Emmetts and Longerenong College have launched a strategic partnership giving agriculture students practical experience with John Deere machinery, precision agriculture, connected farming and John Deere Operations Center™.

Longerenong College students will gain greater access to modern agricultural machinery, connected farming systems and precision agriculture technology through a new strategic partnership with Emmetts.

The partnership brings together Longerenong College's agricultural education, commercial farming, precision agriculture and Data Farm capabilities with Emmetts' machinery, technology and industry experience.

At its heart is a simple goal: give the next generation of agricultural professionals more opportunities to put what they learn into practice using the machinery, technology and systems increasingly found in modern farming businesses.

Learning with the Technology Used in Modern Agriculture

For students preparing to enter agriculture, understanding machinery and technology in theory is only part of the picture. Seeing how connected machinery, precision agriculture and farm data come together in a commercial farming operation is where that knowledge becomes practical.

Through the partnership, students will have more opportunities to put that knowledge into practice across Longerenong College's commercial farming operation and 1,070-hectare Data Farm.

Emmetts Chief Operating Officer Stuart Milliken said developing people who understand both agriculture and technology was increasingly important for farming businesses and the wider industry.

“Technology, data, and connectivity are becoming an important part of how farmers operate their businesses. 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,” Mr Milliken said.

“Longerenong College has a strong history of developing people for Australian agriculture. Bringing together their education expertise with our machinery, technology, and industry experience gives students the opportunity to build practical skills they can take into the workforce.”

Bringing Modern Machinery into Harvest

One of the most visible parts of the partnership will take place during Longerenong College's annual grain harvest. Emmetts will provide the College with a John Deere combine harvester, front and Coolamon chaser bin for use and demonstration during harvest.

For students, it means seeing how modern harvest machinery operates as part of a complete farming system and gaining practical experience with equipment they may encounter during their future careers.

Longerenong College General Manager Denise McLellan said access to current machinery and technology would further strengthen the College's practical learning experience, particularly during harvest.

“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. Access to the latest machinery, advanced technology, and industry expertise gives them the opportunity to put their learning into practice and understand how these tools are being used on farms today,” Ms McLellan said.

“Longerenong College has a strong foundation in commercial farming, precision agriculture, and digital technologies, and we are now very fortunate to have access to state-of-the-art John Deere machinery through our partnership with Emmetts. This will be a fantastic opportunity for students and will further strengthen the practical learning experience, particularly during harvest.”

Connecting the 1,070-Hectare Data Farm

The partnership extends well beyond machinery. John Deere Operations Center™ will be integrated across Longerenong College's 1,070-hectare Data Farm, adding to the College's existing connected farming, precision agriculture and farm data capabilities.

Operations Center brings machine and agronomic information together digitally, allowing students to see how information generated in the paddock can be turned into insights that support farm management and decision-making.

For students entering an industry where machinery, agronomy and data are becoming increasingly connected, understanding how those elements work together will be an important skill.

Creating More Pathways into Agriculture

The partnership will also create opportunities beyond the Data Farm and harvest. Over time, Emmetts and Longerenong College will work together across technology demonstrations, industry engagement, student placements, work experience, internships and career pathways.

This will allow Emmetts employees to share practical knowledge and experience while giving students greater exposure to the breadth of careers across modern agriculture — from farming itself to agricultural technology, machinery, data, technical support and precision agriculture.

Investing in the Future of Australian Agriculture

Longerenong College has been developing agricultural professionals for more than 137 years, while Emmetts has supported Australian farmers and producers since 1957. The new partnership brings those histories together with a shared focus on what comes next.

Emmetts has been recognised as Longerenong College's preferred strategic machinery and precision agriculture partner, reflecting a commitment from both organisations to practical education, innovation and stronger connections between students and industry.

For Emmetts, the partnership is ultimately about more than putting machinery on a college farm. It's about helping students understand how modern agricultural businesses bring machinery, technology and data together — and giving them practical experience they can take with them into the workforce.