In The Spotlight

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Aviagen strengthens Malaysia’s poultry industry. (Image credit: Avinews Asia)

Poultry

Aviagen strengthens Malaysia’s poultry industry

Aviagen has reaffirmed its commitment to the Malaysian poultry sector by sponsoring the 2026 reprint of the ‘Guidebook on the Malaysian Poultry Industry – The Way Forward’.

The publication is widely recognised as an important reference tool for policymakers, researchers, and industry participants, helping to guide structured and coordinated development across the national poultry value chain.

The updated guidebook was officially launched during a seminar held in Kuala Lumpur on January 22, 2026. The event was organised by the Malaysian Productivity Corporation and the Agro Food Productivity Nexus, working in collaboration with the Federation of Livestock Farmers’ Associations of Malaysia. The seminar, titled ‘Transforming the Poultry Industry Through Productivity, Technology, and Talent’, attracted more than 100 participants from across the poultry sector, including integrators, farmers, feed manufacturers, suppliers, and government officials.

As part of the programme, Aviagen demonstrated its commitment to openness and knowledge sharing through a virtual presentation titled ‘Poultry Breeding for Better Performance and Disease Prevention’. The session was delivered by Dominic Elfick, Marketing Manager for Aviagen Asia Pacific. During the presentation, Aviagen outlined its balanced breeding philosophy, highlighting the importance of sustainable traits, bird welfare, and consistent long term performance in building resilient poultry production systems.

Aviagen’s role in advancing industry best practices was further recognised during the event when the company was cited by the Department of Veterinary Services as a leading example of compartmentalisation. The department encouraged broader adoption of this approach, which is based on shared management standards and strong biosecurity practices across groups of production units. Compartmentalisation plays a key role in allowing international trade to continue during the event of a notifiable disease outbreak.

Keat Fu, Senior Technical Services Veterinarian for Aviagen Asia, attended the seminar alongside other members of the Aviagen team. He noted that the event provided valuable opportunities to engage directly with industry stakeholders. Feedback from attendees reflected strong support for Aviagen’s focus on sustainable performance, welfare centred breeding strategies, and close collaboration with the wider poultry industry in Malaysia.

Ceva marks a century of progress against newcastle disease.

Livestock

Ceva marks a century of progress against newcastle disease

Ceva Animal Health is preparing to mark an important milestone as it commemorates 100 years since Newcastle disease was first identified on the island of Java.

This moment represents the starting point of a century long scientific effort to understand, manage, and control one of the most significant poultry diseases worldwide.

For Ceva, the fight against Newcastle disease is more than a scientific challenge. The company views it as a shared responsibility passed down through generations, with researchers, veterinarians, and poultry professionals all playing a role as guardians in this ongoing battle. Each contribution, past and present, has helped shape the collective knowledge and progress made over the last hundred years.

To honour this legacy, Ceva will host a special event titled ‘100 Years with Newcastle Disease’. The meeting will take place from February 10 to 12, 2026, in Bogor, Indonesia, close to where the disease was first described. The location has been chosen to reflect both the historical significance of Java and the continued global relevance of Newcastle disease today.

According to a joint statement from Mustafa Seçkin Sandikli, Global Poultry Director, and Christophe Cazaban, Poultry Scientific Director, the event will bring together a carefully selected group of leading Newcastle disease researchers alongside senior poultry health and laboratory experts from around the world. The aim is to create an open forum for sharing knowledge, exchanging experiences, and discussing future directions in disease prevention and control.

“Returning to Java, where the story began, we aim to create a meaningful space to reflect on the past, understand today and connect our efforts for the decades ahead,” they said.

The event is expected to highlight both historical achievements and future opportunities in the global fight against Newcastle disease.

Syngenta Canada's Equento Cereals protect western crops from wireworm.

Agriculture

Syngenta Canada's Equento Cereals protect western crops from wireworm

Syngenta Canada has introduced Equento Cereals, a new seed treatment designed to give cereal growers in Western Canada stronger protection against wireworms and early season diseases.

The product is the first of its kind to combine both contact and systemic activity against wireworms, offering farmers a more effective way to protect crops from one of the region’s most persistent soil pests.
Equento Cereals brings together two insecticides and four fungicides to provide broad and reliable protection for cereal seeds and young plants. At the core of the treatment is PLINAZOLIN technology, a breakthrough active ingredient developed by Syngenta with a novel Group 30 mode of action. This is paired with Group 4 thiamethoxam to enhance insect control and help manage wireworm populations more effectively.

Justin Bouvier, product lead for Seedcare with Syngenta Canada said,“Equento Cereals seed treatment gives growers in Western Canada facing significant wireworm pressure a reliable tool to control populations this season and reduce wireworm populations in the following season.Equento Cereals protects seeds and young plants from wireworm feeding, known to lower plant health and crop yield.”

The contact activity in Equento Cereals works quickly to stop wireworm feeding, while its systemic action helps disrupt the pest’s lifecycle, reducing pressure over time. Alongside insect control, the treatment includes four fungicides that guard against a wide range of seed and soil borne diseases, supporting healthy crop establishment.

Shad Milligan, western technical lead for Seedcare with Syngenta Canada, said,“Equento Cereals delivers the same comprehensive level of disease protection cereal growers have come to expect from Cruiser Vibrance Quattro seed treatment paired with a novel mode of action to control wireworms.”

“With Equento Cereals, farmers can expect even crop emergence and uniform stand establishment, helping mitigate future weed management challenges caused by wireworm damage,” adds Milligan.

Equento Cereals contains six proven active ingredients that also deliver the benefits of Vigor Trigger and Rooting Power, helping crops establish strong roots and achieve a vigorous start. The product will be available in Western Canada for the 2026 growing season, sold either in cases or bulk packaging to suit different farm needs.

The launch marks the first approval of PLINAZOLIN technology for use in Canada. “This is a proud moment for Syngenta Canada,” says Scott Ewert, Head of Seedcare for Syngenta Canada. “Bringing PLINAZOLIN technology to Canada reflects our commitment to investing in breakthrough innovations that keep farmers competitive, productive, and profitable. Our customers entrust us to advance tools and technology that will keep them competitive in a global market.”

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

HSW ECO MATIC

Buhler to open digitally-smart Mill E3

The development of the self-adjusting mill will be the precursor to the SmartMill. (Image source: Bühler)

Bühler, a plant equipment manufacturer, has announced the opening of Mill E3 — claimed to be one of the most high-tech mills on the market

Mill owner Whitworth Bros Ltd is reaping the benefits of the Mill E3’s technological and digital capabilities. The data generated and analysed at the Whitley Bridge plant will drive the evolution of milling technology from the current data assisted mill into a plant capable of using its own process parameters in a closed loop to optimise production. This development of the self-adjusting mill will be the precursor to the SmartMill.

Roman Sonderegger, head of Business Unit Wheat & Rye at Bühler said, “This is a very significant project for Bühler that allows us, for the first time, to gather so much new data on the milling process. This is also momentous in working towards our corporate target of cutting energy, water, and food wastage by 50% in our customer value chains by 2025.”

The concept of the Mill E3 centres on the idea of using modular ‘plug and play’ installation of milling equipment to cut the installation time by up to 30%. It also cuts building costs by reducing the volume of the mill.

The Arrius fully integrated grinding system, a key component of the Mill E3, provides lower energy consumption, faster installation, along with the highest food safety standards, reliability, and optimum grinding performance.

“The wheat coming into the mill is first checked by online sensors to establish its key parameters,” explained Andrew Thomson, technical miller for Whitworth Bros. “But then the sensors in the Arrius recheck and control the distribution of the feed, which allows the grinding system to adapt again to the changing characteristics of the wheat at the point of milling. It is this unique usage of sensor technology that ensures optimal grinding parameters are achieved at all times,” he added.

Crops

Syngenta Canada's Equento Cereals protect western crops from wireworm.

Agriculture

Syngenta Canada's Equento Cereals protect western crops from wireworm

Syngenta Canada has introduced Equento Cereals, a new seed treatment designed to give cereal growers in Western Canada stronger protection against wireworms and early season diseases.

“With Equento Cereals, farmers can expect even crop emergence and uniform stand establishment, helping mitigate future weed management challenges caused by wireworm damage,” adds Milligan.

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

China Becomes Brazil’s Leading Fertiliser Supplier, Surpassing Russia.

Livestock

Ceva marks a century of progress against newcastle disease.

Livestock

Ceva marks a century of progress against newcastle disease

Ceva Animal Health is preparing to mark an important milestone as it commemorates 100 years since Newcastle disease was first identified on the island of Java.

This moment represents the starting point of a century long scientific effort to understand, manage, and control one of the most significant poultry diseases worldwide.

“Returning to Java, where the story began, we aim to create a meaningful space to reflect on the past, understand today and connect our efforts for the decades ahead,” they said.

The event is expected to highlight both historical achievements and future opportunities in the global fight against Newcastle disease.

Brazil posts strong january growth in chicken and pork exports.

Aviagen strengthens Malaysia’s poultry industry. (Image credit: Avinews Asia)

Equipment

Limex unveils Modular 8 washing system for crates. (Image credit: Limex)

Equipment

Limex unveils Modular 8 washing system for crates

Limex has unveiled its latest innovation in industrial washing technology with the introduction of the Modular 8, a highly flexible and configurable washing machine platform designed for crates, seed trays, flower buckets and floats.

The new line marks a significant shift towards modular engineering, allowing customers to build exactly the washing solution they need using standardised components rather than costly custom-built systems.

Unlike traditional crate and tray washers that often require extensive engineering work to meet specific customer requirements, the Modular 8 is built from individual modules that connect seamlessly into a single washing line. These include pre-wash units, one or more main wash modules, rinse sections and blow-off units. This modular approach enables users to tailor the system precisely to their operational layout, hygiene standards and processing capacity.

By installing multiple main wash modules in sequence, the system increases soaking time and washing power, delivering higher throughput without compromising cleaning performance. Each standard module also offers multiple configuration options, such as higher-pressure pumps or advanced filtration technologies. The platform supports both left-hand and right-hand configurations, ensuring maximum flexibility for different production environments.

"With the Modular 8, we make it easier to choose exactly the configuration that matches the customer's capacity, hygiene requirements, and budget," says Joep Janssen, owner of Limex. "Our engineers have designed the machines in such a way that they follow each other seamlessly."

With a tunnel width of 800 millimetres, the Modular 8 is suitable for a broad range of applications, including harvest crates, seed trays, flower buckets and DWC floats. The system has also been designed with maintenance efficiency in mind. Improved accessibility of components simplifies cleaning, inspection and servicing, helping to reduce downtime and improve overall operational efficiency.

The Modular 8 builds on Limex’s reputation for proven, high-quality engineering. Constructed from robust stainless steel, the platform delivers durability, reliability and long service life. Twelve Modular 8 lines are already in operation across multiple countries, demonstrating strong market acceptance.

This launch sets the foundation for future developments, with the Modular 10, Modular 14 and Modular 18 planned to follow. These larger, configurable models will eventually replace Limex’s existing cart washers and big box washers, reinforcing the company’s commitment to modular, future-ready industrial washing solutions.

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

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

Technology

The latest generation of Braud harvesters demonstrates impressive versatility across a wide range of vineyard structures. (Image credit: New Holland)

Machinery & Equipment

Elevated vineyard productivity with advanced Braud Grape Harvesters

New Holland Agriculture continues to set new standards in modern viticulture with its acclaimed Braud grape harvester range - a series celebrated globally for precision, productivity and long-lasting reliability.

Built on decades of specialist expertise, the Braud brand has become synonymous with exceptional grape-harvesting performance, and under the New Holland umbrella it remains a trusted partner for winemakers seeking both efficiency and gentle crop handling.

Each Braud harvester reflects a signature blend of engineering excellence and vineyard-friendly design. The machines are created to treat vines with care while delivering powerful harvesting capability, ensuring that grapes are collected cleanly and with minimal damage. This focus on protecting fruit integrity directly enhances vineyard productivity and supports the production of higher-quality wines.

The latest generation of Braud harvesters demonstrates impressive versatility across a wide range of vineyard structures. With both high-capacity and extra-high-capacity models, including the popular 9000 L and 9000 X series, the range adapts effortlessly to narrow boutique vineyards, expansive commercial estates, and even sloped terrain. Their advanced systems such as the industry-proven Noria basket conveying system, optional destemmer technology, and innovative side-conveyor configurations ensure consistently clean, gentle and efficient fruit handling.
This adaptability makes Braud harvesters an ideal choice for growers looking to streamline operations while maintaining strict quality standards. Backed by a global legacy and trusted by thousands of vineyard operators, these machines are built to deliver season after season, reducing labour needs, improving harvest speed, and preserving overall vine health.

Engineered for durability and operator comfort, the Braud range combines robust construction with intuitive controls, offering ease of use without compromising on precision. The result is a harvester that not only boosts productivity but also supports sustainable agricultural practices, helping vineyards reduce waste and optimise long-term output.

Choosing a Braud grape harvester means investing in a heritage of innovation, reliability and world-leading vineyard technology giving growers confidence in every harvest and reinforcing New Holland’s reputation as a champion of next-generation viticulture solutions.

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

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

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.

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

China Becomes Brazil’s Leading Fertiliser Supplier, Surpassing Russia.

Livestock

Brazil posts strong january growth in chicken and pork exports.

Livestock

Brazil posts strong january growth in chicken and pork exports

Brazil began the year with strong export performance in both chicken and pork, setting new records for January and reinforcing the country’s position as a leading global supplier of animal protein.

Data from the Brazilian Association of Animal Protein shows rising shipment volumes and export revenues despite the month traditionally being a period of weaker international demand.

Chicken meat exports, covering both fresh and processed products, reached 459,000 tonnes in January. This marked a record for the month and represented a 3.6 percent increase compared with the same period last year. Export revenue also reached a new January high, totalling US$874.2 million, up 5.8 percent from US$826.4 million recorded a year earlier.

The United Arab Emirates remained the largest destination for Brazilian chicken, importing 44,300 tonnes, a rise of 14 percent year on year. South Africa followed with 36,800 tonnes, showing strong growth of 34 percent, while Saudi Arabia imported 33,500 tonnes. China also received 33,500 tonnes, although volumes declined sharply compared with last year. Japan, the European Union, the Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, and Chile all posted increases, highlighting broad based demand across multiple regions.

At state level, Paraná led chicken exports with shipments of 187,700 tonnes, followed by Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul. São Paulo and Goiás also recorded growth, contributing to the overall strong performance.

“The record performance with increases in practically all major destinations, during a period of typically reduced demand, such as the month of January, signals optimistic prospects for 2026. This indicates sustained growth in several importing markets, especially in the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, the countries of the European Union and certain Asian markets with significant demand,” advises the president of ABPA, Ricardo Santin.

Pork exports also reached record levels in January. Shipments totalled 116,300 tonnes, an increase of 9.7 percent compared with the same month last year. Export revenue rose to US$270.2 million, up 13.6 percent and the highest January result on record.

The Philippines remained the leading market for Brazilian pork, followed by Japan and Hong Kong. Santa Catarina was the largest exporting state, while Rio Grande do Sul and Paraná recorded strong growth.

"The trend that occurred throughout 2025 continues this year, with a decentralization of shipments from China to new destinations, including the Philippines and other high value-added markets, such as Japan. The record balance in January points to a positive flow again in 2026," emphasizes the president of ABPA, Ricardo Santin.

Brazil posts strong january growth in chicken and pork exports.

Aviagen strengthens Malaysia’s poultry industry. (Image credit: Avinews Asia)

Equipment

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

Equipment

Rainbow Colors pioneering hydrogen technology in agriculture

A tulip forcing company in the Netherlands is breaking new ground in clean energy.

Rainbow Colors, based in Andijk in North Holland, has installed a solid oxide electrolyser to produce green hydrogen. Project partners say it is the first agricultural business in the world to apply this advanced technology. With a capacity of one megawatt, the system is also among the largest operational solid oxide electrolysers currently in use, marking a major step forward for hydrogen development in North Holland North.

The project is being delivered in partnership with Danish technology firm Dynelectro, while Dutch company Ekinetix is responsible for building the required infrastructure. The installation forms part of the regional programme Fieldlab Waterstof in de Agri, which focuses on creating a hydrogen network tailored to the agricultural sector.

Rainbow Colors has been involved in the initiative since 2023 as a pilot site for hydrogen production. By using surplus solar energy along with battery storage, the company aims to ensure a steady and reliable supply of hydrogen. The technology partners explain that solid oxide electrolysers are more efficient and experience less wear than conventional systems. Their longer operational life and improved performance are expected to lower the overall cost of hydrogen production. The system also offers a practical response to grid congestion, while increasing access to clean energy within the region.

The installation is described as pioneering not only because it is the first of its kind in agriculture, but also because it ranks as the third largest operational unit of this type worldwide. It is expected to serve as a model for other agricultural businesses seeking solutions to high energy costs and limited grid capacity.

Beau Broen, project leader at New Energy Coalition and coordinator of the hydrogen pilot projects within Fieldlab Waterstof in de Agri, said: "It is impressive to see how international innovation comes together in this project. By implementing Dynelectro's electrolyser at project partner Rainbow Colors, the region is taking an important step towards decentralized hydrogen production. It also provides an economic boost by making affordable green hydrogen available. The project underlines the innovative role North Holland North plays in the energy transition."

With this facility now operational, locally produced green hydrogen becomes available in the Netherlands, helping to address the balance between supply and demand. By using surplus renewable electricity, hydrogen can be produced for less than ten euros per kilogram and used locally. The wider programme brings together businesses and knowledge institutions across North Holland North, positioning the province as a leading hydrogen region and showing that emission free energy solutions are already within reach for agriculture.

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

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

Technology

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

Machinery & Equipment

COMPASS: smart optical sorting for leafy greens

Key Technology (Key), a member of Duravant’s Food Sorting and Handling Group, has introduced its COMPASS optical sorter, a next-generation solution designed specifically for fresh-cut leafy greens processing.

Engineered to inspect product directly from the field, this belt-fed optical sorting system combines high-precision foreign material (FM) detection with gentle, hygienic handling to support food safety and operational efficiency.

Designed for early-stage processing, COMPASS helps processors address one of the most critical challenges in leafy greens operations foreign material contamination while maintaining simplicity and cost-effectiveness. As Jack Lee, Duravant Group President of Food Sorting and Handling, said,“Foreign material is one of the biggest challenges at this early stage of leafy greens processing, but many processors can’t justify the expense or complexity of traditional optical sorting systems. COMPASS changes that,” he said. “It delivers accurate and reliable FM removal in a user-friendly, cost-effective solution engineered to withstand the dirt and debris common at the front end of leafy greens lines.”

Ideal for spinach, arugula, salad mixes and other unwashed leafy greens, COMPASS accurately detects and removes a wide range of foreign materials, including dirt clods, rocks, sticks, insects and animal parts. When processing single varieties, it can also identify and reject product defects, enhancing overall product quality.

To reduce labour dependency and simplify training, COMPASS features a recipe-driven system with a touchscreen interface designed to mirror smartphone navigation. Operators can learn to run the sorter in under 30 minutes, quickly switch between products and create new recipes with ease. Intelligent belt control ensures precise tracking, reducing downtime and eliminating manual adjustments.

COMPASS offers flexible camera configurations with up to eight channels of multispectral sensor data, delivering advanced detection at a lower total cost of ownership. When equipped with Key’s Pixel Fusion technology, the sorter combines visible, infrared and shortwave infrared data to improve contrast and identify even hard-to-detect contaminants. An optional chlorophyll-sensitive channel further enhances detection accuracy.

The system is designed for optimal product flow, using specialised infeed conveying and optional air-assist features to prevent clumping and sticking. Sanitation is prioritised through an open-frame design, sloped surfaces and a clean-in-place system that supports fast, effective washdowns.

Each COMPASS sorter includes Key Discovery, transforming the machine into an IIoT-enabled data hub that provides real-time performance insights and quality analytics helping processors maximise uptime, safety and return on investment.

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