Mobile Technology a Key to Primary Industry Growth

Media Release

28 June 2013

Mobile Technology a Key to Primary Industry Growth

New Zealand's primary industries have built a strong international reputation for innovation, product development and forward thinking. While these characteristics are still strong, emerging new tools t to improve productivity and efficiencies within each industry are mobile communications technologies. Mobile is the new buzz word within the primary sector - and for good reason. Mobile technologies are offering a true leap forward in how businesses operate and remain competitive within the fast-paced global marketplace.

Over the past week, as the Government looks to auction off radio spectrum for 4G mobile services, Federated Farmers have strongly recommended that these new high speed networks should also be rolled out to rural areas. A wide range of primary industry businesses would benefit from faster data speeds in running their day to day operations. Recent research shows a staggering seventy-three per cent of Kiwis don't leave home without their smartphones, forty per cent are using their phones to go online more than three times a day and NZ’s personal mobile internet use had doubled in the past three years. A new Australian report from CSIRO has also just been released highlighting how farmers can increase their productivity through new smart farming technologies enabled by next generation data networks.

There are a wide range of exciting developments in mobile technologies for the sector - new tools in data collection, remote sensing, inventory management, transport scheduling, fleet management and communications. Improving communication networks, the use of cloud computing, better harnessing of machine to machine systems, wireless monitoring, enhanced quality satellite imagery and the integration of smart phones into businesses are all integral to these new developments.

Advancements being made within each industry are also being replicated across all major primary industries. Waves of new innovations are being developed and productivity gains for businesses are being offered through new mobile communications technologies. It makes good sense, to learn from each other.

A new event, MobileTECH Summit 2013, is coming to Wellington in August. Leaders from the dairy, meat and wool, horticulture, forestry and fisheries are joining with researchers, policy makers and suppliers of mobile technologies in this inaugural two day summit. The goal of MobileTECH Summit 2013 is to bring New Zealand’s major primary industries together, to hear how mobile technologies are being used, how they can be integrated within your own business and what opportunities are open to you in the near future.

“We have managed to pull together an exciting programme featuring the best and brightest within the sector. We are excited about this event and astounded with the support,” said Ken Wilson, the event’s programme manager from CONNEX: Event Innovators.

There is a wide range of speakers presenting at the event, including; Mobile Mentor, Ministry for Primary Industries, Alcatel-Lucent, Mogeo, FarmIQ, Eagle Technology, GPS-it, Hawkeye UAV, GeoSystems, Aerial Surveys, AgResearch, IrrigationNZ, Lindsay International, ECONZ, SST Software Australia, TreeMetrics, RFID Pathfinder Group and HITLabNZ.

“The focus on mobile technologies seems to have really hit a nerve with the sector and interest in the programme is flooding in,“ Mr Wilson said. “With only one month to go, this event is quickly selling out and it is highly recommended to book early avoid disappointment.”

Further details including the full programme and registration details can now be found on the event website, www.mobiletechevents.com

MEDIA RELEASE ENDS

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