TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

USQ and John Deere working on agricultural technology

University partnership to help shape research

Staff writer

This article is 7 years old. Images might not display.

The USQ research aims to deliver real value to farmers and change the way primary producers look at land management and production and the work with John Deere includes machine automation and control such as driverless tractors.

USQ said the collaboration is a global partnership, along with investments from both USQ and various funding bodies to help provide a gateway for the commercialisation of other technologies such as automated weed management systems. 

USQ’s Professor Craig Baillie said this global commercialisation strategy was an example of researchers working collaboratively with industry to understand problems facing the sector, to determine what new technologies would benefit farmers in the future.

“This research partnership will not only benefit Australian communities but also international industries, which illustrates the global reach and relevance of USQ’s research efforts in agricultural engineering,” Professor Baillie said.

“It also highlights the importance that international organisations are giving to the development of future technologies that will transform agricultural industries over the years to come.

“High tech farming is becoming an everyday tool for primacy producers, therefore, our researchers are consistently looking to improve the profitability, environmental sustainability and socio-economic wellbeing of our rural industries.”

Work for the technology was originally funded through a combination of industry research projects between Sugar Research Australia, the Cotton Research Development Corporation, Horticulture Innovation and USQ, and has spanned the past 10 years.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

editions

Research Report: Sealable Storage Options (August 2025)

Kondinin Group researchers in collaboration with the GRDC Grain storage extension team test dozens of gas-tight sealable grain storages to Australian Standard AS2628-2010 identifying best and worst features in the ultimate grain storage buyers guide.

editions

Research Report: Cordless Impact Wrenches (July 2025)

Six battery-powered impact wrenches were bench tested in this month's Research Report, focusing on their ability to get nuts done up and undone.

editions

Research Report: Mouse Bait Applications (June 2025)

Mice remain a significant issue for cropping regions and the June Research Report, supported by an investment from the Grains Research and Development Corporation, brings together the latest research and practical recommendations for bait spreading and machinery performance to help growers improve mouse control strategies.

editions

Research Report: Farm Labour (May 2025)

Farm labour, whether temporary, casual, contract or permanent staff, is an essential part of agriculture. This Research Report provides insights to help better source and manage one of the farm’s most valuable assets – its people.