Building Digital Agriculture Skills With Drones
Three Rivers Landcare Partnership with Tocal College and BRALCA
Capacity building - LP023-0011
The issue
Regional farmers are increasingly expected to adopt digital agriculture technologies, but many face barriers accessing practical training and support. In the Dunedoo, Coolah and Mendooran regions, producers identified and expressed limited opportunities to learn about drones, uncertainty around regulations and low confidence using emerging technology. Some older farmers were concerned about being left behind as agriculture modernised. Farmers also wanted practical solutions to improve efficiency, mapping, crop monitoring, livestock management, and environmental observation. Without local, hands-on education opportunities many producers risk missing the productivity, efficiency and sustainability benefits that drone technology can provide as a tool to modern farming operations.
The solution
Three Rivers Landcare partnered with Tocal College and BRALCA to deliver two fully funded, on-farm drone training workshops in Dunedoo and Coolah. Through NSW Government AgSkilled funding the project provided recognised accredited training consisting of hands-on demonstrations, practical flying experience and guidance on drone safety, regulations and agricultural applications. Twenty-seven farmers attended across the two events representing a diverse range of ages and farming backgrounds. The workshops created an accessible and supportive learning environment where participants could trial technology in real farming conditions. By combining local community engagement with technical expertise, the project helped farmers build confidence and better understand how drones can support productivity, sustainability and decision-making on farms.
The impact
The project significantly improved participant's confidence and understanding of drone technology in agriculture. Farmers gained practical skills in drone operation and explored uses including crop monitoring, mapping, water management and livestock observation. The workshops also delivered strong social and community outcomes. Participants valued the enjoyable, relaxed atmosphere and the opportunity to connect with neighbour's and share ideas. Inter-generational learning contributed to the success of the program with younger and older farmers learning together. Approximately $81,000 in AgSkilled funding supported the initiative, delivering long-term regional benefits through increased digital capability, stronger community connections, and greater readiness for future agricultural innovation and technology adoption.
Where to from here
Three Rivers Landcare will continue expanding the program into 2026/27 offering advanced drone operating and mapping training. Supporting continued innovation and skill development to help regional farmers strengthen their capability in precision agriculture technologies.
Key facts
- Three Rivers Landcare partnered with Tocal College and BRALCA to deliver practical drone training for farmers.
- Two on-farm workshops were held in Coolah and Dunedoo, NSW.
- A total of 27 farmers participated across the two funded events.
- The project invested approximately $81,000 into regional agricultural education and innovation.
- Participants gained hands-on skills in drone operation, safety, mapping, and agricultural applications.
- Due to strong community interest and positive outcomes, Three Rivers Landcare plans to expand the program in 2026/27 with advanced drone training opportunities.