Murchison House Station is one of the oldest pastoral stations in Western Australia, but at the upcoming Livestock Technology Field Day, owners Calum and Belinda Carruth will demonstrate how full connectivity and agriculture technology has brought the Kalbarri property into the future.
In partnership with ag-tech company Origo and with backing from MLA Donor Company (MDC) the Carruths have achieved full connectivity across the entire 126,000 hectare station.
The information technology project has unlocked major profitability and productivity improvements in the family’s rangeland goat and beef cattle business.
MLA General Manager – MDC, Research, Development and Innovation, Sean Starling, said the Field Day would showcase both the outcomes of the Murchison House project, and how they’ve been realised.
“Starting from a base of zero technology and connectivity, Murchison House Station is now completely connected, and routinely uses technology like remote water sensing, pump controls, automated gates and livestock monitoring,” Mr Starling said.
“This has allowed the Carruths to significantly reduce labour and maintenance costs, as well as improving safety and unlocking social benefits that come from increased connectivity for people in remote areas.
“The upcoming Field Day is an opportunity for producers to see first-hand that connectivity of this type is actually do-able, regardless of scale and location.”
The Livestock Technology Field Day will run from 9am to 9pm on Thursday, 16 May 2019.
The program includes field walks showcasing various connectivity methods and applications, and talks from Calum Carruth, Annie Brox of Origo and Sean Starling of MLA.
Lunch and dinner will be provided.
Registration
For more information and to RSVP, please contact awilkins@origo.com or 0437 289 753.
Media are welcome to attend the Field Day but are asked to RSVP as above or directly with MLA.
Source: MLA