There was plenty of interest at the Murray Irrigation Drone Demonstration and Information Session.
Local growers were given an up-close look at the future of farming last week when Murray Irrigation hosted a Drone Demonstration and Information Session at Ulupna, near Finley.
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Held on the property of brothers Lachlan and James Kerr, the event formed part of Murray Irrigation's ongoing Irrigation Innovation series, which aims to bring together growers, industry experts and community members to explore emerging technologies and share practical farming knowledge.
The session attracted irrigators and agricultural professionals interested in learning how drone technology is increasingly being used to improve efficiency and decision-making on farms.
Guests heard from agronomist Greg Sefton, of Barooga-based Sefton Agronomics, and drone specialist Tex Flack, from Rotex Australia in Jerilderie, who outlined the growing role drones are playing across a range of agricultural applications.
Topics covered included the aerial application of herbicides, insecticides and fungicides, crop mapping and monitoring, and the use of drone-collected data to support broader farm management practices.
A highlight of the day was a live demonstration over a crop of Neo barley irrigated with Murray Irrigation water supplied via the Mulwala Canal.
The crop is being grown on the Kerr family's property, which the brothers purchased in 2021 as their first farming enterprise.
Mr Flack provided a detailed overview of the drone's capabilities, operating requirements and practical considerations, with attendees given the opportunity to inspect the equipment and ask questions throughout the demonstration.
The drone on display represented an investment of about $45,000 fully fitted out, though Mr Flack noted that advances in technology and increasing competition in the market are helping to drive costs down.
One of the most striking improvements has been the rapid increase in operational efficiency.
Finley High School Year 12 primary industries students with ag teacher Gary Webb (far left) and principal Jeff Ward (fourth from left).
Mr Flack said drone technology had advanced significantly in recent years, with older models capable of covering around 12 hectares an hour compared with modern units that can now treat between 35 and 40 hectares an hour, depending on payloads and application requirements.
Murray Irrigation customer insights manager Tim Kindred said the event had been well received by those who attended.
"The day proved to be a valuable learning experience for all involved," Mr Kindred said.
"Feedback from attendees identified the practical agronomic applications of drones, as well as their benefits and limitations, as key areas of interest."
Mr Kindred said the Irrigation Innovation series continued to provide valuable opportunities for local growers to explore new technologies and hear directly from industry experts about developments shaping the future of agriculture.
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