At just 21, Precision Ag Consultant Kodi Carey is already making a name for himself.
Growing up on a farm east of Booleroo, Kodi’s always been curious about how precision ag is shaking up farming. He’s been a key part of the Integrated Tech team for the past four years, helping farmers all over SA get the most out of their gear. We caught up to find out what it’s like working in a fast-changing game.
What brought you to Ramsey Bros?
I started as a mechanic at Flinders Machinery in Booleroo during Year 12, then came straight here after school.
What got you interested in precision ag?
I had a few cousins who were into precision ag, and I did a bit of that on the farm, too. I jumped straight into it with Ramsey Bros and really started loving it. It’s about staying at the fore front of technology and what it can do for farming. It’s going to be a massive part of the future, so it’s good to be ahead of the game.
What does a typical day look like?
Most of my day is spent working with advanced auto-guidance systems on tractors, harvesters, and other cutting-edge machinery. I also handle the installation of wiring and section control modules on air seeders, sprayers, and spreaders, along with crop-sensing optical sprayers and automated height control systems. In addition, I manage agricultural data —everything from yield maps and variable-rate prescriptions to interpreting satellite imagery —helping farmers make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Where do you work?
Cleve is home base, but I’m driving all over the state. We’ve got a support hotline farmers can ring, and a team that answers from anywhere — it doesn’t matter what branch you’re closest to.
How do you keep up with the constant evolution of technology?
Training’s really important. We do a lot of it, but a lot of my learning’s been hands-on. Having a great team with loads of knowledge has helped heaps.
What’s the hardest part?
Every job is pretty tricky — no two are the same. That keeps it interesting, but it can be challenging. Thankfully, we all have our expertise and help each other out — I’m on the phone with the team a few times a day.
What’s your advice for anyone thinking about this work?
It’s not for everyone. You’ve got to have a knack for it, be keen to learn, and be ready for change because the tech evolves fast. One day you’re working on one thing, and the next day it’s being replaced by something new. You’ve got to be ready to roll with it, but if that’s your thing, go for it!
How do you see precision ag’s future?
It’s moving really quickly. Things have changed a lot in the four years I’ve been here — technology that we talked about years ago is now old news. Farmers are starting to see the benefits, especially in the last 12 to 24months. The drought slowed things down, but with better seasons coming, more people are adapting and it’s only going to get bigger.
What do you get up to outside work?
I play footy for Eastern Rangers at Cleve and I’m a mad Crows fan.
Sound like you? Chat with our IT team about jumping into ag’s fastest-growing field. ramseybros.com.au/technology
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