Studying Agricultural Technology in Australia gives you the opportunity to blend cutting-edge innovations with hands-on experience in one of the world’s most diverse and resilient agricultural landscapes.
The term “AgTech” covers a broad range of areas, with a focus on improving future agricultural practice through technology.
The University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) graduate and PhD fellow Cameron Leckie answers some frequently asked questions about AgTech in Australia.
What is AgTech?
The term “AgTech” is short for Agricultural Technology and refers to the use of advanced technologies like robotics, sensors, data analytics, and biotechnology to improve the efficiency, sustainability, and productivity of agriculture.
Cameron Leckie, who graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) majoring in Agricultural Engineering in 2019 from UniSQ, explains why this field is so important in Australia.
“AgTech is important for a number of reasons. One of the major aspects is the scale of the land that we manage, with few people, without technology to support that, it becomes very difficult.
Mechanisation and automation are obviously important to address that labour shortage.
It’s also related to productivity and the information that we can gather. Whether it’s satellite data or crop harvesting or water monitoring, all that informs management decisions.”
Where should I study AgTech?
When deciding where to study AgTech in Australia, there are factors to consider, such as:
- The location of the university and the proximity to farming and agriculture centres
- Industry partnerships
- Access to rural research and development centres
- A focus on practical experience
Cameron explains how these factors influenced his decision to study at UniSQ in Toowoomba.
“The main UniSQ campus is located in Toowoomba, which is in the heart of the Darling Downs – one of the prime agricultural regions of Australia. It’s a beautiful part of the world.”
“The university has many partnerships and projects and there are always more coming online with various industry groups, particularly the Research Development Corporation, Meat and Livestock Australia, Cotton Research Development Corporation and more.
There’s always problems to solve, so there’s always going to be a line of funding to the university, and it’s the students that get the benefit of being intimately involved.”
What roles are available in AgTech?
Cameron notes the current shortage of graduates in a high-demand industry makes it an ideal time to study AgTech.
“I think there’s a chronic shortage of graduates in agriculture in Australia, which I guess is a good thing for graduates, not so much for the industry.
I can’t talk too broadly other than sort of my own experience, soil science is definitely an area where there’s plenty of potential for employment, whether that’s in research, agriculture, consultancies or agronomy firms.
Consulting roles are also going to become increasingly important because there’s so much technical knowledge, and they’re going to be the drivers of change, whether that’s the climate or government policy or new technologies.”
How can I get into AgTech?
A Bachelor’s degree specialising in agriculture technology, science or management can provide a strong foundation for a career in the field.
UniSQ gives students the opportunity to participate in projects with leading research and industry partners. This benefits students through real-world experience and industry connections. UniSQ offers industry experience projects with partners including:
- Cotton Research & Development Corporation (CDRC)
- John Deere
- Hort Innovation
- AgriFutures Australia
Cameron highlights the skills that he thinks will be in demand in the future, including sustainable farming practices, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.
“I think that’s where a lot of graduates in agricultural programs will probably end up finding themselves because there is so much data available. But, as is often the case, it’s how do you actually make sense of that data to actually inform a decision as opposed to being just swamped by a sheer volume of information.”
Is AgTech a big industry in Australia?
AgTech is a growing industry in Australia, estimated to be worth A$100 billion per year to Australia by 2030, supporting vast job opportunities within a range of industries.
As Cameron explains, the country’s large agricultural sector and relatively small population have fostered a focus on innovation.
Australia faces unique challenges, including water scarcity, climate variability, and vast farming areas, driving the demand for technological solutions to enhance productivity and sustainability.
The government and private sectors have been heavily investing in AgTech, promoting advancements in areas such as precision farming, autonomous machinery, and sustainable practices. This investment means future graduates will benefit from an industry ready to embrace their skills.
