New England councils, schools and producer groups are encouraged to request a visit from a high-tech learning bus that has clocked up more than 10,000 kilometres, taking agricultural innovation directly to farmers across NSW.
The Farms of the Future Mobile Learning Centre is built into a customised Volvo B12 bus. Almost 1,200 people have experienced its virtual reality technology, along with demonstrations of agtech and connectivity solutions.
“From the Riverina to the Northern Rivers and everywhere in between, the Mobile Learning Centre is taking real-life, cutting-edge agricultural technology directly to farming communities across NSW,” said Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty.
Since the bus first hit the road in February, it has travelled to farming communities throughout the Central West, Hunter, North Coast, North West, and Far West regions. Stops have included Mudgee, Orange, Tocal, Clunes, Lismore, Gunnedah, Dubbo, Nyngan, Walgett, Bourke, Cobar, Broken Hill, Menindee, Pooncarie, and Dareton.
The bus gives producers hands-on access to agtech through live demonstrations, practical workshops, and expert advice. Visitors can see how technology such as water tank and trough monitors, soil moisture probes, virtual fencing collars, in-paddock weighing systems, weather stations, and connectivity solutions can improve productivity, strengthen farm resilience, and open new opportunities.
“The Mobile Learning Centre is helping bridge the gap between technology and practical farm application,” Ms Moriarty said.
The bus also hosts producers enrolled in the Farms of the Future Agtech Fundamentals training courses. So far, more than 1,500 producers have completed the training, to better understand the role technology plays in agriculture and the benefits it can bring to a farm business.
“The bus is ensuring farmers have access to the latest information and technologies, no matter where they live in regional NSW,” Ms Moriarty said.
“The Mobile Learning Centre allows producers to see technology in action, ask questions and gain practical advice from experts, giving them confidence to explore tools that can support their businesses.”
The bus is still on the road, with stops planned between now and the end of the year at the Australian National Field Days in Orange from Thursday, 22 October to Saturday, 24 October. There will also be an Agtech Discovery Day in Orange on Thursday, 5 November, and another in Cowra on Thursday, 19 November.
“The Minns Government is committed to ensuring regional communities can access the knowledge and resources needed to adapt, innovate and remain competitive into the future,” Ms Moriarty said.
Grower and producer groups, schools, and community organisations can register their interest in hosting the Mobile Learning Centre at www.agtech.dpi.nsw.gov.au/pages/mobile-learning-centre.
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