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the australian farmer
helps farm machinery manufacturers to learn from those experiences and adapt quickly, delivering more relevant tools to more varied customers across more geographies. A Career in Agriculture: High-Tech, High-Impact One of the most exciting aspects of this transforma- tion is the opportunity it creates for careers in agri- culture. Too often, when we talk about tech careers, we focus on software companies, fintech, or urban innovation hubs. But agriculture is one of the most dynamic, high-tech industries out there—and it’s time we said so. Data scientists, AI engineers, robotics specialists, and cloud architects are being hired to help build sys- tems that combine machine learning with mechanical engineering, agronomy with automation. Young people looking for meaningful careers should know agriculture isn’t just about tractors and crops. It’s about solving global challenges like food security, climate resilience, and sustainable resource manage- ment. It’s about working with real-world data to make a tangible difference. And it’s about being part of an in- dustry that touches every human life, every single day. The Future Is Now We often say that AI is like an adviser earning your trust. You don’t hand over the reins immediately—you test, you verify, you build confidence. That’s exactly what we’re doing in agriculture. We’re not rushing into full automation; we’re layering smarter tools onto ex- isting capabilities, making sure they work, and making sure they’re trusted. This isn’t a sudden pivot, but a cumulative shift. Whether it’s sprayers that detect weeds or tractors that navigate without GPS, AI is helping us rethink how machines work and how quickly they can evolve. So let’s start talking about agriculture in our main- stream tech conversations. Let’s celebrate the farm- ers who are embracing innovation, and the engineers who are building the future of food. Let’s recognise that the next big thing in tech might just be grow- ing in a field near you.
data systems. That diversity is a strength, but it also means companies must work hard to unify their data and ensure its usable. Reliable AI demands high-quality data, high-performance computing, and seamless inte- gration. It also requires trust, especially in rural areas where internet coverage can be patchy or non-existent. Connectivity is the backbone of modern agricul- ture, and that’s why across the industry leading ag companies are partnering with other trusted provid- ers, such as Starlink, to bring high-speed satellite con- nectivity to farmers in even the remotest regions. This ensures no farmer is left behind. Smarter Machines, Simpler Decisions The goal of AI in agriculture isn’t to replace the farmer, but to extend their capabilities. Making machines smarter is so that tasks become easier, operations more efficient, and outcomes more sustainable. Innovations are being delivered to transform in- field operations. For example, a new sprayer applica- tion system is using machine vision to identify weeds, diagnose crop health and apply treatment only where needed. This reduces herbicide use, cuts costs, and improves yields and environmental outcomes. In vineyards, vision-guided steering allows tractors to turn at the end of each row without human input— even in areas with poor GPS coverage. Australian farmers are among the world’s most effi- cient, shaped by tough conditions and a drive to innov- ate. With AI, automation, and data-driven tools, they’re now turning technology into their next competitive edge — producing more with less and keeping Australia at the forefront of global agricultural efficiency. Accelerating Innovation AI isn’t just transforming what farming machinery can do, it’s changing how fast these machines can be built. Generative AI is now assisting in coding software mod- ules, speeding up development and testing cycles. Field data collected from sensors is uploaded to cloud platforms and looped back into product design, help- ing manufacturers to understand how machines are used and what features farmers really need. This feedback loop is invaluable. Sometimes, farm- ers use equipment in ways that aren’t anticipated. AI
Brandon Stannett is Managing Director of CNH Australia and New Zealand.
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