Drone Versus Dog Trials

Now in its third year, the Drone Versus Dog Trials program continues to expose graduating secondary school students to the rapidly advancing agriculture industry and the exciting career opportunities it can provide.

It is an exciting time to be involved in agriculture and the Australian agriculture industry is thriving. It supports 1.6 million Australian jobs from the city to the bush in areas such as retail, logistics, marketing, processing, research and development, and the numbers will grow.

The Drone Versus Dog Trials program is more than a race – it promotes the future of farming. The program actively challenges the perceptions of careers in agriculture and makes farming aspirational by showcasing the innovative ways modern technology is used in agriculture.

The 2019 program will take flight in Term 1, with the Muresk Institute Drone Versus Dog Roadshow crew visiting participating Western Australian schools located in both metropolitan and regional areas.

During these visits students in Years 10-12 will learn how drones and other ground-breaking technologies are used in the agriculture industry, and find out more about an ever widening range of training pathways and career opportunities.

Students will get hands on experience and test their skills on a drone simulator, then will be invited to fill in an entry form to throw their hat into the ring for a chance to be randomly selected to represent their school as a drone pilot in the Drone Versus Dog Trials held at Muresk Institute, Western Australia’s skills hub of modern agriculture.

The big day!
On Wednesday 15 May 2019 a pilot and cheer squad from each of the participating schools will head to Muresk Institute for the Drone Versus Dog Trials. While the pilots undergo drone pilot training, spectating students will participate in career information sessions and other activities until the stop watch starts.

When it’s go time the pilots will each have their turn at flying a drone through an obstacle course while their support crews cheer them on from the sidelines. The pilot who completes the course in the fastest time will then be pitted against an elite working dog in an exciting grand final, testing the skills of the dog against the innovation of modern agriculture.

The prize
The pilot who completes the course in the fastest time will win a drone for their school. Schools must have a minimum of 10 students present at the Drone Versus Dog Trials held at Muresk Institute on Wednesday 15 May 2019 to be eligible for the prize. Terms and conditions apply.

Timeline
October 2018 – Schools are invited to participate
November 2018 – School registrations close
Term 1, 2019 – Drone Versus Dog Roadshow school visits
April 2019 – Pilots randomly selected and notified
15 May 2019 – Drone Versus Dog Trials at Muresk Institute

Drone Versus Dog Trials in the media
• Today Tonight: Drone versus dog – who would you put your money on?
• Perth Now: Technology playing an increasing role in WA agriculture
• Countryman: Drone beats dog on agility but not practicality
• Farm Weekly: Drone takes rivals to the dogs at Muresk
• Harvey-Waroona Reporter: Students to keep an eye from the sky

See all the action from the 2018 Drone Versus Dog Trials

 


Find out more
To find out more about the Drone Versus Dog Trials program contact Carla Swift.
E: carla.swift@dtwd.wa.gov.au
T: 9690 1530