Think Digital showcased its groundbreaking virtual livestock handling platform at the Future Farmers Congress in the United States in November 2024, marking a significant step in transforming agricultural education beyond Australian shores. CattleVR, developed in Adelaide through collaboration with the University of Adelaide’s Dr. Mandi Carr, is revolutionising how the next generation of livestock handlers develop essential skills.
The innovative virtual training environment garnered strong interest from U.S. agricultural educators, who recognised its potential to enhance student safety and confidence in livestock handling. CattleVR‘s sophisticated technology enables students to master critical handling techniques in a risk-free setting before entering actual cattle yards.
“Agricultural education faces consistent challenges in providing hands-on experience while ensuring student safety,” explains Tim Gentle, Think Digital’s founder. “CattleVR bridges this gap by creating a virtual training environment where students can develop proper handling techniques without putting themselves or animals at risk.”
The platform’s distinctive features resonated with U.S. educators, particularly its ability to simulate realistic yard scenarios where students learn essential skills like understanding flight zones and how to move animals safely through the yards. This practical approach allows learners to build confidence through repetition, ensuring they’re better prepared for real-world livestock handling.
This expansion represents more than just market growth – it validates Australian agricultural innovation on the global stage. Developed in Adelaide through extensive collaboration with industry experts, CattleVR exemplifies how local expertise can create solutions with worldwide impact in agricultural education.
As virtual training environments become increasingly vital in modern agricultural education, CattleVR‘s demonstrates how innovative technology can enhance traditional teaching methods while prioritising safety and skill development. The platform continues to evolve, maintaining its position at the forefront of agricultural education technology through ongoing collaboration with industry experts and educators.
Looking to bring CattleVR to your university’s agricultural programs? Contact us today to explore how this cutting-edge platform can elevate student learning!