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Monarch Tractor leads V2G revolution in agriculture

Monarch MK-V tractor demonstrating V2G through Borg Warner DCFC and Gridtractor CMS. (Image source: Gridtractor)

Gridtractor, Monarch Tractor, and Borg Warner have achieved a significant milestone by successfully demonstrating Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capabilities utilising a Monarch MK-V tractor, a Borg Warner 60 kW DC fast charger, and Gridtractor’s cloud-based charge management system employing the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) 

This collaborative effort, supported by a US$3mn grant from the California Energy Commission (CEC) aimed at advancing "Vehicle to Building" technology, showcased the pioneering deployment of V2G capabilities from the Monarch MK-V tractor, which operates entirely on electricity, at PG&E’s Applied Technology Services (ATS) center in San Ramon, California.

The demonstration represents the culmination of extensive technology development, particularly in achieving high-power export capabilities from the Monarch MK-V tractor and integrating it seamlessly with Gridtractor’s open-standards charge management system and Borg Warner’s 60 kW DC Fast Charger. The MK-V tractor, designed as a versatile 3-in-1 electrification tool, functions not only as a tractor and utility vehicle but also as a potent electric generator, enabling the demonstration of high-capacity energy exports.

Once this integrated system becomes commercially available, owners of the MK-V tractor will have the opportunity to optimise charging costs and generate revenue by participating in various dynamic rate and demand response programs, complementing the already significant fuel savings achieved through electric vehicle (EV) operations. Gridtractor’s energy market integrations and load scheduling applications will play a crucial role in facilitating these opportunities.

Moreover, the system will support "automated load management," allowing for the efficient coordination of charging and discharging activities with other on-site loads. This capability will be particularly beneficial for facilities such as irrigation pump sites and wineries, where maximising the utilisation of existing electrical services without exceeding capacity is essential. With its flexible, scalable Internet of Things (IoT) architecture and seamless market integrations, Gridtractor’s platform, built on native OCPP principles, promises to connect any energy market or program with any Vehicle Grid Integration (VGI) application.

The attractiveness of electrifying MK-V tractor fleets will be further enhanced by a range of incentives and grants, combined with anticipated bill savings resulting from recently approved dynamic rate programs. Agricultural customers stand to benefit significantly from these initiatives, not only improving the return on investment (ROI) of their fleet electrification efforts but also contributing to the overall reliability of the grid in their respective communities.

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Benefits of regenerative agriculture for small farms.

Agriculture

In a move set to transform small-scale farming, Advancing Eco Agriculture (AEA) and the Market Gardener Institute (MGI) have joined forces to deliver regenerative agriculture solutions tailored specifically for market gardeners and smallholder farmers

This farmer-focused partnership aims to make proven ecological practices more accessible, empowering growers to improve soil health, crop quality, and overall farm resilience.

“I’m thrilled to announce a new collaboration between AEA and the Market Gardener Institute,” said MGI founder Jean-Martin Fortier. “After years of conversations with John Kempf, we both feel our organizations have reached a moment where we must join forces to empower the next generation of small-scale organic growers with cutting-edge knowledge, tools, and science. Together, we’re launching new research trials that will help refine and share regenerative practices for the farms of tomorrow. The future is now.”

AEA, known for its regenerative agriculture protocols and plant nutrition expertise, is working alongside MGI’s globally respected training programmes. The result is a practical, science-backed initiative that aims to benefit growers from the ground up. Field trials are already underway to test soil-building methods and boost crop resilience across various garden systems, delivering insights that small farmers can immediately put into practice.

With many African farmers facing rising input costs and degraded soils, regenerative agriculture offers a sustainable alternative. This partnership seeks to lower the barriers for adopting eco-friendly farming by co-developing a new product line tailored to small growers' unique needs. Available now for pre-sale, these tools are designed to support healthier soils, pest-resistant plants, and more abundant, nutrient-rich harvests. MGI students will also benefit from exclusive discounts, making high-impact tools more affordable.

“Regional and local food production is absolutely critical for a food-secure future,” said AEA founder John Kempf. “AEA’s regenerative toolkit will be a game-changer for market gardeners and small growers. Together with the Market Gardener Institute, we’ll be able to revolutionize the way market gardeners approach plant nutrition, bringing them pest-resistant crops, and bountiful harvests of nutrient-dense, marketable produce.”

At its heart, this collaboration promotes a future where growers, regardless of their farm size, have access to science-driven, farmer-tested methods that build ecological and economic resilience. It marks a new chapter in global regenerative agriculture—one led by small-scale growers with big ambitions.

Automation is increasingly essential to manage labour shortages, enhance precision, and meet hygiene and welfare standards.

Poultry

The poultry farming equipment market is expected to grow steadily over the next decade, rising from a value of US$4.0bn in 2025 to around US$7.1bn by 2035

This reflects a CAGR of 6.0%, driven by increased global demand for efficient, scalable, and sustainable poultry production systems.

As demand for poultry-based protein grows, both developed and developing markets are investing in smarter and more automated systems. Manufacturers are increasingly focusing on solutions that improve feed efficiency, water conservation, hygiene, and biosecurity. The integration of intelligent technologies, such as IoT-enabled monitoring and predictive maintenance, is playing a key role in transforming poultry operations.

In particular, the watering and feeding systems segment is set to dominate the market by product type, accounting for 22.5% of the market share in 2025. These systems are vital for flock health and are now widely adopted in both broiler and layer production. Advanced features like sensor-based regulation and adjustable flow have helped farms reduce waste, cut labour costs, and improve biosecurity.

The chicken segment continues to lead by poultry type, with a projected market share of 65.0% in 2025. Chicken farming remains popular globally due to its fast production cycles, low input costs, and high efficiency. Equipment manufacturers are tailoring solutions to meet the specific needs of chicken farms, especially in export-driven and urban markets. Vertical integration and demand for traceable, high-quality poultry products are also fuelling investment in standardised, scalable equipment for chicken production.

By mode of operation, automatic systems are expected to take the lead, holding a 48.0% share in 2025. Automation is increasingly essential to manage labour shortages, enhance precision, and meet hygiene and welfare standards. Automatic feeding, egg collection, climate control, and waste management systems are now core to modern poultry farms. Integration with digital platforms and data analytics tools further boosts their value in achieving consistent performance and compliance.

Government initiatives in emerging economies are also contributing to market expansion, particularly in Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Africa. These initiatives support local farming enterprises and promote automation for increased productivity. At the same time, developed countries are focusing on next-generation farming systems that balance output with sustainability and welfare.

As consumer awareness grows around food safety, animal welfare, and environmental impact, the trend towards cage-free systems and eco-friendly equipment is gaining momentum. With ongoing innovation and rising global demand for poultry products, the poultry farming equipment market is well-positioned for continued expansion.

The collaboration brings together Mahindra’s advanced tractor engineering and CEAT’s trusted tyre technology. (Image credit: Mahindra)

Equipment

In a significant boost to global agricultural innovation, CEAT Specialty has partnered with Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) for the launch of the next-generation OJA tractor range in Australia

The collaboration brings together Mahindra’s advanced tractor engineering and CEAT’s trusted tyre technology, both designed to enhance performance and durability in challenging farming environments.

The OJA series, introduced in Brisbane in September 2025, represents Mahindra’s commitment to modern, efficient, and farmer-friendly machinery. As the world’s largest tractor manufacturer by volume, Mahindra has chosen CEAT as its first-source tyre supplier for this new generation of tractors. Ahead of the launch, CEAT supplied complete, ready-to-fit tyre assemblies from its Ambernath facility, ensuring seamless integration for both Farm/Industrial and Turf applications.

CEAT Specialty’s tyres are already well-recognised in Australia for their reliability across diverse terrain. The company’s engineering team worked closely with Mahindra’s experts to create a range of tyres tailored to Australian agricultural needs. The line-up includes:

FARMAX – delivering superior traction and long-lasting durability for farming.

TYROCK Super X3 – engineered for industrial performance with loaders and backhoes.

TURF XL – ensuring gentle soil compaction and smooth operation for hobby farmers.

Built tough to withstand Australia’s demanding conditions, Mahindra’s OJA tractors combine power, comfort, and advanced features. With innovations such as a button-operated PTO, digital driver display, enhanced hydraulics, and power steering, these tractors offer precision and ease for both professional and small-scale farmers.

Amit Tolani, Chief Executive of CEAT Specialty, said: “We are proud to partner with Mahindra once again, this time for their future-ready OJA launch in Australia. Our tyres are engineered to deliver performance across industries and applications. This partnership is another step forward in our journey with Mahindra, and a strong example of how CEAT is enabling farmers worldwide with trusted, efficient products.”

Ravindra S Shahane, Head of Global Product Planning & International Operations at M&M, said, “We are proud to introduce the globally acclaimed Mahindra OJA tractor range in an important market like Australia… This extension into Australia further strengthens the bond between the two brands.”

Through this partnership, CEAT Specialty strengthens its role as a global OEM partner, empowering farmers with dependable, high-performance tyres that support modern agriculture worldwide.

These technologies also make farming more accessible for younger generations.

Infrastructure

Unitree Robotics, known for creating user-friendly and affordable robots, is now bringing its technology to farming.

As rural areas face a shortage of younger workers and an ageing labour force, many tech companies are turning to robotics and digital solutions to modernise agriculture. In line with this, Unitree has teamed up with a top agricultural research institution to explore how robots can support smarter, more efficient farming practices.

Traditionally, farmers have relied on their experience to judge the health and condition of crops. But modern robotics, powered by AI vision and edge computing, can now carry out these tasks more accurately and efficiently. These technologies also make farming more accessible for younger generations, who can become "robot managers" and take on farming roles without needing years of experience.

Unitree’s consumer-grade quadruped robot, Go2, is leading this change. Priced from just US$1,600, Go2 is affordable and well-suited to agriculture, thanks to its strong performance, adaptability, and ability to work in tough conditions. Farming environments pose unique challenges, such as varying lighting and ever-changing crop shapes, which demand advanced sensing and recognition abilities.

To meet these needs, Go2 has been equipped with a specialised camera and agricultural sensors that track the growth of seedlings in real time. It uses a custom AI vision model tailored for farming. This AI, supported by edge computing, allows the robot to analyse and identify plant conditions on the spot. The data collected is then sent to a central system, which uses agricultural big data to suggest specific farming strategies based on the crop’s growth stage.

This integrated setup, from the robot in the field to the cloud-based platform, helps reduce the physical burden on farmers. At the same time, it offers researchers detailed and frequent field data, helping to speed up scientific progress in agriculture.

As one industry observer noted, “civilian-grade robots, through deeper integration into agricultural environments, are opening up broader application prospects for advanced legged robotics.”

Unitree continues to develop high-quality legged and humanoid robots for the public. With practical tools like Go2, the company is helping to replace hard, repetitive, and risky work with smart automation-making farming more efficient and improving the overall quality of life.