CENTRAL QUEENSAND AGTECH WEBINAR SERIES:

Introduction to Connectivity Literacy for Primary Producers

On behalf of Queensland Department of Agriculture's Central Queensland Smart Cropping Centre, we delighted to have local regional connectivity legend Kristy Sparrow as our Guest Speaker for our “Introduction to Connectivity Literacy” session for Central Queensland primary producers. This initiative is part of the CQSCC's FarmTechConnect project addressing the challenge of agtech adoption in Central Queensland.

SPECIAL GUEST - KRISTY SPARROW

Residing on a beef cattle property north of Alpha in Central Queensland, Kristy has a wealth of experience, and a deep understanding of the intricacies of regional telecommunications and issues faced by consumers and businesses. Kristy is a co-founder of Better Internet for Rural, Regional and Remote Australia (BIRRR) group. Since its inception in 2014, BIRRR has built a community of trusted members and become one of few grassroots, independent advocates in the regional telecommunications space. Their 15,250 members come from all Australian states and territories, use all types of connectivity options and have very individual and different needs, budgets and knowledge. From individuals to small and big business, local governments, industry, media + more BIRRR has become a voice for #BetterBushComms

Kristy has a passion for ensuring equitable access to telecommunications services and has been a tireless voice in advocating for improved connectivity, addressing the unique challenges faced by regional communities. Kristy has experience living in rural communities across Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland and a background in early education, she also volunteers in her community in several roles. She is a member of the AgForce Telecommunications Working Group, Low Income Digital Inclusion Forum, Regional Tech Hub Advisory Panel, TIO Accessibility Taskforce and the Rural, Regional & Remote Communication Coalition. Kristy also served as Deputy Chair of the 2021 Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee and is a member of the 2024 Committee.

SESSION OUTLINE

The session will include an overview of connectivity and its critical role in agtech adoption

High level outline of the key technologies and their merits with examples in agtech adoption
Overview of new and emerging connectivity solutions
What to look for in a technology, plan and provider?
Links to information and support resources
Q&A with our expert panel including with special guest, Allan Every from Field Solutions Group and Quentin Feery-Lawrence from the Central Queensland Smart Cropping Centre

Q&A SPECIAL GUESTS

Allan Every is the Agritech Manager with Field Solutions Group. Allan was brought on board to develop the Ag IoT technology stack for Field Solutions Group.

He describes himself as a late bloomer when it comes to technology having been thrust into the technology space at the age of 55. In addition to tech experience, Allan has an extensive agricultural sector background, having worked across cropping, grazing, feed lotting and contracting.

Allan is passionate about helping farmers leverage technology to benefit their business outcomes.

Quentin Feery-Lawrence grew up in the Central Queensland region and studied Electronics and Computer Engineering at Griffith University in Brisbane. During the early years of his career he developed a passion for the Internet of Things and how they can be applied for the advancement of data sciences. Based in Emerald at the Central Queensland Smart Cropping Centre in the role of Technology Solutions Architect, Quentin works with AgTech to enable enhanced RD&E outcomes for DAF under the Queensland Smart Farms initiative. Quentin is excited to bring his knowledge and skills to the agricultural sector.

The session will be recorded if you can't make it and a link to recording will be sent to all registered participants.