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The On Farm Connectivity Program is all about enabling farmers in agriculture, forestry and fisheries to take advantage of connected machinery and sensor technology and bringing the future to your farm. It's a $30 million initiative and its mission is to supercharge your farm with technology. Here's what it can do for you:
- Stay Connected. Imagine your farm, fully connected. With this program that can become your reality - get your machinery and sensors all linked up and take your farm into the digital age.
- Farming Made Easy. We get it; farming is tough work. That's why this program is here to make things easier. It's about helping you embrace digital solutions and make your farm more efficient and productive.
- Boost Your Farm's Productivity. The agricultural sector is ripe for growth, and we want you to be at the forefront of it. This program is your ticket to boosting your farm's productivity.
Satellite on the Move
Connected Farms' Satellite on the move solution for agriculture offers farmers on-the-go connectivity where there is no existing connectivity available at all. With very high-speed internet, low latency, and the ability to mount the antenna on machinery, it enables Wi-Fi calling, precision farming and automation, all supported by 24/7 service. Stay connected anywhere on your farm with unlimited data and dedicated plans. We offer three different packages to suit your needs.
Prices For Farmers start from: $3,000.00 exc GST
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On Machine/Vehicle & building Wi-Fi Gateway
Designed to meet the unique connectivity needs on farm, it acts as a digital gateway, seamlessly enabling Wi-Fi calling and connecting your farm buildings, devices and machinery to the internet. Available in two different packages for On Machine WiFi, and WiFi around farm buildings
On Machine/Vehicle Wi-Fi
In areas with poor or patchy existing 4G coverage this solution creates a high-speed Wi-Fibubble in and around your tractor, sprayer or header cab, also works on utes. Our high gain devices receive and amplify 4G signal from any mobile operator (i.e. Telstra / Optus / Vodafone) automatically using the strongest signal and converting it to Wi-Fi. Ongoing SiM subscription applies. Importantly on farm existing 4G coverage testing included in price to ensure this is the right solution for your farm.
On-Farm Wi-Fi
Our on-Farm Wi-Fi Gateway connects up to 6 remote buildings or locations point to point and delivers Wi-Fi through gateways at each remote location. It uses your existing internet connection (or Connected Farms can also supply this for an additional fee) and assumes that you have a suitable shed / silo / tower near to your internet supply and have power available.
Prices For Farmers start from: $725.00 exc GST
LoRaWAN / IoT Gateway
The essential LoRaWAN gateway exclusively for farmers. Connect all your LoRaWAN sensors in a 10 to 15Km radius (subject to radio engineering check). The Krucial Connect gateway can connect to the internet by various means – whatever is available so via direct ethernet, or 4G or Wi-Fi or dedicated satellite link meaning your sensor data will work anywhere, always get through and is future-proofed. Our powerful LoRa base station has a built-in back-up satellite connection and battery, so it keeps working if the main internet connection fails or the power supply is down.
Prices For Farmers start from: $6,740.00 exc GST
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Smart Silobag Sensor
Elevate your grain storage game with our Smart Silobag sensors. Monitor and manage grain quality in real-time, receive alerts for humidity, CO2, temperature, and movement (vermin strike or theft) issues, all from your smartphone. Boost profitability with reduced labour costs, efficient monitoring, and long-term savings while ensuring top-quality grain year-round. These sensors have built-in low-cost satellite connectivity so they can be used in silobags anywhere that has a view to the sky. One Smart Silobag sensor is required every 15 - 20 metres. Ongoing subscription applies.
Prices For Farmers start from: $274.00 exc GST
Weather Station
It provides real-time weather data on temperature, humidity, wind, and more, allowing you to optimise farming practices, protect crops, allocate resources efficiently, and ensure livestock well-being. Choose it for accuracy, durability, ease of use, support, and cost-efficiency in boosting your farming operations. Ideal to integrate into your spraying records systems to assist in accurate spray data being maintained.
Please note, this device uses your existing LoRaWAN network (or Connected Farms can also supply this for an additional fee with our Krucial Connect solution) to provide the real-time data and alerts.
Prices For Farmers start from: $2,664.50 exc GST
Soil Moisture Sensor
Our advanced, easy-to-use sensors provide real-time soil moisture data for precision irrigation, seeding, and crop health monitoring. Save water, reduce costs, and optimise your farming operations, all backed by our accuracy, customization, and reliable support. Make confident data-driven decisions with Connected Farms Soil Sensors.
Please note, this device uses your existing LoRaWAN network (or Connected Farms can also supply this for an additional fee with our Krucial Connect solution) to provide the real-time data and alerts.
Prices For Farmers start from: $972.50 exc GST
Connected SeaFarm
Transform your aquaculture operation with seamless satellite connectivity, automatic data flow, and real-time insights. With easy setup and robust monitoring, make informed decisions, protect fish welfare, and ensure long-term profitability. Choose Connected SeaFarm for a connected, productive, and efficient future in aquaculture farming.
Prices For Farmers start from: $22,500.00 exc GST
Meet our customer Tim Gleeson who owns a broadacre operation in Victoria. After years of trying to farm in a connectivity black spot, hear how Connected Farms has helped improve connectivity over his farm and optimised the way his business can operate.
Some Questions You Might Be Asking
What is the On Farm Connectivity Program?
The Australian Government's On Farm Connectivity Program is providing $30 million over two years to enable primary producers in agriculture, forestry and/or fisheries to take advantage of connected machinery and sensor technology.
The objectives of the program are to:
- extend digital connectivity and enable Primary Producers to take advantage of advanced farming technology
- enhance a Primary Producer's ability to implement digital agribusiness solutions through improved connectivity
- capitalise on the agricultural sector's productivity and growth, and
- support access to new communications equipment and services by offsetting some of the cost.
What does the On Farm Connectivity Program mean for my farm business?
For eligible farm businesses the program will provide a rebate of up to 50 per cent* of the cost of our fully managing satellite on the move connectivity solution, making it an attractive and accessible opportunity for your farm business.
*subject to eligibility and T&Cs.
Will my farm be eligible?
Eligible farm businesses will need to meet the criteria in this link.
What is involved in the program’s application process?
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Farmer confirms pre-application* eligibility.
*Final eligibility confirmed during application assessment - Choose Connectivity Solution
- Receive and accept quote from Connected Farms
- Rebate application submitted by Connected Farms
- Application assessed by Federal Government*
*Estimated 4-6 week turnaround - Rebate approved & Farmer advised
- Farmer receives invoice from Connected Farms
- Farmer pays invoice
- Product shipped. If required, appointment arranged to install connectivity solution
- Connected Farms Support Team available to answer questions throughout process
Harvest is coming up, I don’t have time to apply, what should I do?
The Harvest season is indeed a busy time for farmers. The funding program operates on a "first come, first served" basis, so we recommend applying as soon as possible to secure your spot. However, we understand the time constraints of the farming calendar. To make it easier for you, we've simplified the application process with our user-friendly online form.
Online forms don’t work for me. How can I apply?
We're here to assist you. Simply reach out to our dedicated team by phone at 1800 497 148, and we'll guide you through the application process and file it on your behalf.
How long does the On Farm Connectivity Program run for?
The On Farm Connectivity Program is officially set to expire in May 2024. However, it's important to note that the program operates on a "first come, first served" basis. As long as funds are available in the funding pool, the program will continue to accept applications. Given the expected high demand, we strongly advise applying on our website as early as possible to ensure you secure your spot.
Which connectivity solution do I apply for?
We are here to partner with you in your farming business and provide appropriate connectivity solutions and support to help your farm successfully implement digital agriculture across your operation.
Agricultural technologies, digital ag, robotics and autonomous agricultural machinery require different levels of connectivity. Some are network latency sensitive, and some are not. There are a lot of connectivity aspects to consider depending on you farm type, operation systems, and digital technologies you wish to implement. We encourage you to have a chat with us ofcp@connectedfarms.co first, so your farm has the relevant levels of connectivity over it.
What is on-farm connectivity?
On-farm connectivity is the ability for farm businesses to have connectivity across their whole farm, fence-to-fence, to enable digital agriculture. Your whole farm business and systems can be connected to provide better control, visibility, and management where and when you need it. This in turn increases efficiency, productivity, and incremental gains on-farm
How does connectivity work with my farm machinery?
- Full Wi-Fi capabilities across your farmland so you can make a call, send an SMS or access the internet from the field, keeping you connected, safe. Improving on-farm productivity and wellbeing.
- Planting and harvest accuracy is improved with RTK correction over IP. Our coverage allows all your machinery and on-board precision farming systems to work at maximum effectiveness.
- Connected machinery allows data casting so you know what is happening and where it is happening across the farm in real-time.
- On-board technology and software reach their full potential with connectivity. So, you can make the most of your machine’s on-board precision systems and technologies with real-time data and full integration.
- Allows real-time access to yield mapping, particularly grain moisture and protein content that enables instant decision making for grain storage and blending.
- Monitoring of activity and on-farm data collection can be performed in real-time.
What does a fully connected farm mean?
Connectivity over farmland can be likened to conduit - it enables seamless communication, data exchange, and control among various components, equipment, and processes on-farm.
A fully connected farm has various elements of the farming process, seamlessly linked through digital connectivity. This includes the integration of IoT sensors, AgriTech, data-sharing across devices, machines and platforms, and remote monitoring capabilities. The primary goal is to create an integrated and data-rich farm ecosystem that allows farmers to make informed decisions in real-time, improving the efficiency and productivity of the farm while minimising waste and resource use.
What are the benefits when my farm is fully connected?
- Data collection: Connectivity enables data from sensors to be continuously collected and transmitted in real-time to a central database or cloud-based platform. This allows for the monitoring of conditions and activities across the farm.
- Remote monitoring and control: Farmers and farm managers can access real-time data and control farm equipment remotely through their smartphones or computers. This enables them to make informed decisions and adjustments faster and more efficiently.
- Automation: Automation systems can be implemented to control various farm operations. For example, irrigation systems can be automated based on soil moisture data, reducing water waste.
- Data & predictive analytics: The collected data is analysed using advanced analytics tools. This can provide insights into crop health, equipment efficiency, and overall farm performance. Predictive modeling can be used to forecast future conditions and optimise resource allocation. For example, predicting pest outbreaks or optimal planting times.
- Efficiency: Connectivity can be used to optimise resource use on farm in real-time to maximise productivity.
- Supply chain integration: Fully connected farms can be connected to their supply chain suppliers and buyers, enabling better coordination.
- Safety and security: Connectivity can enhance farm safety and security by providing real-time monitoring of critical data and staff can communicate anywhere, anytime.
- Compliance and record keeping: Being fully connected on-farm can also simplify regulatory compliance and record-keeping by automating the collection and reporting of required data.
What else can I do to improve my farm operation with connectivity?
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What is a Smart Silobag sensor?
These sensors monitor inside and around your silo bags in real-time. The sensors operate via satellite, wide-area mobile broadband, or narrow band network, to facilitate real-time monitoring of grain stored in silo bags anywhere on your farm.
What do the Smart Silobag sensors monitor?
- Humidity – the sensor will send alerts to you via smart hubs when conditions breach the configured parameters.
- CO2 – detecting undesirable gas levels.
- Temperature – It will alert you to high temperatures that put the silo bag at risk of bursting.
- Movement – the sensors detect movement, so issues such as mice, sabotage, or potential theft can be detected early.
- Geo localisation – this helps you to differentiate groups of silo bags that are stored around your farm.
Don’t see your question here? Contact us