A workshop in Mulwala later this month will help grain farmers turn data into profit.The free half-day ‘Making Big Data Pay’ workshop will be hosted by local farming systems group, Riverine Plains Inc, and will feature Andrew Whitlock, of Precision Agriculture. “Advances in GPS and other precision agriculture technologies means that farmers are able to measure and collect an enormous amount of data about their crops and soils” says Dr Cassandra Schefe, Riverine Plains Inc Extension Officer.
“But data without context can be meaningless, so the challenge is to turn stored data into quality information that can be used to make profitable decisions” she said.

“This workshop has been designed to help farmers better understand the process and technology behind precision agriculture and to provide further information for those considering taking the next step” she said.

“Andrew will cover yield and NDVI mapping and will also provide an update on the practical steps growers can take to incorporate variable rate management on their own farms. He will specifically discuss the variable rate application of lime, gypsum and phosphorus as well as opportunities for variable rate nitrogen” she added.

There will also be a discussion on how strategic drainage can be used to minimise the risks of waterlogging.
The “Making Big Data Pay” workshop will be held at the Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort on Tuesday 16th August from 12pm to 4pm.

This free workshop is supported by Riverine Plains Inc and Murray Local Land Services through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme. Places are limited so for more information or to RSVP, please contact Fiona Hart before August 12th at info@riverineplains.com.au or phone 03 5744 1713.