Farmers in the Peel and Namoi Valleys are invited to free drones in agriculture training in Tamworth on the 18^th and 19^th of October.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the courses were being delivered in collaboration with NSW Farmers, TOCAL College, AgSkilled and Bralca.

“Farmers in our region are on the cutting edge of new technology, doing everything they can to stay ahead of the curb when it comes to improving their farming practices,” Mr Anderson said.

“We saw that just last week where the latest in ag technology was on display and local farmers were keen to learn more.

“Drones now play an important role on farms, allowing farmers to inspect large section of their property without the need to jump on a quad or in a farm vehicle to inspect their farm.

“Farmers can now use drones to collect data and help farmers make informed decisions regarding their crop and weed management plans as well as monitor watering systems, which I know will be critical as we head into a dry summer.

“Farmers in the Tamworth region now have an opportunity to access practical, hands-on experience in the application of drones on a wide variety of farming practices, meaning that the course will benefit farmers regardless of their operation.”

The course aims to develop knowledge in:

• Safe and efficient operation of drones in an agricultural context
• Australian laws related to the use of drones for private use
• Collecting and processing data for use in creating a crop planting map or precision fertiliser program

Registration is essential and subject to eligibility guidelines, assessed by Ag Skilled. Applications to register for the events close on the 5^th and 6^th of September. For more information and to register, visit: Drones in agriculture (tocal.nsw.edu.au)

“I know that courses offered in Gunnedah last year proved popular with local farmers who are now utilising this new technology on their farms in the region,” Mr Anderson added.