• Charles Sturt to feature research and innovation at Henty Machinery Field Days 
• The University will showcase initiatives from the Global Digital Farm, Feedlot of the Future, Drought Hub, Cool Soil Initiative, AICF and Renewables in Agriculture Centre of Excellence
• The HMFD will be held from Tuesday 17 to Thursday 19 September

Charles Sturt University will return to the Henty Machinery Field Days (HMFD) this year with the latest in agricultural research, education and innovation.

The University’s Agrisciences Research and Business Park (AgriPark) is bringing together industry, researchers, government and community to meet the big challenges of regional Australia.

The Charles Sturt site will be operational for the full three days and will feature presentations, demonstrations and showcases on the latest in agricultural technology, innovations and research from the University’s institutes and faculties.

Charles Sturt is a leading provider of university-level agriculture education and attendees will be able to hear from representatives from the Faculty of Science and Health and Faculty of Arts and Education.

Attendees will also be able to hear from the University’s numerous research institutes, including the:

• Southern NSW Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub
• Global Digital Farm
• Cool Soil Initiative
• Gulbali Institute for Agriculture, Water and Environment
• eXtended Reality Centre
• Innovate at Charles Sturt
• Renewables in Agriculture Centre of Excellence
• Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Futures Institute (AICF)

The Global Digital Farm is trialling the latest technology at the University’s 2,000-hectare farm so farmers do not have to take the risk.

Industry representatives and farmers attending the HMFD are encouraged to approach University experts with their agtech and data challenges to seek advice on the most innovative solutions.

The Global Digital Farm will also have drones, 3D mapping systems, soil plant and animal sensing technology, data integration systems, such as soil sensors, GPS ear tags and water monitoring, to demonstrate at the site.

Additional technology from the Drought Hub (VR goggles) and the AICF (a flap drone and robot dog) will also be available to view and interact with.

The Cool Soil Initiative, whose partners include MARS Petcare, Kellanova, Manildra Group, Allied Pinnacle, Corson and Pepsico, will have its official launch on day two of the field days, on Wednesday 18 September at 10am at the Charles Sturt site.

The Initiative is focused on supporting farmers through a free program where they can provide data and receive a commodity footprint and soil health report. This provides farmers with insight into their operations while maintaining full control over practice changes.

Executive Director of AgriPark Mr Nick Pagett said Charles Sturt is committed to leading the way as agricultural industries face growing challenges.

“Our presence at the Henty Machinery Field Days exemplifies this commitment, showcasing the latest innovations that will empower farmers and industry leaders,” he said.

“Through the Global Digital Farm, Drought Hub and other leading initiatives, we're providing farmers and industry leaders with practical, data-driven solutions to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.

“We are excited to connect with the agricultural community and demonstrate how our work can help them thrive.”

The Charles Sturt site will be located at Block N, site 564-566, on the corner of Main Road and 9th Farm Avenue.