Internet
Internet connectivity in regional Australia has improved, but challenges remain. There are various technological solutions that you can use to connect on-farm technology with farm management software for data collection and analysis.
Mention connectivity to any Australian farmer, and you’re bound to have a colourful conversation. Truth is, while connectivity in regional Australia has improved over recent years, a lot of work remains to be done.
Thankfully, there are now a wide variety of technological solutions available to allow you to connect your on-farm technology with your farm management software and then collect and analyse your data online.
It is important to note that on-farm connectivity and broadband/internet connectivity are different categories that require separate solutions and usually need a combination of both.
There is a growing list of ways these two types of connectivity can support your business. For example, the appropriate connectivity set-up could allow you to:
- Remotely monitor performance, growth curves, inventory levels, soil moisture, temperature, irrigation systems and more, across multiple sites
- Improve the performance of precision agriculture technologies
- Assure worker health and safety
- Gather local, accurate weather data when and where you need it
- The difference between on-farm connectivity solutions and broadband/internet connectivity, as well as suggested considerations when deciding what is right for your business, can be found below.
When talking about connectivity for smart farming, there are two types you will usually need to consider:
- On-farm connectivity to collect and carry data across your farm.
- Broadband connectivity to ‘make sense’ of the data.
On-farm Connectivity Solutions
When it comes to connectivity solutions for rural businesses, there is no ‘one size fits all’. The most appropriate solution for your business will depend on your circumstances.
For example, for activities like crop surveillance, driving autonomous farm vehicles, or using your iPad in the middle of an orchard, you may require on-farm WiFi or Bluetooth. But if all you need is to transfer small amounts of data (such as sensor data), Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWANs) could prove a better option.
LPWANs connect battery-powered devices like soil moisture sensors, Internet of Things (IoT) enabled pest traps, and remote weather stations, and can provide connectivity over large distances.
Another option is satellite connectivity, which can connect on-farm devices directly to satellites. This solution is particularly useful in remote locations as it does not require any ground-based infrastructure.
When deciding which of these solutions is best for you, it is important to consider the:
- Location of your property
- Topography of your land and line of sight barriers (like shelter belts and sheds)
- Number and type of devices you want to connect
- How much data you want to transmit
- The frequency at which you need to receive data
Broadband Connectivity
Collecting data is one thing, but the real value lies in being able to process and analyse that information. Reliable broadband internet has the potential to transform the way you make decisions at every level of your business. Broadband connectivity will allow you to:
- Upload your data to cloud-based software or models and download useful insights and analysis
- Use online banking and accounting services
- Integrate smart farm technologies and apps across your farm
- Remotely monitor and manage on-farm systems
New and emerging broadband solutions can provide fast, reliable broadband internet to farmers in areas where access to other options such as fixed cable or NBN SkyMuster are not viable or are inadequate for your needs.
A Good Place to Start
Choosing the right solution (or a combination thereof) for your business will depend on the size and scale of your operations, your production methods, connectivity, existing infrastructure, and data integration.
It’s important you consider these factors when deciding what technology to purchase. While many agtech companies can provide this support, there are also independent websites and advice that can assist. AgTech Finder is an independent resource you can trust.
If finding the time to conduct this research is difficult, then try searching the ‘Help & Advice’ section of our website. There are 36 podcast episodes to listen to that talk through the benefits of adopting agtech, with each episode focusing on a particular piece of technology.
If you already have an idea of what you need, visit our Product Directory and filter your search by focus area and solution type. Click the star on the product image to add it to the comparison tool. This will allow you to compare product features side-by-side.
If you don’t know where to begin, start by browsing our wide variety of resources in the If you can’t find the advice you’re looking for, get in touch with us and we’ll work on developing a resource that helps you, and other farmers in the same predicament.
Relevant Help & Advice:
Aug 05 2024
Ep 29: LoRa Connectivity with PLF Australia
This episode of the AgTech Finder podcast looks at LoRa, a connectivity option for agtech monitoring devices that can be used in rural areas, across long distances.
Read MoreMar 18 2024
Ep 20: Communication with Yacker
EPISODE 20: In this episode we’re talking about communication. It’s a topic at the heart of agtech adoption and there are also now agtech tools and platforms available to help the industry…
Read MoreMar 11 2024
Ep 19: AgTech Integration with OPS Australia
EPISODE 19: In this episode we’re talking about agtech integration, whether that’s bringing together technologies and services from different providers to leverage more value – or fully-integrated systems that not only provide…
Read MoreFeb 19 2024
Ep 16: Future of Farming with Gatton Smart Farms
EPISODE 16: In this episode we’re talking about Smart Farms and the role they’re playing in driving and de-risking agtech adoption. We welcome back Food Agility CRC chief scientist Professor David Lamb…
Read MoreJul 03 2023
Ep 1: Connectivity with Zetifi
Episode 1 In this episode we’re talking about connectivity, the basis of all ag tech and often the biggest hurdle for farmers and businesses to overcome. We’ll be asking Food Agility chief…
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