MEDIA RELEASE
LIC Innovation Farm to host Farming2020 during Techweek17
HAMILTON: Monday 13 February 2017: Drones, robotic technologies, and automated on-farm sensors – they’re all on display near Hamilton, as LIC’s Innovation
Farm plays host to the agricultural showcase ‘Farming2020’.
Farming 2020 is among the signature events included as part of an inaugural three-day event, Techweek17, which takes
place from Tuesday 9 May.
Wayne McNee, Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC) chief executive, said the company was delighted to host Farming2020
at its unique Innovation Farm in Rukuhia.
The LIC Innovation Farm included sensor technology that provided instant information on milk content being produced by
its cows (commercially farmed on-site). The farm also included automated in-shed technology, including leading-edge
Protrack™ herd management systems and in-line milk meters.
Farming2020 would showcase some of New Zealand’s leading AgTech businesses and solutions in what was increasingly a
digitally-connected farm environment, Mr McNee said.
“The event’s mission maps LIC’s own commitment to build and deliver next generation technology solutions, designed to
improve the prosperity and productivity of our farmers.”
Farming2020 organiser, Wharf42, said the event would educate a diverse audience about how digital innovation was
impacting on agriculture’s long-term future.
Peter Wren-Hilton, principal architect of Farming2020, said the audience included industry representatives, other tech
innovators, investors, media, and groups of students from schools across central North Island.
Agricultural robotic, drone, and on-farm sensor demonstrations would be a highlight, along with other smart AgTech
platforms.
Beside educating its audience and sharing ideas, the event would also capture high-grade content for future use in
participating New Zealand AgTech companies.