Ep 29: LoRa Connectivity with PLF Australia

EPISODE 29:

In this episode we’re talking about LoRa, a connectivity option for agtech monitoring devices that can be used in rural areas, across long distances.

Connectivity is often a stumbling block for farmers looking to adopt agtech, particularly for the many growers who don’t have reliable phone signal across their property.

But LoRa is helping to fill the gap – it’s a long-range, low power option that can be used to connect monitoring devices and sensors that don’t need to transfer a lot of data to operate.

We’re joined once again by Food Agility CRC’s chief scientist David Lamb to explain how LoRa works and what role it plays in agtech.

We speak to PLF Australia’s (Precision Livestock Farming) Paul Stapleton, who explains why LoRa has become the go-to option for most of the solutions they offer. He’s trying to spread the word to farmers who might assume having no signal means they’re not able to use agtech devices.

And we hear from Mick McKellar, an organic beef cattle farmer from south west Queensland who previously struggled with connectivity, but using LoRa and through PLF has been able to install tank and flow monitoring devices.

FEATURING:

PROFESSOR DAVID LAMB – FOOD AGILITY

Dave is a physicist and has worked in precision agriculture for more than 25 years. In this time, he has led more than 40 R&D projects and championed the concept of smart farming. He led the launch of Australia’s first SMART Farm at the University of New England and, more recently, the Global Digital Farm at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga, NSW.

In addition to his role as Chief Scientist at Food Agility, David took on the additional role of Deputy CEO on 1 November 2023. He also holds adjunct and visiting Professor appointments at University of New England, Charles Sturt University and the University of Technology Sydney.

PAUL STAPLETON – PLF AUSTRALIA

Paul Stapleton is the managing director of PLF Australia (Precision Livestock Farming), a company that designs and delivers “best-of-breed” sensors for on farm systems. Paul has over 30 years’ experience as a leader of cultural change within business, with special experience in the adoption of digital technology to improve productivity, enhance profitability and sustainability, as well as customer acquisition and retention. Over recent years, much of this work has been undertaken throughout regional Queensland, especially in Central Queensland, and NSW, and more recently moving into Victoria and South Australia.

MICK MCKELLAR – QUEENSLAND CATTLE PRODUCER

Mick McKellar is an organic beef producer from Booka Station in south western Queensland, located between Morven and Augathella. He has been working with Precision Livestock Farming to monitor their water level and flow rates using devices supported by LoRa connectivity. He is a former Nuffield Scholar and his research was focused on the impact of water quality and water medication on livestock production.