Full Name: GRDC NGN GA Precision Ag Soils Focus Group
Funding Body: Grains Research & Development Corporation (GRDC)
Duration: 2026 – 2027
Project Lead: UNFS
Background: Breezy Hill Precision Ag Services has partnered with Upper North Farming Systems (UNFS) to deliver the NGN GA Precision Ag Soils Focus Group in the Redhill and Crystal Brook districts. The project aims to help growers better understand soil variability and build confidence in using precision agriculture technologies to make more informed, paddock-specific management decisions.
Precision agriculture adoption is often supported by strong local expertise and technical networks. This project builds on previous soil variability work in the region, as well as momentum generated through the UNFS GRDC Grain Automate Day and recent 3D soil mapping initiatives.
Advances in soil mapping and data analysis are providing growers with new insights into soil constraints, including sodicity, pH, salinity and gravel content, as well as the depth at which these constraints may affect plant available water capacity. This information can support more targeted variable-rate soil amelioration and input management.
Led by Jessica Koch and Michael Wells, the project will establish a farmer-focused precision agriculture group, deliver practical workshops and demonstrations, and support participants to develop paddock-specific variable-rate management plans. The project will provide locally relevant, hands-on learning opportunities while strengthening regional precision agriculture capability. Learnings will also be shared through UNFS extension activities, helping build grower confidence and accelerate the adoption of precision agriculture technologies across the Upper North.
Contact: Rachel Trengove, UNFS Program Manager