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Grand L70 Series is designed to meet the evolving demands of today’s residential and commercial farm operators. (Image credit: Kubota)

Equipment

Kubota has raised the bar in compact tractor innovation with the launch of its next-generation Grand L70 Series, designed to meet the evolving demands of today’s residential and commercial farm operators

With three model options - deluxe, premium, and cold-weather - the L70 series offers serious versatility, combining advanced intelligent hydrostatic transmission (iHST) with operator-first comfort and smart functionality.

At the heart of the Grand L70 is Kubota’s all-new iHST, engineered to tailor performance with adjustable pedal sensitivity, auto-throttle advance, and six speed ranges. Whether you're feeding livestock, shifting bales, or clearing snow, drive modes like road, loader, cutter, and snow make gear-shifting seamless. The hydro dual-speed allows real-time high/low switching within each range delivering unmatched control and efficiency.

The tech doesn’t stop there. Operators now have a K-Command Display - a vivid colour screen with Bluetooth connectivity and hands-free calling. You can monitor performance, tweak drive modes, and keep productivity on point. Meanwhile, digital stall guard protects your PTO and engine under heavy load, automatically adjusting to keep operations running smoothly.

Comfort on the job has been reimagined with the introduction of Kubota’s ProCab - a factory-installed cab option on the deluxe and premium models. With heated glass, rear wiper, remote start, defrosters, and a heated swivel seat, the ProCab offers a controlled environment in any season. Its curved glass and four-post design maximise visibility ideal when working in tight yards or long fields.

Under the bonnet, the Grand L70 houses a Kubota diesel engine with outputs from 37 to 60 hp, featuring Common-Rail System (CRS) for cleaner combustion and consistent torque. The deluxe model comes with a naturally aspirated engine, while the premium boasts turbocharged power.

Pair it with Kubota’s performance-matched loaders (LA806, LA1056, LM1056) or the BH92A backhoe, and the Grand L70 becomes a true workhorse lifting over 3,000 lbs, digging over 9 feet, and simplifying daily farm tasks with quick attach/detach systems.

For farmers seeking precision, comfort, and year-round productivity, the Grand L70 is more than a tractor, it’s your next essential farmhand.

The evolution of agricultural plastics, opportunities within the circular economy.

Agriculture

In the heart of Mexico’s agricultural sector, BASF is breaking new ground with its NOR HALS portfolio advanced additives designed to enhance the strength and longevity of agricultural plastics

These additives are tailored to meet the rigorous demands of plasticulture, where durability and sustainability are increasingly vital.

From greenhouse films to mulching sheets and silage bags, BASF’s NOR HALS products such as GSID 1012 AR, Tinuvin NOR 211 AR, and Tinuvin NOR 356 AR, offer exceptional resistance to the harsh realities faced in the field. With climates growing more extreme and farmers adopting thinner, more efficient films, these additives ensure the plastics can withstand intense UV exposure, heat, and chemical interactions with crop protection products without compromising performance.

But durability is just one part of the story. BASF emphasises that NOR HALS additives also support recycling efforts by maintaining the mechanical integrity of plastics at the end of their service life, reducing the release of harmful microplastics into the environment. This innovation aligns closely with growing sustainability goals in Mexico’s agriculture sector.

Recently, BASF teamed up with ExxonMobil in Querétaro to bring together over 80 industry leaders from agriculture and plastics for a strategic meeting. The focus? The evolution of agricultural plastics, opportunities within the circular economy, and collaborative ways to boost the value chain solidifying a future that marries performance with responsibility.

Raúl Castañeda, Head of BASF’s Performance Chemicals business for Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, said, “The NOR HALS portfolio is the result of years of research and a commitment to excellence. Addressing the challenges of plasticulture today requires materials that not only withstand extreme conditions but also contribute to sustainability.”

For BASF, this is more than innovation - it’s a vital step toward smarter, greener agriculture where plasticulture plays a key role in feeding the future.

Its designed to transform the food supply chain with cutting-edge milling technology.

Agriculture

In a major step towards food innovation and sustainability, Japan’s Nippn Corporation has entered a strategic partnership with Greenfield Milling to redefine the future of flour production

This alliance marks a significant milestone as Greenfield Milling unveils its flagship milling facility in Richmond, Utah, designed to transform the food supply chain with cutting-edge milling technology and an expanded nationwide distribution network.

This partnership underscores Nippn’s global commitment to fostering international alliances and expanding its U.S. footprint, especially within the milling industry. Greenfield Milling, under this collaboration, aims to enhance flour production with a focus on quality, technology, and sustainability. The Richmond facility, now operational, can produce a diverse range of hard wheat, soft wheat, whole wheat, and organic flours, marking a new era for the U.S. flour industry.

One of the standout features of the new facility is its pneumatic flour supply system, which plays a crucial role in supplying flour for Campbell’s Pepperidge Farm plants under a 20-year supply agreement. This long-term commitment reflects Greenfield Milling’s focus on sustainability and efficiency, aligning seamlessly with Nippn’s principles of quality and innovation.

Looking to the future, Greenfield Milling plans to further expand its operations by leasing additional assets from Panhandle Milling in Hereford, Texas. This strategic move will bolster its offerings to the bakery industry, providing a range of high-quality ingredients such as tortillas, pizza dough, and gluten-free dry bake mixes.

By 2026, the Utah facility will undergo further upgrades to introduce advanced blending and warehousing automation, increasing capacity to meet rising consumer demand for superior bakery products. This expansion is directly influenced by Nippn’s role in driving growth and innovation in the partnership.

Genichi Murakami, Vice President of Medicaroid Corporation, a joint venture between Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Sysmex Corporation, stated, “Nippn’s partnership with Greenfield Milling showcases Japan’s expertise in creating sustainable and innovative food solutions. We are proud to support initiatives that elevate industry standards and drive global growth.”

This partnership brings together Japanese innovation and American operational excellence to shape the future of food ingredients, creating a sustainable food supply chain while meeting the growing demands of the bakery and retail markets.

African Farming
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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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Crops

The company is pushing its innovative platform out of the lab and into real-world agricultural systems.

Agriculture

In the heart of Singapore’s biotech scene, Terra Oleo is quietly leading a revolution that could transform two of agriculture’s most complex and carbon-heavy supply chains-palm oil and cocoa

With a fresh US$3.1mn in funding and support from Breakthrough Energy’s prestigious Fellows Program, the company is pushing its innovative platform out of the lab and into real-world agricultural systems.

This isn't just a tech breakthrough-it’s a response to a mounting crisis. The global palm oil and cocoa industries are feeling the squeeze of climate disruption, shrinking arable land, and tighter environmental regulation. In 2024, cocoa stockpiles fell by 26%, sending prices soaring, while palm oil exports dropped by nearly 6% as producers struggled with rising costs and inconsistent yields. For agri-businesses, food producers, and cosmetics manufacturers alike, volatility is becoming the norm and sustainable alternatives are no longer a niche pursuit but an industry necessity.

Terra Oleo’s answer is a tunable fermentation platform that uses microbes to convert agro-industrial waste into high-value lipid ingredients. These aren't just stand-ins for palm oil or cocoa butter; they’re engineered replacements designed to match or outperform conventional fats in terms of performance, stability, and application. From food and pharmaceuticals to personal care and cosmetics, the potential uses are wide-ranging.

The real genius lies in the platform’s customisation. Unlike natural microbial processes that are often limited in scale and flexibility, Terra Oleo’s system allows for precise control over the lipid profile of its outputs. That means the company can tailor its ingredients to suit specific industry needs, whether that’s for baking chocolate or industrial emulsifiers. And because the process bypasses land-intensive crops, toxic refining steps, and heavy energy use, it drastically reduces both the carbon footprint and chemical waste involved.

Backed by deep scientific expertise in synthetic biology and microbial engineering, the company is poised to move quickly from pilot phase to commercial scale. It has already signed product testing agreements with several major players in the food, oleochemical, and personal care sectors. More than a proof of concept, this funding round marks a shift towards real, scalable change.

With its roots partly in the palm oil industry, Terra Oleo has a unique advantage it knows the traditional system inside out and is building a better one alongside it. At scale, its platform could prevent up to 900 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, signalling a major leap towards decarbonising agriculture’s supply chains without compromising quality or performance.

As the pressure mounts to future-proof ingredient sourcing and reduce environmental impact, Terra Oleo’s approach offers more than just an alternative—it offers a reset. For agriculture, that reset can’t come soon enough.

Nutrient levels of essential elements enhancing the nutritional quality of the crops.

Nemora does not harm beneficial soil nematodes or interfere with nodulation, making it a sustainable option. (Image credit: Indigo)

Livestock

The event brought together over 300 industry experts. (Image credit: Sigenergy)

Aquaculture

Sigenergy, a key player in renewable energy innovation, recently showcased its modular commercial and industrial (C&I) solar-storage system at Sigenergy Day APAC in Hainan

The event brought together over 300 industry experts, partners, clients, and media professionals to explore the evolving landscape of solar-storage technology. A particular highlight of the event was a tour of a new aquaculture project powered entirely by solar and storage technology—demonstrating a bold step forward in sustainable energy applications beyond traditional sectors.

The seawater fish farming project, located in Hainan, uses Sigenergy’s advanced C&I inverters and the SigenStack energy storage system to power its operations. With a setup integrating 6 MW of solar power and 5 MWh of storage capacity, the project shows how clean energy can be effectively used in the demanding environment of aquaculture. It is a significant case study for how renewable energy can reduce operational costs and support environmental goals in industries that depend on consistent and intensive energy use.

This fish farm, focused on cultivating the high-value Leopard Coral Grouper, requires stringent control over its operating environment. Maintaining stable water temperature, constant oxygen supply, and controlled lighting is essential to the survival of the fish. These needs drive high energy consumption, with the farm using around 43,200 kWh daily and more than 15 million kWh annually. Sigenergy’s system drastically cuts the farm’s reliance on the grid and offers a cost-effective, environmentally conscious energy solution.

The site posed several logistical and environmental challenges that traditional energy systems could not solve. However, Sigenergy’s modular design provided key advantages. Space was a major limitation, with narrow corridors between ponds making bulky container systems impractical. The compact, plug-and-play nature of Sigenergy’s solution allowed it to be easily installed without wasting valuable space.

Transport and installation were also simplified. As the site is located near water networks, heavy machinery access was impossible. Sigenergy’s lightweight units, which don’t require cranes, enabled the system to be fully set up in just four days. The sandy soil also posed structural concerns, but the modular design allowed even weight distribution, reducing foundation stress and ensuring safety.

Being just 300 metres from the sea, the site is exposed to salt-heavy air and humidity. Sigenergy’s equipment is built to last under such harsh conditions, with IP66 and C5-M protection ratings that provide high-level resistance to corrosion and ensure long-term performance.

This deployment not only delivers reliable and clean energy for the aquaculture industry but also stands as a scalable model for energy transformation in other complex, high-demand environments.

The future of marine resources.

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

Equipment

ProgressiveTraction features an innovative double-edge lug design. (Image credit: Trelleborg Tires)

Equipment

In the shifting soil of modern agriculture, where weather is unpredictable and margins are tight, it’s often the overlooked details like tyres that make all the difference

For over a decade, Trelleborg’s ProgressiveTraction technology has been doing just that: delivering practical, field-tested advantages to farmers navigating today’s demanding conditions.

Born from real-world farming needs, ProgressiveTraction features an innovative double-edge lug design, crafted to provide superior traction, reduce soil compaction, and improve stability—even in the most unforgiving field conditions. Combined with self-cleaning tread patterns and wider lugs to reduce vibration, this tyre offers smoother, smarter performance where it matters most.

Alessio Bucci, Marketing Training & Development Director said, “Each feature of ProgressiveTraction has been carefully developed by our tyre experts to give farmers real advantages in the field, every day.” He added, “Whether the goal is to maximise performance or increase efficiency, this technology delivers a field-tested response to the performance expectations of modern agriculture.”

The technology even proved itself at the bottom of the world. In 2014, ProgressiveTraction was fitted to a Massey Ferguson 5610 that completed a 5,000-km journey to the South Pole and back during the Antarctica2 Expedition.

“Taking part in such a complex expedition allowed us to put our expertise into practice in the most challenging conditions,” Bucci explains.

Today, ProgressiveTraction powers a full range of Trelleborg’s agricultural tyres, from the TM1000 for high-horsepower tractors, to the TM3000 for harvesters and TM600 for row crops. The newer TM900 offers up to 17% more grip and 20% longer tyre life than competitors.

With the Premium Care Portal, Trelleborg now backs select models with up to 5,000 certified hours of tread wear, offering even more peace of mind to working farmers.

Bucci added, “As agriculture continues to move forward, this technology stands ready to leave its mark on an ever-wider range of tyres and applications.”

Grand L70 Series is designed to meet the evolving demands of today’s residential and commercial farm operators. (Image credit: Kubota)

The DX7004 is powered by a dual-motor hybrid powertrain. (Image credit: Zoomlion)

Technology

Technologies can improve farming efficiency and strengthen the supply chain.

Infrastructure

Nezar Patria, Deputy Minister of communication and digital affairs, has stressed the vital role of artificial intelligence (AI) and data in transforming Indonesia’s agricultural sector.

He highlighted that strong digital infrastructure is the foundation for achieving sustainable agriculture across the country.

“To really take advantage of AI power and data, a strong digital infrastructure is very important. This includes evenly distributed broadband access and an inclusive digital platform for farmers and agri-food business actors,” Nezar said during an official broadcast.

He emphasised that digital transformation in agriculture is not about following global trends, but a strategic move to address national food security challenges. Technologies such as smart sensors, drones, automation, and predictive analytics can significantly improve farming efficiency, reduce waste, and strengthen the supply chain from production to distribution.

“AI and data can revolutionize our entire agri-food ecosystem,” he added.

To support this transformation, the ministry of communication and digital affairs (Komdigi) is speeding up the expansion of digital infrastructure in rural areas. The ministry is also promoting digital literacy and working closely with universities like Gadjah Mada University (UGM) to advance research, training, and the development of technology-based solutions for agriculture.

Nezar called on academics, farmers, and all stakeholders to join forces in strengthening national food sovereignty. “AI and data are bridges to Indonesia’s more productive, inclusive, and sustainable agricultural future,” he concluded.

Enhance Agricultural Resilience with Solar Energy.

These technologies also make farming more accessible for younger generations.

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