BARRIERS AND BUZZ REVEALED: AUTONOMOUS FARM MACHINERY

Australian grain producers have raised concerns about affordability of fully autonomous (driverless) farm machinery and other barriers to the technology’s future adoption, including digital connectivity. 

An independent survey measuring the current attitudes of broadacre grain producers throughout Australia was recently conducted. This important survey data forms part of a new partnership aimed at driving the safe and effective arrival of fully autonomous farm machinery, in Australian agriculture. 

Grain Producers Australia (GPA), the Tractor and Machinery Association of Australia (TMA) and the Society of Precision Agriculture Australia (SPAA) have worked together, since 2019, developing the Code of Practice for Agricultural Mobile Field Machinery with Autonomous Functions in Australia. 

In June last year, the three groups launched a new three-year partnership aimed at supporting the Code’s implementation, progressing it as one that’s owned and driven by industry, along with other new initiatives, to achieve common goals. The independent survey is central to this new partnership. 

Results released today show Australian grain producers are concerned about key aspects of the emerging technology’s future adoption – but the data shows they also recognise there are positive opportunities ahead, relevant to their business productivity and profitability, and want to know more.  

Cost, connectivity and confidence in skills, to use autonomous farm machinery appropriately, have been identified as clear barriers to the technology’s future uptake in Australia. These findings are detailed in the ‘Autonomous Farm Machinery use in Australia – a snapshot’ report, that’s also been released today by GPA, TMA and SPAA. HERE 

The report also makes brief recommendations about; industry education and outreach; financial and policy support; infrastructure and technology readiness; and monitoring and future research.  

GPA RD&E Spokesperson, Andrew Weidemann AM, said this ‘snapshot’ report can be used to help guide industry bodies, machinery companies and governments in approaches to education, regulation and market rollout. 

“Fully autonomous farm machinery is still in the early stages of adoption here in Australia compared to the rest of the world and this almost clean slate is a great opportunity for growers,” he said. 

“This technology has the chance to increase profitability, efficiency and farm safety with industry owning the process. 

“It is to our benefit to take advantage of new technologies that can boost our global competitiveness in production and efficiency, but it is important that we as farmers have confidence in ourselves and the technology.” 

KEY INFORMATION 

• 61 per cent of survey participants said they’re keen to learn more about fully autonomous (driverless) machinery; particularly hands-on demonstrations/field days. 

• Concerns on affordability (52pc) and set up costs (39pc) were identified as clear barriers to adoption (of fully autonomous machinery). 

• 27 per cent of respondents already use (semi) autonomous machinery on-farm, mostly GPS guidance and autosteer. 

• Productivity, time savings and reduced costs were the three highest ranked benefits identified by current users of the technology (semi-autonomous machinery). 

  
  

TMA Executive Director Gary Northover said understanding of the true cost benefits of using autonomous technology on farms would continue to be both the barrier and driver for adoption into the future.

“As technology develops and we move towards commercial production of fully autonomous machinery, affordability is going to need to be front of mind,” he said. 

“The solutions that autonomous machinery provide for farmers will always need to outweigh the costs and it is important for us to make sure farmers and manufacturers can work together to find these solutions. 

“By improving awareness, investment, and access to these technologies, we can ensure Australian agriculture remains globally competitive and at the forefront of innovation." 

SPAA Executive Officer Angelique McAvoy said the GPA, TMA, and SPAA partnership will help support farmers in navigating this emerging space and unlocking its benefits. 

“The Autonomous Farm Machinery Survey shows strong farmer interest, but many find the technology overwhelming,” she said. 

“A key challenge is the confusion between precision ag tools such as GPS and autosteer and true autonomy, such as driverless cropping machinery. 

“This knowledge gap highlights the need for clearer communication and education to differentiate assisted guidance from fully autonomous systems.” 

Ms McAvoy said SPAA is proud to collaborate with GPA and TMA on the Autonomous Code of Practice for Agricultural Field Machinery, ensuring safety and best practices as autonomous technology expands. 

“By improving awareness, offering hands-on learning, and establishing clear safety frameworks, we can help farmers confidently take the next step toward autonomy,” she said. 

The report says: ‘The global market for autonomy and intelligent systems is expected to experience significant growth in the coming decades, with projections estimating that it will reach a substantial $272 billion by 2027. To remain competitive in the global grain market, Australian grain growers need to improve supply chain efficiency, access new technology, and have a competitive trade agenda.’ 

As part of the joint partnership, a regular independent survey will be conducted, and updated report.  

ENDS 

Further Information: 

GPA RD&E Spokesperson Andrew Weidemann: 0428 504 544 

GPA Executive Officer Rachael Oxborrow: 0416 705 193 

TMA Executive Director Gary Northover: 0418 512 030 

SPAA Executive Officer Angelique McAvoy: 0473 790 109