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AGCO’s remanufactured engine programme provides a cost-effective way. (Image credit: AGCO Power)

Equipment

AGCO Power has revealed a bold new vision for the future of agricultural and forestry machinery, showcasing a range of powertrain innovations that combine advanced diesel technology with low-carbon, sustainable solutions

The goal is clear to help farmers meet modern agricultural challenges while preparing for a cleaner, more efficient future.

At the centre of this innovation is the new CORE80 diesel engine, an 8-litre powerhouse delivering 252 kW of power and 1680 Nm of torque. This engine powers the 5th-generation Fendt 800 Vario, representing the next step in efficient and high-performance farming machinery. AGCO Power’s entire CORE engine series including the CORE50 and CORE75 — has earned top marks for efficiency in DLG’s PowerMix Test 2.0, proving their value in real-world farming conditions.

Complementing the diesel line-up is AGCO Power’s Future Battery Concept, which made its world debut at Agritechnica. The 150 kWh battery, based on NMC cell chemistry, is designed in-house and offers huge potential for electric farming equipment. “Battery technology currently appears promising for agricultural applications,” notes Director Engineering,  Kari Aaltonen, who estimates commercial production in five to seven years. Electric powertrains offer reduced operating costs and simpler maintenance, making them ideal for next-generation farm machinery.

In partnership with Valtra, AGCO Power also introduced its CO₂ Calculator concept, a pioneering tool that measures the type of fuel used and calculates a machine’s carbon footprint in real time. “Reliable data on the operational carbon footprint is a major competitive advantage for farmers,” says Jarno Ratia, Director of Product Management. The technology enables farmers to monitor emissions and improve sustainability reporting, helping them align with EU Green Deal standards.

Finally, AGCO’s remanufactured engine programme provides a cost-effective way to extend machinery life while reducing environmental impact. “Remanufacturing can lower total cost of ownership and reduce the carbon footprint versus a new machine,” explains Jussi Rinne, Director, Quality and Aftermarket. By reusing up to 80% of engine components, AGCO supports both farmer profitability and environmental responsibility.

Optimised moisture management also lowers environmental impact. (Image credit: Hydronix)

Agriculture

Grain is a natural product, and its moisture content varies due to growing conditions, weather during harvest, threshing, and storage.

Once harvested, grain is processed in mills where it is flaked, rolled, or ground into flour.

Moisture affects every stage of milling influencing machinery performance, material flow, and product consistency. Achieving the right moisture content prevents spoilage, ensures stable storage, and extends shelf life. By accurately measuring and controlling moisture throughout the process, mills can optimise performance, reduce energy use, and cut costs. Consistent control leads to higher yields, improved quality, and less waste.

Where to Measure

Installing sensors at key points maximises return on investment:

  1. Raw material intake
  2. Raw material drying
  3. Transfer points
  4. Conditioning
  5. Milling
  6. Post-milling stages

Why Measure Moisture?

Traditional laboratory testing involves sampling material from the process flow. While accurate for that moment, it is slow and cannot reflect real-time variations.

Continuous, online measurement provides instant feedback, enabling automatic process adjustments. Continuously measuring the moisture content maintains optimal conditions, ensures consistent product quality, and prevents material losses during processing or storage.

Case Study

Manual control can be inconsistent and slow, often achieving moisture accuracy only within ±1%.

By installing sensors directly into the dryer, mills can achieve precision control of ±0.5% of the target moisture. This accuracy is primarily limited by the laboratory reference method used to verify readings rather than the sensor technology itself.

In one Hydronix customer’s rice mill, integrating moisture sensors into the dryer reduced broken rice by 2.5%, producing an additional 400 kg of usable product per 16-tonne batch - a significant gain in yield and profitability.

Conclusion

Online moisture measurement enables immediate, automatic adjustment to process conditions. Real-time control improves yield, reduces energy consumption, and ensures consistent quality. Optimised moisture management also lowers environmental impact.

Adding Hydronix sensors to existing systems is straightforward and offers a fast, measurable return on investment.

Speak to a Hydronix expert to learn how accurate moisture control can transform your milling process.

ILOKING continues to lead the way in agricultural innovation, developing feeding solutions that help farmers work smarter and boost productivity. (Image credit: SILOKING)

Equipment

SILOKING has unveiled a true breakthrough in modern feeding technology with the new SelfLine 4.0 System 2000+ - the world’s most powerful self-propelled feed mixer, delivering an extraordinary 45 m³ mixing capacity and 510 horsepower

This innovative machine represents a major milestone for large-scale dairy and beef farms, setting a new global standard for power, precision, and performance in agricultural feeding systems.

The SelfLine 4.0 System 2000+ has been purpose-built for farms managing around 2,000 cows and young stock or for large feedlots demanding maximum efficiency and productivity. Capable of feeding up to 320 cows in a single mix, this next-generation machine saves valuable time while improving consistency and feed quality. Farmers benefit from fewer feeding cycles, reduced operational costs, and better overall herd nutrition management.

Under its robust design lies a 510 hp engine supported by a heavy-duty four-axle chassis that provides exceptional strength, stability, and traction in even the toughest working environments. With all four axles steerable and three driven, the SelfLine 4.0 System 2000+ ensures excellent manoeuvrability both inside the barn and out in the yard. Designed for long-term reliability, the machine is built for a service life of up to 20,000 operating hours, highlighting SILOKING’s dedication to durability and cost-effectiveness.

“With the SelfLine 4.0 System 2000+, we are presenting a machine that sets new standards. It features state-of-the-art technology that has never been installed in any self-propelled feed mixer before. The focus is clearly on saving time and improving precision to meet the growing demand of large-scale farms worldwide. More power, more capacity – to make feeding on large farms economically viable,” explains Sascha Behrend, Sales Director at SILOKING.

SILOKING continues to lead the way in agricultural innovation, developing feeding solutions that help farmers work smarter, boost productivity, and achieve greater sustainability across modern livestock farming operations.

 

African Farming
Henkesasswolf

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

LightWeeding enables farming innovation

The LightWeeder is an agri-robot that can kill weeds using a unique concentrated light method. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Earth Rover, a UK based agri-robotics company and Agri-EPI Centre member, has developed the LightWeeder to solve key challenges faced by laser-based weeding systems

The LightWeeder is said to be the world’s first eye-safe, herbicide-free, carbon-neutral, commercially viable weeding system. The LightWeeding technology uses semiconductor LEDs to solve key technical, safety and commercialisation challenges faced by laser-based weeding systems.

The LightWeeder is part of CLAWS (Concentrated Light Autonomous Weeding and Scouting), an agri-robot that can kill weeds using a unique concentrated light method, and can also scout fields to obtain a complete data map of all crops after planting, showing the crops exact location, size, and any early signs of disease.

The main features of CLAWS are:

  • Weeding – chemical-free and inherently safer than laser weeding. No till and no crop damage and can be used in any conditions without compacting the soil.
  • Scouting – In-depth analysis of crops to allow better harvest predictions and increased yields.

The complete system is ultra-lightweight at 300kg, meaning it requires low amounts of energy to run, and is also claimed to be cheaper and more environmentally friendly than many of its competitors. The system currently runs on batteries and in future, solar panels therefore uses no fossil fuels and help farmers meet their net-zero targets.

With increasing types of chemical-resistant weeds, a significant downturn in availability of hand labour plus a shift in society towards more organic options, now more than ever there is a need to change the way we farm. A recent report by Rothamsted Research shows weeds pose an unprecedented threat to our food security and highlights the need to diversify weed control as an urgent priority.

As explained by John Taylor, farm director at Pollybell Organic Farm, “The key element here is that the LightWeeder not only makes chemical-free farming more effective but it also solves the huge issue farmers are facing today in terms of the huge loss in the labour force. Being able to weed fields autonomously means that food production doesn’t just grind to a halt.”

According to Earth Rover, LighWeeder is energy-efficient and no-till and does not cause damage to drip irrigation or crops. It is also not dependent on soil conditions and does not enable weeds to develop resistance. 

 

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Crops

Sumitomo Chemical aims to promote regenerative agriculture and build a more sustainable global food system. (Image credit: Sumitomo Chemical)

Fertilizers & Pesticides

Japan’s Sumitomo Chemical has announced a major step towards advancing sustainable agriculture by reorganising its U.S. operations to strengthen its biorational business

The company will merge Valent BioSciences LLC (VBS), McLaughlin Gormley King Company (MGK), and Valent North America LLC (VNA) into one integrated entity. The newly formed company, Sumitomo Biorational Company LLC (SBC), will begin operations in Libertyville, Illinois, in April 2026. This hub will lead innovation in environmentally friendly farming technologies and deliver comprehensive, sustainable solutions worldwide.

Sumitomo Chemical’s Agro & Life Solutions Sector operates on two strong foundations – crop protection products and biorationals. With growing global demand for agricultural solutions that reduce environmental harm, the market for biorationals is set to expand steadily. The company aims to more than double its biorationals sales to around 150 billion yen by the 2030 financial year, compared to 2024 levels.

According to the company, “Valent BioSciences LLC (“VBS”), McLaughlin Gormley King Company (“MGK”), and Valent North America LLC (“VNA”)—Sumitomo Chemical’s U.S. subsidiaries will be integrated into the surviving company VBS, which will be renamed Sumitomo Biorational Company LLC (“SBC”). SBC will commence operations in Libertyville, Illinois, starting April 2026, as the Group’s global hub driving innovation in this field, and it will provide comprehensive and sustainable biorational solutions across the world.”

By consolidating research, manufacturing, and sales within SBC, Sumitomo Chemical aims to build a more efficient and streamlined structure. This integration is expected to enhance collaboration, reduce duplication, and strengthen the company’s position as a global leader in sustainable agricultural technologies.

SBC will serve as the central hub for the company’s innovation in biorationals, driving new advancements that support sustainable development, environmental protection, and improved agricultural productivity. Its work will span various sectors including crop health, pest management, forestry, and animal health.

Additionally, Valent USA LLC will become a wholly owned subsidiary of SBC and continue to manage crop protection product development and sales across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Through this reorganisation, Sumitomo Chemical aims to promote regenerative agriculture and build a more sustainable global food system. The company continues to focus on delivering unique technologies that help farmers produce healthy crops, protect the environment, and ensure long-term agricultural growth.

HIC Launches World’s First Hub for Greenhouse Innovation.

Optimised moisture management also lowers environmental impact. (Image credit: Hydronix)

Livestock

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.

Hamlet Protein manufactures high-quality soy-based protein ingredients designed for young piglets, poultry, and calves.(Image credit: Hamlet Protein)

The future of marine resources.

Equipment

AGCO’s remanufactured engine programme provides a cost-effective way. (Image credit: AGCO Power)

Equipment

AGCO Power has revealed a bold new vision for the future of agricultural and forestry machinery, showcasing a range of powertrain innovations that combine advanced diesel technology with low-carbon, sustainable solutions

The goal is clear to help farmers meet modern agricultural challenges while preparing for a cleaner, more efficient future.

At the centre of this innovation is the new CORE80 diesel engine, an 8-litre powerhouse delivering 252 kW of power and 1680 Nm of torque. This engine powers the 5th-generation Fendt 800 Vario, representing the next step in efficient and high-performance farming machinery. AGCO Power’s entire CORE engine series including the CORE50 and CORE75 — has earned top marks for efficiency in DLG’s PowerMix Test 2.0, proving their value in real-world farming conditions.

Complementing the diesel line-up is AGCO Power’s Future Battery Concept, which made its world debut at Agritechnica. The 150 kWh battery, based on NMC cell chemistry, is designed in-house and offers huge potential for electric farming equipment. “Battery technology currently appears promising for agricultural applications,” notes Director Engineering,  Kari Aaltonen, who estimates commercial production in five to seven years. Electric powertrains offer reduced operating costs and simpler maintenance, making them ideal for next-generation farm machinery.

In partnership with Valtra, AGCO Power also introduced its CO₂ Calculator concept, a pioneering tool that measures the type of fuel used and calculates a machine’s carbon footprint in real time. “Reliable data on the operational carbon footprint is a major competitive advantage for farmers,” says Jarno Ratia, Director of Product Management. The technology enables farmers to monitor emissions and improve sustainability reporting, helping them align with EU Green Deal standards.

Finally, AGCO’s remanufactured engine programme provides a cost-effective way to extend machinery life while reducing environmental impact. “Remanufacturing can lower total cost of ownership and reduce the carbon footprint versus a new machine,” explains Jussi Rinne, Director, Quality and Aftermarket. By reusing up to 80% of engine components, AGCO supports both farmer profitability and environmental responsibility.

(Image credit: Komet Irrigation)

SILOKING has developed DryScan, an innovative digital solution fully integrated into all SILOKING SelfLine models. (Image credit: SILOKING)

Technology

Enhance Agricultural Resilience with Solar Energy.

Infrastructure

The SoLAR project, funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), is entering its second phase, aiming to deepen agricultural resilience and climate transformation in smallholder farming

Launched by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), the initiative runs from July 2025 to December 2029 and expands its geographical and thematic focus, now incorporating Ethiopia and Kenya, while continuing its work in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan. Building on the success of its first phase (2019–2024), SoLAR looks to scale solar energy solutions for agriculture and position them as a replicable and scalable model for climate-resilient agriculture across the Global South.

In its first phase, SoLAR focused on generating evidence, piloting innovative financing models, and influencing policy to integrate solar-powered irrigation systems (SIPs). These solar pumps have proven effective in mitigating climate impacts by replacing diesel pumps and promoting sustainable groundwater usage. “Across the four South Asian countries, we have seen promising steps toward scaling solar irrigation sustainably and inclusively,” said Darshini Ravindranath, Project Lead and Research Group Leader at IWMI. The project has helped governments in Bangladesh and India integrate solar irrigation into national strategies, while in Nepal, it led to a significant policy shift, including revised subsidy criteria supporting women farmers and smallholders.

Key outcomes include the promotion of gender-sensitive policies, innovative financing such as micro-financing and grants, and the adoption of solar irrigation systems that reduce carbon emissions, conserve groundwater, and support high-value crops. IWMI’s work also extended to grid-connected solar irrigation in Nepal, enabling farmers to sell surplus energy, providing them with additional income streams while promoting responsible groundwater use.

In phase two, SoLAR will expand its reach to East Africa, focusing on scaling solar-powered solutions for irrigation, cooling, and processing. With Kenya and Ethiopia facing climate and energy challenges, the project sees solar technology as a transformative tool for boosting year-round agricultural production and enhancing food security. Muluken Elias Adamseged, Deputy Country Representative at IWMI in Ethiopia, remarked, “Scaling solar-powered irrigation, cooling, and processing can boost year-round production, cut losses and costs, and enhance food security.”

The second phase aims to drive an integrated approach with evidence-based policy design, accelerated funding for solar adoption, enhanced capacity building, and the establishment of Living Labs to test solar solutions in diverse settings. The program will directly benefit smallholder farmers in India, Bangladesh, Kenya, and Ethiopia by improving water and energy security, reducing emissions, and enhancing resilience to climate risks, according to Philippe Sas, Head of Cooperation for SDC in India.

Feeding Management offers significant cost savings, improved transparency of feeding programs.(Image credit: SILOKING)

Malaysian agri-tech innovator Agroz Inc. has launched a groundbreaking AI-driven farming strategy designed to transform modern agriculture into a scalable and profitable asset class. Through its new Agroz OS platform, built on Microsoft Azure’s AI infrastructure, the company is redefining how crops are grown, managed, and distributed — offering a smarter, greener path for farmers and investors alike. The Agroz OS platform merges artificial intelligence, automation, and data analytics to support vertical farming systems that use less land and water while producing clean, pesticide-free crops. This approach is particularly valuable for regions like Africa, where efficient resource use and reliable yields are key to long-term food security. Agroz’s model treats food production as distributed infrastructure — modular, measurable, and investable. Its first commercial venture, developed with Harvest Today, LLC, uses patented Harvest Wall™ technology to demonstrate how vertical farming can bring fresh produce closer to urban centres while reducing environmental impact. “We are building agriculture into the next great infrastructure class. With strong government incentives and the rapid adoption of agri-tech, this is the right time to show how technology, sustainability, and capital can work together to generate lasting economic and environmental returns,” said Gerard Lim, Director and Chief Executive Officer of Agroz. Beyond its cutting-edge vertical farms, Agroz is introducing Agroz Copilot, an intelligent AI assistant that helps farmers make better real-time decisions — from predicting crop health to managing energy use. The system’s integration of automation and analytics means farmers can increase productivity while keeping costs low. Agroz’s sustainable farming approach aligns with 10 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), earning recognition from UNDP Malaysia, ESG Malaysia, and several national innovation awards. With Malaysia’s 10-year income tax exemption for agricultural ventures under Budget 2026, the company is positioned to expand rapidly across Asia and, potentially, emerging African markets. As Agroz continues to grow, it aims to make AI-driven, sustainable agriculture accessible for farmers everywhere — empowering them to achieve higher yields, improve soil health, and build a resilient food system for the future.(Image credit: Agroz)

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