Connectivity and Evaluation Design

Summary

This project focused on assessing the state of information and communication technology adoption across larger scale beef producers in central Queensland.

FSG engaged 44 large scale beef producers over a period of 6 months to conduct surveys to assess current usage of technology, levels, and methods of connectivity and future needs to achieve greater productivity.

FSG designed a solution which leverages its existing network in the area which would enable immediate deployment of ‘on farm’ connectivity. It was identified that an investment of $2.7m would provide access to every property in the survey.

Objectives

This project enabled 40 MLA producers to complete a Field Solutions “connectivity road map assessment”. The assessment included:

• an onsite evaluation detailing the existing communications at site
• review of the issues / limitations to business processes and performance related to IT systems
• a report outlining a road map to implement increased connectivity and technology solutions to increase business productivity and ability to innovate.

Key findings

• 75% of respondent producers received little or no mobile coverage and almost 60% relied solely on satellite for internet.
• Only 28% of respondents felt their connectivity to the internet was sufficient to support their business.
• An investment of $2.7m was identified as having the potential to provide every property surveyed access to connectivity by extending the existing FSG network to reach each of the farm gates.

Benefits to industry

This project has created roadmaps for these producers to improve their connectivity and through close consultation with local council’s tangible, positive results have been seen in shire wide connectivity.

These learnings are beneficial for other remote locations and producers and can be used to create roadmaps for others in the industry.

MLA action

The project has provided valuable economic and feasibility assessments of connectivity options for red meat producers to be disseminated and distributed to industry through publication reports and connectivity design evaluations.

Future research

Future research will include quantification of business case value propositions for IoT use cases.