The Australian outback demands resilience, and for cattle producers, efficiency in mustering and monitoring is crucial for both profitability and animal welfare. GrazeMate, an Australian agritech company, is introducing a smart, highly automated approach to livestock handling using drone technology and artificial intelligence.

GrazeMate is poised to change the face of remote cattle production. By converting standard, commercial drones into autonomous mustering tools, this integration of AI and readily available hardware is designed to cut operational costs and save significant time on the farm.

The Low-Stress, Digital Mustering System

GrazeMate replaces the complex logistics of traditional mustering with a simple, high-tech process.

1. Digital Command

The farmer uses a mobile app to select the desired destination for their cattle on a digital map of the property. This simple action sets the entire operation in motion.

2. Autonomous Movement

The GrazeMate system then manages the flight, guiding the drone to the correct paddock to begin the movement sequence. The drone operates autonomously, following set parameters tuned for stock movement.

3. AI-Driven Low-Stress Handling

The core value of GrazeMate lies in its AI-driven stockmanship. The system analyzes real-time animal behavior to apply pressure and release it in a way that minimizes stress.

By learning and adapting, the AI models deliver consistent, calm, and efficient handling, which contributes to improved animal wellbeing and better weight gain.

Beyond Mustering: Data-Driven Farm Management

The GrazeMate technology provides valuable insights that move beyond simple mustering, helping farmers make more informed management decisions.

Real-Time Monitoring

Function: Drones fly scheduled missions to check on critical infrastructure (water troughs, fence lines) and provide up-to-the-minute herd locations.
Impact on the Farm: Ensures animal safety, preempts infrastructure failure, and saves hours of manual checking.

Pasture & Animal Metrics

Function: On-board sensors assist with vital measurements as the drones fly. The system can estimate cattle weights and assess the quantity and quality of dry matter in each paddock.
Impact on the Farm: Optimizes rotational grazing plans, improves feed efficiency, and aids in early identification of underweight stock.

Remote Capability

Function: The system automatically switches between network connection and local mode for seamless operation.
Impact on the Farm: Built for the rugged reality of remote Australia, ensuring reliability even when outside of constant phone or internet service.

Founded by Sam Rogers, who grew up mustering cattle in North Queensland, GrazeMate is a powerful homegrown example of using advanced technology to solve longstanding agricultural problems.

By enabling more frequent, low-effort stock rotations and providing high-quality data, the system directly supports profitable and sustainable grazing practices for the future of Australian agriculture.

Would you use drones on your farm?

Drones Are Mustering Cows with GrazeMate