The Grain Automate Regional Expos brought growers, advisers, researchers and industry together across six locations this winter to explore the future of automation in Australian grain farming. Workshops led by Ed Scott and Bindi Isbister anchored each event, sparking practical discussions and helping growers consider what autonomy could mean for their farming systems.
From Merredin to Wickepin, Birchip to Loxton, Esperance to Melrose – each expo showcased local perspectives on automation, hands-on technology demonstrations, and open conversations about the opportunities and challenges ahead.
A strong theme across the workshops was how Variable Rate Technology (VRT) provides a practical first step on the path to autonomy. Growers worked directly with their own farm data, exploring how to set up boundaries and paddocks correctly, clean up digital workflows, and design on-farm trials that lead to real decision-making improvements.
Breakout sessions with software reps and specialists gave participants the chance to dive deeper into platforms such as John Deere, CNH, DataFarming, PCT and SMS, while machinery demonstrations showed how VRT-ready equipment can be set up and used in practice. Each region tailored its demos to local priorities – from spreaders and sprayers in Merredin to deep ripping and soil amelioration tools in Wickepin.
Expert insights from researchers, machinery specialists and grower groups.
Guided workshops with Ed Scott and Bindi Isbister, giving growers a structured way to explore automation readiness.
Grower-to-grower conversations sharing real experiences, from first steps in automation to future aspirations.
Networking and collaboration, with local grower groups playing a key role in connecting their communities with Grain Automate.
With more than 510 growers and industry representatives attending across the series, the expos showed a strong appetite for knowledge and support as farms consider the transition to autonomous technologies.
A big thank you to our regional partners – MADFIG, Facey Group, WANTFA, Birchip Cropping Group, Mallee Sustainable Farming, Esperance Zone Innovation Group and Esperance Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Upper North Farming Systems – for powering these events.
And finally, thank you to the growers who have already completed the Grain Automate Adoption Readiness Evaluation. Not only does this self-assessment give you a clear picture of where you’re at on the path to autonomy – your input also helps shape the Grain Automate project by building a better understanding of the sector’s current readiness and future needs.
Haven’t done it yet? Take the self-assessment here Grain Automate Adoption Readiness Evaluation
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