A new way to look at the future of farming
7/11/2017
The idea of combining technology with agriculture by delivering on-farm experiences to students through virtual reality (VR) caught the attention of the Royal Agricultural Society of WA(RAS). To showcase Farm VR, Tim Gentle demonstrated his virtual reality experience at the recent IGA Perth Royal Show. His primary objective is to teach children and young people about the wonders of farming through Farm VR.
The idea of combining technology with agriculture by delivering on-farm experiences to students through virtual reality (VR) caught the attention of the Royal Agricultural Society of WA(RAS).To showcase Farm VR, Tim Gentle demonstrated his virtual reality experience at the recent IGA Perth Royal Show. His primary objective is to teach children and young people about the wonders of farming through Farm VR.
Mr Gentle explained that the core idea of conceptualising and making the Farm VR real was to encourage children to be interested and pay attention to agriculture as a career option.
He elaborated that they have already aligned various experiences with school curriculums and the outcomes they have been receiving from the teachers have been nothing but good news.
He said that they could have continued the traditional way, but they wanted to try and engage in the next generation. Due to the positive outcomes of the Farm VR, they upped their game and innovated with the latest technology by using 360-degree cameras.
He mentioned that with the latest technology options are endless, and they are maximising its full potential. They can be flying the camera over a crop or sending it to swim with salmon or walking through a feedlot, and placing it into the experience so that the viewer will feel like they are there.
Because of the success of Farm VR, RAS councillor Deane Allen said that RAS is looking to make some new training videos for this year’s show, which will showcase meat sheep, Merino, beef cattle and wool judging tutorials.
Mr Allen emphasised the brilliance of the idea because at this year’s IGA Perth Royal Show, the junior judges could take home the training videos that were recorded by other judges providing tips in a more immersive experience, making it more interesting for the viewers.
He said, “Technology is a wonderful thing” that is why they are thrilled for the next wave of technologies. RAS wanted to be on the front of the innovations, embracing the possibilities that come from things like virtual reality.
Mr Allen said they are open to agricultural organisations that will support them financially to help expand the service but for now they are just getting a feel for the technology and it's applications.
