In The Spotlight

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GEA takes AI dairy farming to the next level with New Belfast Software Lab.(Image credit: GEA)

Livestock

GEA takes AI dairy farming to the next level

GEA has opened a brand new software development lab in Belfast, Northern Ireland, marking a bold step forward in its mission to reshape modern dairy farming through technology. Housed at The Innovation Centre, the lab will bring 20 new roles in software development and UX design to the region, all dedicated to advancing GEA's flagship AI livestock solution, CattleEye, alongside its wider digital farming portfolio.

CattleEye is no ordinary piece of kit. The system is built to detect and predict lameness in cattle at an early stage and gather vital data on body condition scores, giving farmers the kind of precise, timely insight that can genuinely change how they manage their herds. Already active on more than 140 farms spanning the UK, Europe, the United States and Australia, the technology is currently keeping watch over more than 200,000 cattle across 23 countries as part of GEA's DairyNet herd management platform.

GEA acquired CattleEye in 2024, and the Belfast expansion represents the next chapter in embedding that technology deeper into its farming ecosystem. "With our new software lab in Belfast, GEA is strengthening its role as a technology leader in digital dairy farming," says Andreas Seeringer, CEO of GEA Farm Technologies. "By improving animal health and well-being through AI-based solutions like CattleEye, dairy farms become more efficient, more sustainable, and ultimately more profitable. That is why we commit to accelerating development in this area, driving technology innovation in our digital herd management solutions."

Northern Ireland was a natural fit for the venture, given its deep rooted dairy farming heritage and a tech sector that is quietly making a name for itself. Terry Canning, CattleEye co-founder and Senior Director at GEA, describes what the lab means in practice: "The new software lab will be a significant milestone in integrating CattleEye fully into our state-of-the-art herd management systems and will extend our digital footprint in farming. In the future, farmers can expect features which help reduce additional investments in equipment and necessary animal treatments. It will also help customers to farm more efficiently and cut greenhouse gas emissions through automated data insights."

Regional development agency Invest NI, backed in part by the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund, is supporting the project financially. Vicky Kell, Director of Innovation, Research and Development at Invest NI, was clear about what it signals: "This investment in R&D is a vote of confidence in our talent, infrastructure and capabilities in Northern Ireland. The benefits of investing in R&D are rich, and the CattleEye solution is a testament to how R&D can further develop innovative products which can drive competitiveness in the global agri-tech market."

The redesigned New Holland T7 Standard Wheelbase tractor, now available in the new Dynamic Blue colour. (Image credit: New Holland)

Equipment

New Holland T7 SWB Tractors raise the bar in power and efficiency

New Holland has given its T7 Standard Wheelbase tractor range a thorough rethink, and the result is a machine that feels genuinely fresh from the ground up.

Covering the 180 to 225hp bracket, the updated lineup brings a sharper look, smarter technology and some meaningful mechanical changes that will matter to anyone spending long days behind the wheel.

"We've completely reimagined the key design features of the T7 Standard Wheelbase tractor range," says New Holland Standard Wheelbase Global Product Manager, Manfred Pfleger. "Significant upgrades include a new cab design, a new operator interface and armrest, and a more compact front end, core for a tractor range that competes in an important sector of the market with a broad customer base. The redesigned suspension delivers greater comfort and control, and complements the light weight, high-capacity design of this range to boost productivity and performance."

One of the standout changes is the new front axle, offered in standard or heavy duty form, with dual accumulators delivering a noticeably smoother ride. Combined with a redesigned bonnet and a new axle support, the turning circle has been slashed by 17%, dropping from 14.3 metres down to 11.4 metres. That kind of improvement makes headland manoeuvring far less of a chore.

Under the new sloping bonnet sits a Stage V FPT NEF 6.7 litre engine, now reaching peak power at just 1,500rpm to keep fuel consumption and noise in check. Service intervals stretch to 750 hours, and diesel capacity has grown to 350 litres. The T7.225 with Dynamic Command transmission recently posted best-in-class fuel efficiency at the German DLG test centre, consuming just 243g/kWh.

Inside the cab, the new SideWinder armrest puts everything within easy reach, with the option to specify the IntelliView 12 touchscreen, electronic remote valves and a refined CommandGrip multifunction handle. Cab space has grown, climate control is improved and storage has been expanded throughout.

All models come with connectivity included as standard, supporting remote dealer monitoring and data driven efficiency. The range also debuts New Holland's striking new Dynamic Blue colour scheme, which will roll out across future models.

EuroTier 2026 Addresses Feed Efficiency and Emission Challenges Across Livestock Sectors.(Image credit: DLG)

Livestock

EuroTier 2026 take on Livestock Feeding

As pressure mounts on livestock producers to deliver strong animal performance while reducing environmental impact, EuroTier 2026 will present practical, evidence-based solutions across feeding management, emission reduction and alternative protein sourcing.

Scheduled for November 10-13, 2026, in Hanover, Germany, the event brings together global innovators in livestock nutrition under the guiding theme "Intelligence in Animal Farming."

The DLG Spotlight "Emission Reduction" at EuroTier 2026 will examine the practical role that feeding plays in reducing ammonia and greenhouse gas emissions in pig and poultry production - two sectors where nutritional strategies have demonstrated clear environmental benefits.

In pig production, reducing dietary crude protein concentration is among the most direct levers available. Research indicates that cutting crude protein by one percentage point typically lowers ammonia emissions by approximately 10 percent. Achieving this without compromising performance requires precise formulation based on digestible amino acids rather than total crude protein, a shift that is increasingly becoming standard practice among progressive producers.

In poultry operations, the same principles apply: precisely matching dietary nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations to actual animal requirements reduces nutrient surpluses entering soil, water and air. The Spotlight will connect visitors directly with exhibitors and technical experts offering practical solutions that align environmental compliance with productive, cost-efficient operations.

Alongside emission reduction, alternative protein sources are drawing growing attention in animal nutrition. EuroTier 2026 will provide a forum for examining how novel ingredients can meet the amino acid requirements of livestock, reduce dependence on conventional protein meals and support more resilient, diversified feed supply chains.

For ruminant producers, the connection between forage quality and feeding efficiency is direct. High-quality silage and conserved forage reduce the need for supplemental concentrates, lower feed costs and support both animal performance and reproductive efficiency. Consistent forage analysis, regular re-sampling of silage inventories and precise ration adjustment are among the practices that translate improved forage into measurable farm profitability.

HSW ECO MATIC® 6ml _ 10ml (for injection, oral and pour-on application)

HSW ECO MATIC

New mobile app for real-time engagement between horticultural AI and indoor growers

The mobile app bridges the gap between growers and operators. (Image source: FarmVisionAI)

Agriculture AI company FarmVisionAI has introduced a new mobile app designed to engage growers in-field with vision AI stress detections

The mobile app brings FarmVisionAI’s horticulturist trained AI to a smartphone platform that can be used while scouting plants and walking the farm.

Location-specific information allows the grower and FarmVisionAI to validate the detections and complement the close-up images taken with the phone camera. The photos of the grower are geo-tagged to the location and appear in the desktop application that shows the grow in a ‘Google-earth’ like visualisation. To add value and explain what is happening in progress and what needs to be done, notes, recommendations, and actions can be applied to the imagery.

“The FarmVisionAI mobile app is a critical piece of functionality that bridges the gap between growers and operators,” said Jeff Bisberg, Illumitex CEO. “Our real-time imagery is the ground truth and provides transparency that can cut through communication barriers and finger-pointing.”

“Growing at scale can be extremely complex. The ability for FarmVisionAI users to capture images of specific issues through the mobile app is huge,” said Mark McDevitt, FarmVisionAI horticulture science leader. “First, the pictures are stored securely and organised in the FarmVisionAI system instead of the grower’s phones. Second, it makes it possible to analyse and diagnose individuals from anywhere in the world. And thirdly, it is an intellectual property repository in the form of visually based knowledge, specific to that site, which can be used for training, benchmarking and SOPs.”

Crops

Vietnam’s meat imports exceed US$2bn as demand climbs.

Food & Commodity

Vietnam’s meat imports exceed US$2bn as demand climbs

Vietnam’s appetite for imported meat continued to grow in 2025, with total purchases surpassing US$2bn for the first time.

The country imported around 978,300 tonnes of meat and meat products during the year, reflecting strong consumer demand and expanding needs within the food processing sector.

Figures compiled by the Import and Export Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, together with the General Department of Customs, show that Vietnam spent more than US$2.004bn on meat imports in 2025. Compared with the previous year, import volumes rose by 11.6 per cent, while the overall value increased by 12.2 per cent. The rise points to a steady shift in consumption patterns, with more households and businesses turning to imported animal protein.

India remained Vietnam’s largest supplier. The country exported 188,700 tonnes of meat to Vietnam, valued at US$681.32mn, accounting for nearly one fifth of total import volume.

Frozen pork was one of the fastest growing segments. Imports reached 183,400 tonnes, worth US$418.54mn. This marked an increase of 18.75 per cent in volume and almost 21 per cent in value compared with 2024.

Vietnam relied heavily on Russia for frozen pork, which supplied 48.44 per cent of total imports in this category. Brazil followed with a 30.91 per cent share, underlining the importance of both countries in meeting Vietnam’s protein needs.

The average import price of frozen pork stood at roughly US$2,273 per tonne. This increase came at a time when domestic live hog prices in early 2026 fluctuated between USD 2.65 and 3.30 per kilogramme, creating additional pressure along the supply chain.

While imports surged, exports remained limited. In 2025, Vietnam exported only 22,300 tonnes of meat, generating US$116.49mn in revenue. Hong Kong remained the largest destination for Vietnamese meat, although shipments to the market declined by more than 21 per cent compared with the previous year.

The figures highlight a widening gap between Vietnam’s import demand and its export capacity, as domestic consumption continues to outpace overseas sales.

Higher-Quality and More Valuable Grains Through Moisture Control. (Image credit: Hydronix)

Australian Government Review of Horticulture Code of Conduct.

Livestock

GEA takes AI dairy farming to the next level with New Belfast Software Lab.(Image credit: GEA)

Livestock

GEA takes AI dairy farming to the next level

Vietnam Poultry Association drives sustainable growth in the sector.

Vitarich and Novogen collaborated to boost egg production in the Philippines.(Image credit: Vitarich)

Equipment

FAO drone training for effective pest management for Locusts. (Image credit: FAO)

Equipment

FAO drone training for effective pest management for Locusts

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has taken a major step towards modernising desert locust management with the launch of its first regional drone pilot training programme.

Led through the Desert Locust Control Commission in the Central Region and the Desert Locust Control Commission in the Western Region, the initiative is being implemented in close cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources of the Sultanate of Oman.

Hosted in Oman, the programme brings together technical specialists from countries most affected by desert locust infestations across the Central and Western Regions. Its aim is to strengthen national and regional capacity in using unmanned aerial systems for desert locust survey, monitoring and control. The initiative reflects a growing shift towards digital agriculture and precision technologies to protect crops, livelihoods and food security.

The training marks an important transition from limited pilot trials to a structured and institutional approach to drone use in locust operations. By focusing on standardised procedures and certified skills, FAO is ensuring that Member States are better prepared to respond quickly and safely to emerging locust threats. The five day programme combines classroom learning, simulator sessions and extensive hands on field exercises, offering participants a practical and immersive experience.

The programme is delivered in partnership with Micron, a leading provider of aerial spraying systems, and is supported by the FAO office in Muscat alongside strong logistical backing from Oman’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources and local partner Ankaa Space Company.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr Mamoon Al Sarai Al Alawi, Executive Secretary of the Desert Locust Control Commission in the Central Region, said, “This training marks a critical step in moving from pilot initiatives to full operational integration of drone technology in desert locust management. It will empower national teams with advanced technical skills, enhance operational safety, and ensure the effective and sustainable use of these tools in protecting crops, livelihoods, and food security.”

Beyond technical skills, the programme strengthens regional cooperation and encourages the sharing of experience and best practice. It also supports FAO’s wider strategy to modernise desert locust control through digital tools such as remote sensing, satellite monitoring, geographic information systems and eLocust platforms.

Through initiatives like this, FAO continues to support Member States in building resilient systems to manage transboundary pests, contributing directly to global food security, sustainable development and the organisation’s Four Betters agenda.

The redesigned New Holland T7 Standard Wheelbase tractor, now available in the new Dynamic Blue colour. (Image credit: New Holland)

Rainbow Colors pioneering hydrogen technology in agriculture. (Image credit: New Energy Coalition)

Technology

ROK aims to position itself at the forefront of green bio innovation.

Infrastructure

ROK creates an innovative ecosystem for the green-bio industry

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) has designated seven provinces Gyeonggi-do, Gangwon-do, Chungcheongnam-do, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gyeongsangnam-do, Jeollabuk-do, and Jeollanam-do as the first-ever “Green Bio Industry Promotion Zones” in accordance with Article 15 of the Act on the Promotion of the Green Bio Industry.

This milestone marks a significant step in the Republic of Korea’s strategy to strengthen its green bioeconomy and drive sustainable industrial growth.

Introduced for the first time this year, the Green Bio Industry Promotion Zone system is designed to establish a comprehensive, region-led framework for business support. The initiative is built around provincial hubs where green bio companies, universities, research institutes, and essential infrastructure for technology verification and certification are closely integrated. Through this clustered approach, local governments are expected to play a leading role in nurturing innovation, accelerating technology transfer, and supporting market-ready solutions.

The selected zones were evaluated and designated following a rigorous assessment process. Key criteria included industrial growth potential, implementation capacity, policy relevance, and overall feasibility. This ensures that each province is well positioned to contribute effectively to the national green bio strategy while leveraging its own regional strengths and resources.

The green-bio industry itself is regarded as a next-generation growth engine, encompassing six major sectors: microorganisms, natural products, food materials, insects, seeds, and veterinary medical products. With the designation of the Green Bio Industry Development Zones, collaboration networks among provinces are expected to deepen. In parallel, processes for verification, evaluation, certification, and commercialisation of green bio technologies and products are set to accelerate, helping to create a dynamic and competitive innovation ecosystem.

MAFRA plans to support the designated provinces by granting eligibility to participate in government-funded infrastructure development projects, including the Green Bio Venture Campus and advanced biofoundries. In addition, policy incentives will be provided to companies operating within the zones, further encouraging private-sector participation and investment in sustainable bio-based industries.

To ensure accountability and continuous improvement, MAFRA will receive quarterly performance reports from the local governments managing the designated zones. Annual performance evaluations will also be conducted to closely monitor implementation progress. Importantly, the results of these evaluations will be reflected in the formulation of policies for the following year, reinforcing a results-driven and adaptive governance approach.

Through these measures, the ROK aims to position itself at the forefront of green bio innovation, fostering regional development while advancing a resilient, sustainable bioeconomy aligned with global green growth trends.

Orbia Netafim and Amazon India Launch Water Saving Drip Irrigation Projects Across Bengaluru and Hyderabad. (Image credit: Netafirm)

COMPASS accurately detects and removes a wide range of foreign materials, including dirt clods, rocks, sticks, insects and animal parts.(Image credit: Key Technology)

Crops

Higher-Quality and More Valuable Grains Through Moisture Control. (Image credit: Hydronix)

Agriculture

Hydronix moisture control for higher-quality grains

Knowing and controlling the moisture content of materials from the introduction of raw ingredients to the packaging of the final product is essential for maximising efficiency, optimising yield, and producing a high-quality, consistent feed product.

Variations in the moisture content of raw materials have historically presented a challenge for feed processors. The moisture levels of raw ingredients fluctuate depending on environmental conditions during harvest, transportation, and storage. Traditional offline testing methods are time-consuming, prone to error, and often fail to represent the material actually flowing through the production process.

The ideal solution is to continuously measure the moisture content of flowing materials and correct variations in real time. In the past, such systems were often complex to operate and required ongoing, costly maintenance. Today, modern, sophisticated, reliable, and affordable moisture sensors make it possible to control moisture levels across the entire process simply and economically.

Why Should You Measure Moisture?

1. Raw materials vary in moisture content, and these variations can lead to weighing discrepancies.
2. Accurate moisture control during the drying process helps prevent both under-drying and over-drying.

Choosing a moisture sensor with a precision of ±0.5% instead of ±1.0% may seem like only a small improvement. However, consider a drying process where the material is reduced from 20.0% moisture to a maximum of 14.0%. In this case, the increased precision of 0.5% can deliver a 7.15% energy saving, assuming the energy input is proportional to the amount of moisture removed.

Where Should Moisture Be Measured?

Moisture control throughout the production process enables the manufacture of higher-quality, more balanced, and more valuable feed. Key measurement points include:

1. Drying for storage – at the outlet of the dryer
2. Milling / tempering – at the inlet of the tempering stage
3. Pelleting / conditioning – during the conditioning process
4. Drying for packaging – at the outlet of the dryer

Key Benefits

By controlling moisture during the weighing of raw materials, producers can more accurately manage the protein content of the final pellet, ensuring superior and consistent product quality.

Additional benefits of effective moisture control include:

1. Increased yield from raw materials
2. Reduced spoilage and material loss
3. Optimised energy usage throughout the process
4. Consistent product quality and nutritional value
5. Improved shelf life and product reliability

Accurate moisture measurement ensures that feed producers can deliver consistent, homogenous products with reliable nutritional performance.

For more information on how advanced moisture measurement can improve your process efficiency and product quality, speak with a Hydronix expert.

Higher-Quality and More Valuable Grains Through Moisture Control. (Image credit: Hydronix)

Australian Government Review of Horticulture Code of Conduct.

Livestock

Vietnam Poultry Association drives sustainable growth in the sector.

Poultry

Vietnam Poultry Association drives sustainable growth in the sector

Vietnam’s poultry industry is moving toward greener and more sustainable practices, marking a significant shift from traditional farming methods.

The Vietnam Poultry Association (VPA) outlined its plans for 2026 during its 2025 annual review conference held on March 6 in Ho Chi Minh City. The past year has been a turning point for the sector, signalling a clear commitment to sustainable and efficient production systems.

The VPA currently has 318 members, including 103 enterprises and cooperatives alongside 215 individual members. Over 2025, the association strengthened its governance by introducing 15 internal regulatory frameworks, consolidating six specialised committees, and opening a representative office in Ho Chi Minh City. These measures enhanced operational efficiency, transparency, and support for members.

Nguyen Quy Khiem, VPA Vice Chairman and General Secretary, said the association actively assisted member enterprises through communication campaigns, seminars, trade fairs, and both domestic and international trade promotion initiatives. These efforts have helped businesses expand partnerships and access new markets.

Member enterprises continue to play a central role in the poultry value chain. In 2025, they produced an estimated 530 to 550 million day-old chicks, accounting for 65 to 70 percent of the national supply, including 310 million coloured-feather chickens, 120 million white-feather broilers, and nearly 100 million ducklings. These products met domestic demand and were exported to Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar.

VPA members also dominate poultry feed production, holding 60 to 65 percent of the domestic market. Several companies have developed large-scale veterinary medicine and vaccine production, exporting to over 50 countries and territories. Investments in modern slaughtering and processing lines have created fully integrated value chains, improving the overall value of poultry products.

A key achievement in 2025 was stabilising the market amid misinformation about ‘fake eggs’. The VPA worked closely with authorities and media to restore consumer confidence. Egg prices recovered from around US$0.05–0.06 per egg to US$0.07–0.08 by mid-year, and currently range between US$0.09–0.10.

At the conference, Chairman Nguyen Thanh Son noted upcoming challenges, including global market volatility, rising input costs, import competition, and stricter environmental and animal welfare standards. In response, the VPA plans to strengthen trade promotion, expand exports, provide more training for members, and continue supporting sustainable growth in the poultry industry.

Vietnam Poultry Association drives sustainable growth in the sector.

Vitarich and Novogen collaborated to boost egg production in the Philippines.(Image credit: Vitarich)

Equipment

The redesigned New Holland T7 Standard Wheelbase tractor, now available in the new Dynamic Blue colour. (Image credit: New Holland)

Equipment

New Holland T7 SWB Tractors raise the bar in power and efficiency

New Holland has given its T7 Standard Wheelbase tractor range a thorough rethink, and the result is a machine that feels genuinely fresh from the ground up.

Covering the 180 to 225hp bracket, the updated lineup brings a sharper look, smarter technology and some meaningful mechanical changes that will matter to anyone spending long days behind the wheel.

The redesigned New Holland T7 Standard Wheelbase tractor, now available in the new Dynamic Blue colour. (Image credit: New Holland)

Rainbow Colors pioneering hydrogen technology in agriculture. (Image credit: New Energy Coalition)

Technology

Orbia Netafim and Amazon India Launch Water Saving Drip Irrigation Projects Across Bengaluru and Hyderabad. (Image credit: Netafirm)

Water & Irrigation

Orbia Netafim and Amazon India drive major irrigation projects

A new partnership between Orbia Netafim and Amazon India is set to deliver significant water savings through large scale drip irrigation projects across key agricultural regions in India.

The collaboration will help save nearly 325 million litres of water every year while supporting more than 110 independent farmers in the agricultural belts surrounding Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

Announced on 27 February 2026 in Tel Aviv and Bengaluru, the initiative focuses on improving irrigation practices and addressing growing concerns around water security in these rapidly expanding urban regions. The programme will introduce modern drip irrigation systems across 80 hectares of farmland in western Bengaluru and 40 hectares in northern Hyderabad.

In Bengaluru, farms currently growing gourds and tomatoes will transition from traditional flood irrigation methods to more efficient drip irrigation systems. Around 70 independent farmers are expected to benefit from this shift. The change is projected to save approximately 175 million litres of water each year while maintaining crop productivity and improving irrigation efficiency.

In Hyderabad, a similar transition will take place across 40 hectares of maize and vegetable farms, benefiting roughly 40 farmers. The project is expected to conserve about 150 million litres of water annually in the region.

The initiative also contributes to Amazon’s wider environmental commitments. By supporting improved irrigation methods, the company is working towards its goal of becoming water positive in India by 2027. This means returning more water to communities than is used in its direct operations.

Abhinav Singh, Vice President of Operations, Amazon India and Australia, said: "This initiative focuses on practical solutions that make a measurable difference on the ground, helping farmers improve the efficiency of their irrigation systems while contributing to water security in water-stressed regions. We're committed to such collaborations as part of effort to support responsible water use in India”.

Water resources in both Bengaluru and Hyderabad have come under increasing pressure in recent years. In Bengaluru, participating farms rely on water sources linked to the TG Halli Reservoir, which also supplies several residential areas, commercial districts and Amazon facilities across west and north Bengaluru. In Hyderabad, farmers draw water connected to the Kondapochamma Sagar reservoir, an important part of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme.

Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the root zone of crops in measured amounts. This method reduces evaporation, runoff and unnecessary water use, which is especially important in regions experiencing irregular rainfall and declining groundwater levels.

“We are proud to collaborate with Amazon on this important initiative, which demonstrates how precision irrigation can deliver real impact for farmers and communities alike,” said Max Moldavsky, Director of Innovation and Climate Solutions, Orbia Netafim. “By helping farmers transition to drip irrigation, we are improving water efficiency, strengthening livelihoods, and contributing to broader water security efforts. This project reflects Orbia Netafim’s long-standing global commitment to water stewardship and climate-resilient agriculture.”

This marks the first collaboration between Amazon India and Orbia Netafim focused on urban water challenges in India’s fast growing cities. Building on previous irrigation modernisation projects in Karnataka, including the Ramthal Community Irrigation Project, Orbia Netafim continues to promote practical and scalable solutions that improve water management while supporting both farming communities and urban water security.

Orbia Netafim and Amazon India Launch Water Saving Drip Irrigation Projects Across Bengaluru and Hyderabad. (Image credit: Netafirm)

COMPASS accurately detects and removes a wide range of foreign materials, including dirt clods, rocks, sticks, insects and animal parts.(Image credit: Key Technology)