Ep 7: Geospatial Mapping with NGIS and CSBP Fertilisers

EPISODE 7:

In this week’s epsiode, host Olivia Calver explores geospatial mapping and how this solution is being used in everything from variable rate application of fertiliser to tracking provenance.

Series regular and Food Agility CRC chief scientist Professor David Lamb returns to explain how geospatial maps are now be delivered in a much faster manner, and how this has changed on-farm decision making.

Joining this episode is Matt Stewart, General Manager of NGIS, a geospatial mapping company with over 30 years experience across a number of industries, including agriculture. He outlines how the technology is starting to be used to assess the impact of climate change from the perspective of a farm.

Finally, Doug Hamilton from WA’s CSBP Fertilisers provides the case study context for this episode. CSBP engaged NGIS to help build DecipherAg, a tool which allows farmers to compare and track performance across their farms.

FEATURING:

PROFESSOR DAVID LAMB – Chief Scientist, FOOD AGILITY CRC

Professor David Lamb 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.
 
A passionate advocate for rural and regional connectivity, and STEM-led innovations in farming, David has completed numerous reviews of telecommunications challenges and opportunities for Australian agriculture. He is also an advisor on many agricultural sector-specific technical innovation groups and communities of interest. 
 
David currently serves as Australian representative for the International Society for Precision Agriculture. In 2016 he received the McClymont Distinguished Professorship (Research) at UNE in recognition of his ongoing service to agriculture innovation and research leadership, and in 2022 the Pierre C. Robert Award from the International Society of Precision Agriculture for his contribution to precision agriculture science and technology.
 
In addition to his role as Chief Scientist at Food Agility, he holds adjunct and visiting Professor appointments at University of New England, Charles Sturt University and the University of Technology Sydney.

MATT STEWART – General Manager, NGIS

Matt has led technology projects and software product teams for multiple agriculture companies over the last 15 years. With a strong focus on innovation and a deep understanding of the industry, he has played a pivotal role in driving digital transformation for growers and organisations. His expertise on systems using geospatial data and earth observations to value-add grower and industry data has driven innovation and he has successfully utilised these technologies to optimise farming practices, monitor crop health, benchmark growers, and predict yield.

DOUG HAMILTON – Agricultural GIS Specialist, CSBP

Doug joined the CSBP Fertilisers business in early 2007. He has been a key member in developing and delivering several innovative projects, including CSBP Detectand FertView, the precursor to DecipherAg. Doug has a degree in Agricultural Science from the University of Western Australia. While working full-time at CSBP, he completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Geographic Information Science through Curtin University. Before employment at CSBP, he held a role in research and extension with the WA Department of Agriculture and a sales role with a WA-based exporter of fresh fruit and vegetables.