Agricultural technology (AgTech) for safer farms

Information for farmers about agricultural technology (AgTech), including safety benefits and considerations.

Two farmers standing waist-deep in a green crop field under a blue sky, launching a drone into the air to monitor their farmland.

AgTech can reduce risks on farm by:

  • limiting the need for workers to operate in high‑risk environments
  • reducing fatigue through automation and remote operation
  • improving visibility and awareness of people, livestock and hazards
  • supporting safer systems of work through data and monitoring.
 

AgTech is most effective when it enhances and supports safe systems of work, rather than replacing them.

Watch how TurfCo uses automation on farm

Driverless tractors are transforming NSW farms by improving efficiency, reducing tiredness and keeping workers safe.

Manage the risks of AgTech

Introducing AgTech can create new risks that need to be actively managed.

Safe use requires ongoing attention, not just a once-off setup.

On a well-managed farm, you will see:

  • clearly defined exclusion zones that workers understand and follow
  • equipment that is regularly inspected, maintained and fit for purpose
  • risk assessments that are reviewed and updated as technology or conditions change
  • trained workers who are confident and know how to respond if something goes wrong
  • technology integrated into everyday safety systems — not used in isolation.

Manage the risks of AgTech by following these steps:

1. Plan for safety

  • Identify hazards before introducing new technology.
  • Review how work tasks and risks may change.
  • Consider safety and environmental benefits and productivity gains.
  • Involve workers in planning and decision making.
  • Update safe work policies and procedures.

2. Train workers

  • Provide training and information on safe use.
  • Make sure workers know system limits and emergency procedures.

3. Keep people and machines separate

  • Set up clear exclusion zones.
  • Use signs or alerts when equipment is operating.

4. Prepare for failure

  • Plan for outages, faults or loss of connectivity.
  • Have manual controls or backup systems available.

5. Maintain equipment

  • Inspect and maintain equipment regularly.
  • Follow manufacturer instructions.

6. Keep human oversight

  • Do not rely on technology alone.
  • Monitor systems and respond to issues.

7. Work safely around automation

  • Keep a safe distance from moving equipment.
  • Isolate machinery before maintenance.

8. Check alerts and data

  • Set up and monitor alerts.
  • Make sure information is accurate and acted on.

Types of AgTech

Animal management AgTech

Technology examples:

  • electronic ID (eID) livestock tags
  • virtual fencing and GPS livestock collars
  • portable weighing crushes
  • drones for monitoring.

Safety benefits:

  • reduces the need for physical mustering and fencing work
  • lowers vehicle use across difficult terrain, decreasing rollover and fatigue risks
  • enables remote monitoring, reducing exposure to hazardous environments
  • less direct animal handling, reducing the risk of crush injuries and kicks.

Farm asset monitoring

Technology examples:

  • remote surveillance cameras
  • GPS tracking on vehicles and machinery
  • flood monitoring
  • fuel monitors.

Safety benefits:

  • reduces reliance on farm vehicles such as quad bikes and side-by-sides
  • decreases the need for after-hours inspections, helping to lower fatigue and vehicle-related risks
  • enables early detection of livestock movement or unauthorised access, improving overall farm security.

Water monitoring

Technology examples:

  • tank level sensors
  • borehole and dam monitoring devices
  • flow rate and pressure sensors
  • smart soil moisture meters
  • trough level sensors.

Safety benefits:

  • eliminates the need to enter confined or hazardous spaces (tanks, dams), reducing drowning and confined space risks
  • reduces travel across the farm.774

Plant and pest management

Technology examples:

  • remote weather stations
  • remote or automated spraying systems
  • leaf sensors for moisture and disease prediction.

Safety benefits:

  • provides data to schedule tasks during safer conditions, reducing fatigue and time pressure
  • enables targeted spraying only when needed, lowering operator exposure to pesticides and chemicals
  • less travel on farm vehicles.

Farm connectivity solutions

Reliable communication is critical, especially in remote areas or when working alone.

Technology examples:

  • fixed wireless antennas
  • satellite and on-farm network solutions
  • routers, boosters, signal converters.

Safety benefits:

  • reliable communication in remote locations
  • improved solo worker safety through location tracking and faster emergency response
  • ability to receive emergency alerts
  • enables use of connected (IoT) technologies.

Data dashboards

Technology examples include centralised dashboards on phones, tablets or computers.

Safety benefits:

  • early warning of equipment faults or environmental risks, helping prevent incidents before they occur
  • reduced need for physical inspections.

Invest in AgTech with the $1,000 SafeWork small business rebate

The $1,000 SafeWork small business rebate can help eligible farmers invest in connectivity or drone technology that supports safer and more efficient operations.

Eligible connectivity tech

Eligible items include:

  • two-way radios
  • satellite phones
  • emergency position-indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs).

Eligible agricultural drones

Eligible small farming businesses in NSW who own a farm vehicle (quad bike, SSV and/or tractor) may be eligible for the $1,000 SafeWork small business rebate for the purchase of an eligible agricultural drone.

Drones may be eligible if they can:

  • spray crops (for example pesticides or fertilisers)
  • spread seed or fertiliser
  • capture images or data using cameras or sensors.

View the full list of eligible safety items.

Before you purchase

Make sure any equipment is:

  • suitable for farm conditions
  • installed and used according to manufacturer instructions
  • integrated into your existing safety systems and procedures.

For more information refer to the Small business rebate terms and conditions.

AgTech events

SafeWork NSW regularly hosts events where farmers and those working in agriculture can learn about and discuss new technologies that improve farm safety and productivity.

These events are a great opportunity to hear from industry experts, see practical demonstrations, and connect with others in the ag tech space.

Register your interest and we’ll notify you when registrations for future events open.

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