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On Farm Connectivity
The On Farm Connectivity Information Service is provided by the Regional Tech Hub delivering free and independent advice on producers’ connectivity options.
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Here to assist with on farm connectivity
The National Farmers Federation supports agricultural connectivity through both the Regional Tech Hub project and providing an information service for the Australian Government funded “On Farm Connectivity Program (OFCP)”
With $33 million of rebates provided across two rounds so far, the information support service has assisted hundreds of farmers across Australia. The third round will provide a further $20 million in rebates later in 2025, with the opening date still to be announced.
This page will in addition help farmers navigate the connectivity investment landscape and make informed decisions for their business by providing free and independent advice on producers’ connectivity and Agritech options.
- On Farm Information Service: helping you understand the connectivity options available based on your location, needs and budget.
- Building connectivity literacy: a range of online resources designed to help you best utilise connectivity and agritech solutions.
- Learning through case studies: a look at how farmers have used the OFCP grant and ways technology have benefited their operations.
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On Farm Connectivity
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1 Latest round 3 OFCP information
The Australian Government has announced a third (3) round of grant funding for the On Farm Connectivity Program. A total of $20 million will be available for Round 3, with applications opening later in 2025, with grant funding to be delivered in 2025-26.
Following the announcement of Round 3 of the Program, the department has commenced consultation with a wide range of key stakeholders. Such consultations will inform the drafting of a discussion paper relating to the design of Round 3. The discussion paper will enable wider industry and stakeholder engagement through a public consultation process.
Given the feedback received on the Program since 2023, it is likely that Round 3 will see several design changes. Therefore, the List of Eligible Equipment, and prior rounds’ Grant Opportunity Guidelines should not be used as a reference point for Round 3.
At this stage, rebates for Round 3 are more likely to proceed towards the end of the 2025 calendar year.
How to Keep Informed
Primary producers and suppliers who wish to be included on the department’s email list to receive updates or information about consultation for Round 3, should send an email to OFCP@infrastructure.gov.au.
Advice for Previous Approved Suppliers
Businesses previously on a List of Approved Suppliers are requested to remove all references to OFCP Rounds 1 and 2 from their websites, social media and all other electronic and printed media including pamphlets and flyers.
To read the media release in full, click here.
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2 What on farm connectivity resources are available?
Producers can utilise the Regional Tech Hub’s 1:1 communication channels to ask questions and seek expert advice. You can get in touch by contacting our 1800 hotline, or fill out a simple form and we will get back to you with more information.
The Australian Government’s On Farm Connectivity Program page provides the latest information on rebate program.
We also have a variety of resources available for the program, developed to cover the topics surrounding agriculture connectivity and technologies. More great resources are found on the page below, available for download.
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- Examples of use of technology on farm
- Factsheets and useful guides
- Useful website links
- AgTech Finder – An independent marketplace helping Australian farmers and producers search, sort, and compare AgTech solutions. An initiative of Food Agility CRC.
- Farms of the Future Program – A NSW DPI initiative providing training and resources on agtech adoption.
- Australian AgriTech Association – national body representing the agtech industry and have created an ecosystem map.
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On Farm Resources
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Webinars
Visit our YouTube channel to watch our latest webinar videos with information on the OFCP program. Learn how farmers are using the program to improve connectivity and utilise Agritech solutions to benefit their operations.
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On Farm Connectivity Guide
Learn the steps in your on farm connectivity journey, what are important questions to think about before talking to suppliers and a comprehensive list of key phrases in Agritech. Developed in partnership with nbn Co.
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Interactive Agriculture Tech Maps
These five interactive image maps are designed to assist primary producers by providing an overview of where technology solutions can benefit various primary production sectors.
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Farm Connectivity Tech Types
In modern agriculture, farmers are presented with a plethora of technological options, from IOT to low powered wide area networks. This guide provides an introduction to the use cases, benefits and limitations.
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Picking The Right Tech Solution
When it comes to selecting a communications network for a farming business, there is no one size fits all. This guide looks at the types of questions you may need to ask a supplier when picking a connectivity/ agritech solution for your farm.
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A Farmers Guide To Equipment
Enhancing on-farm connectivity requires a suite of equipment designed to ensure robust and reliable communication and data transfer. In this guide, we delve into the purpose of each piece of equipment and its role in agricultural operations. Learn about options for your business.
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Environmental Equipment
Leveraging advanced connectivity for environmental monitoring on farms enables precise and real-time management of agricultural resources, leading to better yields and sustainable practices. Here’s an overview of various environmental monitoring use cases.
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Farm Management Equipment
Effective farm management is increasingly reliant on connected technologies. This guide explores various use cases for each piece of equipment, detailing their functions, key benefits and the connectivity requirements for optimal operation.
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On Farm Connectivity Program in action
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Case StudiesMay 23, 2024
On Farm Connectivity case study: Comprehensive on-farm security system
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Case StudiesMay 23, 2024
On Farm Connectivity case study: Digital water monitoring infrastructure
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Case StudiesMay 23, 2024
On Farm Connectivity Case Study: Automated and portable cattle weighing system
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Case StudiesJune 21, 2024
On Farm Connectivity: Water monitoring on remote NT station
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Want to know more?
Reach out to the On Farm Connectivity Information Service if you have any questions about how the program works or what connectivity solutions might be right for you. Simply, visit our website or call us on 1300 081 029.
