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 information but take action.

We speak to Matt Anderson from Farmers2Founders about how agtech partnerships are able to offer more comprehensive and streamlined decision-making data to farmers.

We’re joined by OPS Australia’s Andrew Barton who tells about their integrated solutions that are combining monitoring technology with automation and alert systems, improving productivity on farm. OPS Australia is based in Longreach Queensland and built to work in outback conditions. You may recognise Andrew if you’ve read his practical tips entry: Five questions to answer before considering AgTech adoption.

We also chat to Elgyn Knight from a cattle station at Rolleston in central Queensland. He’s adopted an integrated OPS system for their water tank management, and he says it saves him time, water and power.

FEATURING:

MATT ANDERSON – FARMERS2FOUNDERS

Matt’s passion for agriculture stems from growing up on his family’s cattle property on the Liverpool Plains of NorthWest NSW. At university, Matt completed a Bachelor of Laws and practiced as a commercial solicitor in Sydney with a focus on rural clients. However, his passion for agriculture brought him to Farmers2Founders where he now combines his commercial skills and agricultural knowledge to lead innovative agritech projects. Matt works with farmers, researchers, government and industry organisations to build, commercialise and adopt new technologies and innovative practices for the benefit of farmers across Australia. Matt was selected as a Future Young Leader for 2023 and presented at this year’s evokeAg conference.

ANDREW BARTON – OPS AUSTRALIA

Andrew is CEO of OPS Australia, an agtech company based in Longreach providing smart integrated agtech solutions. Andrew is from Longreach and left to follow electrical engineering. He has worked for major companies including Woolworths and Shell and returned to Longreach to start OPS Australia. Andrew has delivered numerous national and international products and has had the opportunity to apply AI and other advanced techniques to solve challenging business problems. Andrew is passionate about rural Australia and what rural Australia can achieve.

ELGYN KNIGHT – CATTLE PRODUCER

Elgyn Knight manages a cattle station with his brother at Rolleston, Queensland. They run close to 10,000 head of cattle across 66,000 acres. Elgyn has adopted an integrated OPS Australia system for his water tank management. The solution monitors tank levels and can automatically turn a bore on and off when needed to keep tanks full, improving water and power efficiency.