Global agricultural brand John Deere has entered into a research partnership with University of Southern Queensland (USQ) to develop the next generation of agriculture technologies.
Through the partnership, John Deere and USQ will work jointly on developing machine automation and control; as well as improving productivity for farmers in all aspects of the growing cycle through technology.
John Deere Australian managing director Peter Wanckel says the partnership will benefit growers in Australia and the world by reducing agricultural production costs.
“We are delighted to work alongside USQ’s respected researchers,” he says.
“Together we can provide additional tools for agriculture to feed, fuel and clothe the increasing global population.”
The work with John Deere will be managed by USQ’s agricultural research hub, the National Centre for Engineering in Agriculture (NCEA).
NCEA director Craig Baillie says the collaboration with John Deere will improve existing technology and develop innovations for the company’s tractors and other farm equipment.
“John Deere is a world leader in providing advanced products and services to the agricultural industries and the applied research being undertaken will allow the NCEA to field test laboratory based technology solutions with real world farming applications and in real time situations,” he says.
“As Australia’s only university offering a degree in agriculture engineering, the opportunity to work with John Deere and gain industry experience with a globally respected company will also attract undergraduate students.
“Apart from the benefits of working with a global agricultural equipment and services provider, the partnership will allow us to develop a potential gateway for the commercialisation of other technologies the NCEA has been developing.”