Now in its third successful year, the Faculty of Business and Economics at the University of Melbourne hosted the annual Agribusiness Fireside Chat on Wednesday, 15 October 2025.
This year’s theme, Smart Farms: How AI is Transforming Agribusiness, brought together an expert panel to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and digital agriculture technologies are reshaping the future of farming and agribusiness.
During the discussion, panelists examined how AI in agriculture is driving a new era of efficiency, innovation, and sustainability. From farmers learning to code, to agricultural sensors predicting crop yields, and digital twins improving profitability and environmental outcomes, the panel highlighted the transformative potential of smart farming technologies.
The conversation also addressed emission accounting, carbon reporting, and the growing importance of data-driven sustainability in modern agribusiness.
While technological development is ongoing, it’s clear that AI in agribusiness is here to stay. As Dr Dave Henry noted, “Use it in ways that are fit for purpose—it’s not a cure for everything.” The future, however, looks promising.
Watch the full panel discussion video to gain deeper insights into the innovations shaping the future of agribusiness.
Panel Facilitator:
- Professor Tava Olsen, Deputy Dean (Academic), Melbourne Business School
Guest Panelists:
- Dr Alexis Pang – School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne
- A/Prof Nir Lipovetsky – School of Computing and Information Systems, Faculty of Engineering and IT, University of Melbourne
- Dr Dave Henry – Chief Research Scientist, Digital Agriculture Strategic Growth Area, CSIRO
- Josie Zilm – Agribusiness Executive, NAB
