational impacts. This includes:
- Setup and training
- Labour requirements
- Compatibility with existing equipment
- Support and servicing
- Chemical and fuel costs
- Finance and tax implications
He also encouraged growers to look at how paddock planning can support machinery efficiency, such as using a lower-pressure paddock during peak seeding or harvest periods to free up equipment elsewhere.
Roger highlighted the value of assigning someone in the farm business as a ‘data manager’, to keep systems maintained and data flowing correctly. He also mentioned that CSIRO and GRDC are currently finalising a Grain Automate Timeliness Calculator, which will help growers assess the value of timely operations across different farming systems.
Matching mapping tools with local knowledge
Mapping was a common theme throughout the day. Several presenters made the point that while technology is advancing, local knowledge still plays a central role in decision-making.
For example, Bindi demonstrated how farmer-drawn maps, based on observation and experience, can be a valuable starting point when combined with tools like NDVI, EM mapping or yield data. She also discussed the use of Gamma Thorium mapping, which has proven useful for identifying ironstone gravel areas in WA and guiding variable depth operations like ripping or reefination.
The ability to bring together different data layers, whether from satellite imagery, machine sensors or farmer knowledge, was seen as one of the more practical applications of precision ag tools currently in use.
Soil amelioration machinery on show
The final part of the day was the WANTFA Soil Amelioration Implement Demonstration, with a range of machines operating side by side under local conditions. These included:
- Horsch Tiger 4MT – One-pass ripper-mixer
- Gessner HDR-6011 MKII – Deep ripper
- Bednar Terraland – One-pass ripper-mixer with interchangeable delving tines
- Gregoire Besson Discordon – One-pass ripper-mixer with independent tines
- Gregoire Besson Occitan – One-pass Speed tiller
- Lemken Karat 10 – One-pass cultivator
The John Deere 830 9RX was also on display, drawing attention for its handling and traction, particularly when matched with the heavier ripping and mixing gear.
Summary
The day provided a practical look at where the industry currently stands with digital and autonomous tools. While there is growing interest in automation and variable rate systems, many of the tools remain underused, largely due to skills gaps, platform compatibility and the complexity of managing digital systems across a mixed machinery fleet.
That said, there is clear momentum. The value of good mapping, clean data and thoughtful planning was reinforced throughout the day. For growers considering how and when to adopt new tools, starting with tasks, rather than technology, may be the most effective approach. Thanks again to the Facey Group for hosting a well-organised and valuable event. If you’d like to learn more about any of the tools or approaches discussed, get in touch with the WMG team.
