General News
22 September, 2026
Farming partnership opens new doors
Longerenong College students will have new opportunities to put agricultural technology into practice through a new collaboration with Emmetts.
The collaboration brings together Longerenong College’s agricultural education, commercial farming, precision agriculture, and Data Farm expertise with Emmetts’ leadership in agricultural technology and innovation, supplying students with access to innovative equipment, digital farming systems, and real industry practices.
Longerenong College general manager Denise McLellan said strong industry connections were important in giving students experience relevant to today's agricultural businesses.
“Everything we do at Longerenong College is focused on preparing students for successful careers in agriculture, and partnerships like this play an important role in that journey,” she said.
“Access to the latest machinery, advanced technology and industry expertise allows them to put their learning into practice and understand how these tools are being used on farms today.”
The collaboration's primary focus is practical learning, giving students more opportunities to apply their knowledge in a commercial farming setting.
To support this, Emmetts will supply a John Deere combine harvester, front and Colamoon chaser bin for use and demonstration during the college’s yearly grain harvest.
John Deere Operations Centre will also be integrated across Longerenong College’s 1070-hectare Data Farm, further improving the college’s existing connected farming, precision agriculture and farm data capabilities.
The integration will give students more opportunities to put their classroom knowledge into practice in a commercial farming setting while developing tangible skills relevant to the industry.
Emmett’s chief operating officer Stuart Milliken said combining agricultural knowledge with an understanding of technology was becoming significantly important for the future of agriculture.
“Technology, data and connectivity are becoming an important part of how farmers operate their businesses,” he said.
“Understanding the technology is one thing; having the opportunity to use it in a real farming environment and see how it supports better decisions is another.”
The collaboration will strengthen connections between future agricultural professionals and industry through precision agriculture and technology demonstrations, industry engagement, student placements, work experience, internships and career pathways.
Longerenong College marketing manager Brad Barber said the collaboration was a natural fit for the two organisations.
“We’re both local companies,” he said.
“It seemed like a match made in heaven.”
Mr Barber said the partnership would generate exciting new opportunities for Emmetts, Longerenong College and the wider agricultural industry.
“It’s exciting; we can see a lot of opportunities for Emmetts, Longerenong College, and the agricultural sector,” he added.
Through practical learning, machinery demonstrations, work experience and industry engagement, the initiative aims to equip the next generation of farming professionals with the tangible skills and experience required for the future of agriculture.