AgTech in Action: Students Across New England Tackle Agricultural Challenges with Technology
In recent months, schools across New England North West took part in a unique educational journey aimed at addressing some of the biggest challenges in modern agriculture.
Through our Agmentation in Schools program, Year 10 and 11 students engaged in hands-on experiences that introduced them to innovation in areas such as water sustainability, crop production, and ethical livestock management.
The program culminated in the AgTech Youth Innovation Summit, held at UNE SMART Farm, where students gathered to showcase their solutions, collaborate with industry experts, and explore real-world applications for their ideas using modern technology.
The Agmentation in Schools Program
Starting in July, the Agmentation program visited schools across Moree, Narrabri, Tamworth, and Armidale, providing students with a series of workshops and problem-solving activities that mirrored the experience of an agricultural innovation summit.
Throughout the program, students were encouraged to utilize modern technologies, including AI, to develop creative solutions to common challenges faced in agriculture.
Working closely with mentors and local producers, students refined their ideas, crafted pitch presentations, and ultimately presented their solutions to a panel of judges. This dynamic approach allowed them to experience the full process of innovation—from problem-solving with advanced technology to presenting in a competitive format. The local producers’ insights added valuable real-world context, particularly on issues like resource management and sustainable practices, further inspiring students to think practically and innovatively.
The interactive sessions, combined with tech-driven problem-solving, encouraged students to consider new approaches, blending agricultural science with technology and environmental awareness. Teachers and school leaders embraced the program enthusiastically, recognizing it as a hands-on approach that cultivates critical thinking, teamwork, and a practical understanding of the role of technology in agriculture.
A Closer Look at Key Challenges
Throughout the Agmentation in Schools program, students focused on several major challenge areas:
Water Sustainability: From water-saving technologies to efficient irrigation, students devised tech-enabled solutions to conserve this precious resource in agriculture.
Effective Crop Production: With AI and other digital tools, students explored crop production techniques to improve yield, reduce waste, and maintain soil health.
Ethical Livestock Management: Tackling topics around welfare and sustainability, students investigated how technology could help manage livestock in humane and resource-efficient ways.
The AgTech Youth Innovation Summit
The program reached its peak in September with the AgTech Youth Innovation Summit, hosted at UNE SMART Farm. Students from schools across the region came together for a day of workshops, hands-on labs, and a final pitch competition.
Supported by industry leaders, researchers, and UNE students, participants engaged in sessions that provided valuable insights into areas like technology, research, marketing, funding, pitching, and agriculture.
These labs connected students with experts who guided them in exploring critical aspects of innovation, from developing technology and aligning it with industry needs to communicating their vision effectively and identifying funding opportunities. This collaborative approach allowed students to refine their ideas and deepen their understanding of the practical steps involved in making a real-world impact.
The day culminated in an exciting pitch competition where Narrabri High School took home the top prize with their innovative idea for floating solar panels to reduce energy costs and water evaporation on farms. Other standout ideas included an AI-assisted app for rural veterinarians and smart eartags for monitoring animal health.
The students’ enthusiasm and creativity showcased the immense potential for young minds to shape the future of agriculture through tech-driven solutions.
The entire program was proudly delivered by the NSW Government’s Office of Regional Economic Development and Training Services NSW under the Targeted Workforce Development Scheme. We extend a special thank you to MadeWithData for facilitating sessions at both the Agmentation in Schools events and the AgTech Youth Innovation Summit, providing invaluable expertise and guidance to students.
Our gratitude also goes out to the dedicated teachers and schools for their enthusiasm and commitment to fostering the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Looking Forward
The Agmentation in Schools program and the AgTech Youth Innovation Summit highlight the transformative power of hands-on, tech-driven learning in STEM and agriculture. By equipping students with practical knowledge and the confidence to tackle big challenges through technology and innovation, we’re planting seeds for a sustainable, forward-thinking future in agriculture.
