This year’s Innovation series events will be tackling how innovation and sustainability are shaping the future of farming.
Agriculture in New Zealand is adapting to global and market changes through technological adoption, including precision agriculture and automation and dealing with market access and trade dynamics. Land use change and shifts in economic pressures, including renewable energy projects and alternative land uses are also hot topics to consider under this theme.
In an ever-evolving global market, how can New Zealand farmers adopt technology to enhance productivity and stay competitive? This event will explore the role of precision agriculture, automation and digital farming tools in shaping the future of farming. We will also discuss land use changes including the shift to renewable energy projects and forestry. Join experts as they share insights on the latest technological advancements and economic trends impacting the agricultural sector.
This special Innovation Series event is brought to you in partnership with The Lincoln University Centre for Geospatial & Computing Technologies.
The Lincoln University Centre for Geospatial & Computing Technologies is a multidisciplinary hub that harnesses spatial science, data analytics and applied computing to address complex environmental and agricultural challenges. By integrating geospatial and computing technologies with real-world applications, the Centre supports innovative research and practical solutions for sustainable land use, resource management and rural development.
Tuesday 26 August
9.00am - 1.30pm
Patiki, Waimarie, Lincoln University
We hope you can join us!
Programme
9.00am: Welcome & Introductions
Introductions from Assoc. Prof. Stuart Charters, Lincoln University’s Centre for Geospatial & Computing Technologies
Opening remarks to set the stage for a day of insightful discussions on how innovation and adaptation are creating new opportunities for resilience in the agricultural sector.
Session 1: Technology on the Land – Precision, Automation & Profitability
9.15am – 10.20am
Exploring the practical applications of emerging technologies such as robotics, IoT sensors, and decision-support software, this session focuses on tools that drive smarter farming and greater economic resilience.
- 9.15am Keynote Speaker 1
- 9.35am Keynote Speaker 2
- 9.55am Keynote Speaker 3
- 10.15am: Session Summary & Q&A – Assoc. Prof. Stuart Charters
10.20am: Break
Session 2: Economic Adaptation – Emissions, Land Use Change and Alternative Revenue Streams
10.35am – 11.40am
With increasing pressure to reduce emissions and diversify land-based income, this session explores how economic innovation is helping reshape on-farm decision-making. From measuring methane outputs to navigating forestry and carbon markets, hear from leaders driving change through smart tools and bold business models.
- 10.35am Keynote Speaker 1
- 10.55am Keynote Speaker 2
- 11.15am Keynote Speaker 3
- 11.35am: Session Summary & Q&A – Assoc. Prof. Stuart Charters
11.40am: Break
Session 3: AI, Agronomy, and On-Farm Impact
11.50am – 12.55pm
AI is reshaping agriculture—improving decision-making, boosting productivity, and enabling smarter use of resources. This session explores how practical, farm-ready technologies are being applied across livestock, cropping, and system management to deliver real on-farm impact.
- 11.50am Keynote Speaker 1
- 12.10pm Keynote Speaker 2
- 12.30pm Keynote Speaker 3
- 12.50pm: Session Summary & Q&A – Assoc. Prof. Stuart Charters
Closing Remarks & Networking
- 12.55pm: Summary by Assoc. Prof. Stuart Charters
- 1.05pm: Lunch and Networking
- 1.30pm: Event Concludes
