Working as a diesel mechanic before gaining a diploma of agriculture and agronomy at Longerenong College, Collab Ag’s Jordan Lee has predominately worked in the John Deere dealer world, with experience with Elders, Nutrien and the like. 

“That whole career has now come together for Collab Ag, a digital consultancy business,” Mr Lee said.

“I like to think that what I offer people is what they want – I don’t necessarily have a menu that I can show that I’ll come in and do X, Y, Z. 

“It’s really sitting down, talking with the grower, and asking what they are trying to achieve, what is stopping them, and how we are going to go about achieving it.”

Mr Lee said there was a lot of ag tech for farmers to decipher and apply to their various businesses.

“The needs of the people I work with are very broad – they are all at different stages and levels of their businesses,” he said.

“They might want to know what they can do with data, or how to set up their farm so the machines will best run.

“Time is generally an issue for a lot of people – I can come in, make it happen, and let them grow. That’s when we start to really get on that journey. Once we have got the foundation right, I ask ‘what’s next, what’s next, what’s next?’ and really look at constant improvement.” 

Mr Lee said three pillars were at the core of his business – collaborate and integrate and educate. 

“I make sure that it’s not me doing everything for someone; teaching is a big part of the picture,” he said.

“On the integrate side of things, there are a lot of things that now plug together to get data flow – you don’t know what you don’t know. 

“Then collaborate – growers have so many people in their businesses, so it’s asking who needs what data, and who needs to see what so we can start to streamline some of the processes and work efficiently to grow smarter together.”

After 20 years in the making, Mr Lee said Collab Ag started last year, when a former employer and mentor encouraged him to go out on his own.

“I was working for Lou Hausler, and he was chatting to me and said he thought I needed to go and do something for myself,” he said. 

“I appreciate what Lou saw in me – he gave me a lot of personal and professional growth.”

Mr Lee welcomes people to visit him at Mallee Machinery Field Days.

The entire July 29, 2026 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!

The entire July 29, 2026 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!