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Students at Kings Meadows High School are getting a taste of life on the land through an innovative project that brings the latest farming technology directly into their learning environment.
The Digital Ag Tech on School Farms project equips Tasmania’s future agricultural leaders with hands-on access to real-time weather and soil data, providing an immersive learning experience that bridges classroom theory with practical farm insights.
Delivered by Ag Logic in partnership with the Hagley Farm School Agricultural Learning Centre, the project is proudly funded by the TAS Farm Innovation Hub through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.
Initially, networked weather stations and soil moisture probes were installed at three government school farms:
This year, the project expands to include:
These advanced tools deliver real-time local data directly into the classroom, enabling students to understand how weather and soil conditions influence crucial farming decisions such as planting, irrigation, harvesting, and crop protection during extreme weather events.
“Students will be able to access vital information such as temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, and rainfall - all critical elements that affect daily farm activities,” explained Marek Matuszek from Ag Logic.
“They’ll also receive alerts for frost and heatwaves, along with data on evapotranspiration, which estimates crop water usage. This hands-on learning brings the realities of the farm straight to the students’ fingertips.”
According to Andrew Harris, Statewide Coordinator of the Revitalising School Farms initiative, the project is a powerful example of how collaboration with industry can transform education.
“It’s about preparing students for the modern ag sector - giving them hands-on experience with the tools that are shaping the future of farming,” he said.
“Bringing this advanced ag tech to urban schools like Kings Meadows is a huge step forward. It shows that modern farming is relevant everywhere, and that students don’t need to live on a farm to engage with the future of agriculture.
“For Kings Meadows High School, this visit is a fantastic opportunity to connect students with the agricultural world beyond the urban environment.”
Sandra Knowles, Director of the TAS Farm Innovation Hub, emphasised the importance of exposure and opportunity.
“Providing urban students with hands-on experiences like this opens doors to agricultural careers they might not otherwise explore,” she said.
“It’s vital that all young people, regardless of where they live, have the chance to understand and engage with farming - especially as agriculture evolves to meet climate challenges and food security demands.
“Introducing these tools to students in both rural and urban settings is key to preparing all young people for the challenges of climate change and drought. It’s about empowering them with the knowledge and skills to thrive in a changing world.”
Teachers interested in training on using the weather station and soil moisture probe data can contact Andrew Harris at the Hagley Farm School Agricultural Learning Centre on (03) 6392 2272. Professional learning sessions will be available later this year.
