AI Unlocked: Talking tech and innovation on farm

Lineup

• More details about Lang Zheng, PhD candidate, Department of Infrastructure Engineering, University of Melbourne

  Lang Zheng, PhD candidate, Department of Infrastructure Engineering, University of Melbourne

  Lang’s PhD research, focusing on how AI can support decision-making in water infrastructure systems to reduce pump operational costs. In his presentation he’ll explain his work that has looked at artificial intelligence-enhanced pump operation optimisation for water distribution systems. His research explores how AI can support decision-making in water infrastructure systems to reduce pump operational costs.

• More details about Stephen Bennett, Dried Fruit Grower, Project Engineer, Merbein Robotics

  Stephen Bennett, Dried Fruit Grower, Project Engineer, Merbein Robotics

  Steve has a demonstrated history of working in the farming industry. Skilled in Python (Programming Language), Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Entrepreneurship, Management, and Arduino. Strong business development professional with a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) focused in Mechanical Engineering from University of Adelaide.

• More details about Dr Timothy Clune, Senior Lecturer La Trobe Business School, La Trobe University

  Dr Timothy Clune, Senior Lecturer La Trobe Business School, La Trobe University

  I am a Senior Lecturer in Management/HRM located at the Albury-Wodonga Campus. My research is outcome focused, collaborative and interdisciplinary, and addresses the economic, social and environmental complexities challenging sustainable agribusinesses and thriving regional economies. I am responsible for the successful delivery of both the Agribusiness Major and Minor as part of the Bachelor of Business. Prior to joining La Trobe in 2017, I have spent the last two decades in consulting, research, science management and corporate roles across the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. My experience has provided me with a broad-based understanding of the interrelationships between environmental, social and financial influences on regional agribusinesses and the landscapes in which they are situated. In my work I draw on my multi-disciplinary experience to understand complex agribusiness issues. I utilise my training as an agricultural scientist with specialist understanding in agronomy, soil science and farming systems. Further, I draw on my experiences managing complex research projects integrating natural assets into farming systems to support sustainable regional landscapes. I am a lead researcher in a multidisciplinary project as part of the Murray Darling Basin Authority's Water For the Environment Program, working with university and first nations partners to understand the diversity of ways of which Basin Communities value water in the landscape. A key focus of this work is to provide an enhanced understanding of how water contributes to community outcomes, and how communities might be empowered to protect those valued outcomes in a drier future. My work is also framed by my experience in corporate roles, necessarily requiring an examination of my research through the lens of good governance, sound ethics and effective risk management. A key ingredient in my research is the integration of key stakeholders in the co-design of multi-disciplinary research that makes a material difference to the sustainability and liveability of our regional landscapes and communities. In 2021 I was appointed to lead La Trobe University's contribution to the interdisciplinary Victoria Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Resilience Hub, which draws together university partners, farmer and industry groups and Agriculture Victoria to assist farmers and regional communities to enhance their resilience to drought. Within the La Trobe University research community I connect across research disciplines to develop multidisciplinary projects. I am a member of the Centre for Freshwater Ecosystems and the Centre for the Study of the Inland. I am a member of the Advisory Committee for both the Resilient Environments & Communities and Social Change & Equity strategic research themes at La Trobe University. Additionally, I am an Detailed Assessor for funding submissions to the Australian Research Council (ARC).

• More details about Matt Wilson, Senior Manager SMART Farm Campus, SuniTAFE

  Matt Wilson, Senior Manager SMART Farm Campus, SuniTAFE

  Matt has worked in both the horticulture and water related industries for over 35 years. He began his career working in natural resource management and community engagement then moved into the water authority sector in both South Australia and Victoria where he was employed for twenty-two years. For five years he worked with Select Harvests Limited as the Water Portfolio Manager managing their $150M portfolio covering seventeen farms across three states. Over the course of his career he has specialised in GIS mapping, coordination of irrigation management courses, water trade, new irrigation developments, compliance, subdivisions, and customer and industry engagement. Over the past 35+ years he has seen significant advancements in technology and more recently advancements in the use of AI. Matt is interested to see what part AI will play in the future of Agriculture and Horticulture and what it will mean for job security and general food production.

• More details about David Cleary, Education Delivery Manager, Primary Industries, SuniTAFE

  David Cleary, Education Delivery Manager, Primary Industries, SuniTAFE

  David Cleary is the Education Delivery Manager for Primary Industries at the Sunraysia Institute of TAFE's SMART Farm at Cardross just outside of Mildura. In this role, David is keen to develop both existing and future educational opportunities within the agriculture and horticulture industries supported by the integration and expansion of technology solutions including AI. David's background is in software development and education. He spent over twenty years as a software engineer working in software tool research and software metrics. He then spent ten years as a secondary school mathematics and information technology teacher before transferring to the vocational education and training sector as a TAFE information technology teacher.

• More details about Rebecca Wells, Chief Executive Officer, Mallee Regional Innovation Centre

  Rebecca Wells, Chief Executive Officer, Mallee Regional Innovation Centre

  Rebecca is the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of the Mallee Regional Innovation Centre, appointed by The University of Melbourne in 2019. The Centre partners are: The University of Melbourne, La Trobe University and SuniTAFE. The Centre's project collaborations include the Victoria Drought & Innovation Hub and the One Basin CRC. Rebecca is a passionate advocate for innovation, collaboration and community-driven solutions, she leads a Centre dedicated to advancing horticulture, water, energy and environmental sustainability across regional Australia. As artificial intelligence reshapes industries and communities, Rebecca is committed to fostering informed, safe and purposeful adoption of emerging AI technologies. She champions knowledge-sharing initiatives that help organisations understand AI's potential to enhance work practices, drive innovation and create meaningful impact. Her vision centres on building collective understanding of how AI integrates into innovation ecosystems—and how we can harness it responsibly to strengthen regional economies and communities. Rebecca brings over a decade of Non-Executive Director experience and strategic leadership across governance, communications, marketing and innovation. Her career has spanned Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and London, before returning to Mildura to lead regional innovation efforts. Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts (Media Production), Master of Business Administration and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

• More details about Leonie Burrows OAM, Chair Mallee Regional Innovation Centre Strategic Advisory Panel and a member of the Centre’s Advisory Board

  Leonie Burrows OAM, Chair Mallee Regional Innovation Centre Strategic Advisory Panel and a member of the Centre’s Advisory Board

  Leonie Burrows OAM is the inaugural Chair of the Strategic Advisory Panel and a member of the Centre’s Advisory Board. Leonie is a Mildura based professional manager and consultant. She is currently Chair of Murray Primary Health Network, Chair of the Loddon Mallee Regional Development Australia Board and Chair of the One Basin CRC Regional Advisory Committee (Mildura) and a member of the Mallee Regional Partnership. Leonie has 25 years’ experience in Local Government, including time as CEO at Mildura Rural City Council. She has also held CEO positions at: Australian Tablegrape Growers Association Australian Citrus Industry Buloke Shire SuniTAFE Previous roles include Chair of Sunraysia Community Health, Chair of SuniTAFE, Chair of the Victorian TAFE Association, Chair of Lower Murray Water Corporation, Chair of the Mildura Transport and Logistics Cluster along with her involvement in numerous other community organisations,

• More details about Claudia Cox, Communications Manager, Birchip Cropping Group

  Claudia Cox, Communications Manager, Birchip Cropping Group

  Claudia Cox is a Communications Officer at BCG. Originally from a farm at Berriwillock in NW Victoria, Claudia has a background in Design, Architecture and Youth work. She now manages the delivery of research outcomes conducted by BCG. This ensures growers receive their information in a timely and technically accurate way which is how ChatBCG was born. The AI tool gives the growers instant access to the 30 + years of research performed by BCG.

• More details about Andrew Glare, Precision Ag Consultant, Haeusler's

  Andrew Glare, Precision Ag Consultant, Haeusler's

  With 38 years’ experience in agriculture, Andrew Glare has seen farming technology shift from manual mechanical systems to GPS guidance, cloud-based data, remote diagnostics and increasingly autonomous machinery. After beginning his career as an apprentice Service Technician in 1989, Andrew joined Haeusler’s in Mildura and has since worked across service, customer support and precision agriculture. Today, as a Precision Ag Consultant, he helps customers and staff make practical use of technologies including John Deere Operations Center, machine connectivity, mapping, automation, and data analysis. Andrew’s focus is on making complex systems easier to understand and helping customers build their capability step by step. By combining deep mechanical knowledge with digital expertise, he helps identify small efficiency gains that can deliver meaningful improvements in productivity, input use and decision-making. For Andrew, the technology may have changed dramatically, but the goal remains the same: understand the problem, find the right solution, and keep customers moving.

• More details about Daniel Pelliccia, Founder and CEO of Ruben Technologies

  Daniel Pelliccia, Founder and CEO of Ruben Technologies

  Physical data scientist and entrepreneur, Founder and Director of Instruments and Data Tools. Founder and CEO of Ruben Technologies, a non-destructive quality assessment technology for fresh fruit. Providing independent services in chemometrics and data analytics for spectroscopy and imaging. Forner researcher in quantum optics, x-ray imaging and synchrotron science. Book: Synchrotron Light: From physics journey from laboratory to cosmos, published by Oxford University Press.