Modern Farming
What kinds of technologies have made farming more efficient and productive? (name 3)
Computers, satellites, sensors, GIS, GPS, drones, animal tracking.
What tool allows farmers to create detailed maps of soil and crop yield?
GPS (Global Positioning System).
Where is Gala dairy farm located?
Near Deloraine, Tasmania.
What robotic system did Gala farm upgrade to in 2020?
DeLaval’s VMS V300.
In which Australian state is Deloraine, the location of Gala farm?
Tasmania.
What are pilotless planes used for in farming?
To monitor soils, plants, and water
What does precision farming use to collect environmental data?
Sensors on satellites, planes, and helicopters.
What identifies each cow during robotic milking?
An electronic collar.
How long does each robotic milking take at Gala farm?
About 6 minutes.
What does GPS stand for?
Global Positioning System.
How are sheep and cattle tracked using modern technology?
With sensors in ear tags or electronic collars.
Name one environmental or economic benefit of precision farming.
Better irrigation, reduced fertiliser waste, improved productivity, or healthier crops.
How much did milk production increase at Gala farm with robots?
By 20%.
What percentage of milkings were incomplete on Gala’s robotic system?
1–2%.
What is one challenge farmers face when using robots?
High costs of buying and maintaining the machines.
True or False: Technology has reduced crop yield.
False (it increases crop yield).
How does precision farming help farmers choose where to plant?
It shows areas with rich minerals and high crop yield.
What happens when cows arrive at the dairy at Gala farm?
Robotic arms clean teats and attach suction cups guided by cameras and sensors.
True or False: Robotic-milked cows often live longer and are more valuable.
True.
What does GIS stand for?
Geographic Information Systems.
What is one way technology has improved animal farming?
Improved breeding conditions for cattle.
Why is treating all parts of a farm the same way inefficient?
Because farms are patchworks of soils, slopes, and moisture levels.
What reward do cows receive for coming to be milked?
Grain and access to fresh grass.
What was one noticeable change visitors saw in the cows after adopting robots?
The cows looked relaxed and happy.
What is the main goal of modern farming methods?
To increase efficiency and crop yields.