The University of New England owns and operates eight properties, together known as the UNE SMART Farms. The properties, of varying size and function, enable UNE, students, researchers and their industry and community partners to conduct activities across research, education and engagement that encompass Sustainable, Manageable, Accessible, Rural Technologies (SMART). Click HERE to learn more about the Farms.

Kirby and Newholme are two of these properties, located just 6kms from the Armidale campus of UNE. These two adjoining properties make a combined total of 2,900 hectares. The Kirby property, originally called ‘Craig-dhu’, was purchased in 1967 with a bequest from the late G.H. Kirby and renamed in his honour while Newholme was purchased by UNE 1973. In recent years, it has been home to the SMART Farms Innovation Centre, a national demonstration site showcasing the latest technologies for improving productivity, environmental sustainability and safety on Australian farms. The Centre and operations of these farms is also the centrepiece for the Royal Easter Show Pavilion – Farm of the Future, where our Discovery crew have engaged hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Show in activities that aid in understanding sustainable agricultural practices.

On Kirby, real time data collection of environmental and stock data inform management practices. Sensors in situ monitor soil moisture, soil temperature, air temperature and weather data. Livestock are tracked through tags, whilst pasture growth rates are captured by satellite. The SMART Farms Telemetry Hub captures and publishes this data online for researchers and students to access and utilise in their work.