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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) 

Krone and Lemken, through a joint project, have launched a design concept – Combined Powers – which is an autonomous ‘process unit’ consisting of a drive unit and various implements


After passing trials in cultivating, ploughing, sowing, mowing, tedding and raking last year, the concept will be integrated in the well-proven forage harvesting and tillage systems of the two companies.

Using a diesel-electric drive that generates up to 170kW (230hp), the drive unit is designed to meet the power input requirements of the implements used in the processes above. The drive power is transferred electrically to the wheels and the pto and from there to the implement which couples to a three-point linkage. The drive unit boasts multiple and extensive sensor systems which monitor the immediate surroundings and the implement attached, ensuring safe operation and optimum results as the primary objectives. Operators control and monitor the combination from a mobile device, transmitting jobs and job reports via a communication module and the agrirouter, the established data exchange hub.

The specialty of the process unit is that it is controlled by the implement and not vice versa. This detail was considered imperative for achieving optimum results. The implement and the drive unit act as one integrated smart system. Based on the long experience in the application of ISOBUS and TIM on Krone and Lemken machines, the drive unit and implement communicate and interact, sharing literally all types of data.

The Combined Powers design concept also brings further benefits, because it was also developed to counter the increasing shortage of skilled labour in agriculture. Also, it will free farmers from spending those long days in the field. Instead, they will become system operators who merely monitor the process unit which delivers a consistently accurate quality of work. Thanks to its enormous versatility, the unit is designed for year-round work and a long service life. Intensive trialling in all types of conditions and seeking feedback from farmers and contractors will continue this year. 

Further information is available at www.combined-powers.com

 

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

Agriculture

China has emerged as Brazil’s largest supplier of fertilisers, marking a significant shift in the country’s agricultural trade landscape.

According to a report, China overtook Russia for the first time after shipping 9.76 million tonnes of fertilisers to Brazil between January and October 2025.

The main products exported were ammonium sulphate and NP based fertiliser formulations containing nitrogen and phosphorus, both essential nutrients for crop development. During the same period, Russia supplied 9.72 million tonnes, maintaining its position as a key strategic partner in Brazil’s fertiliser market.

The sharp rise in imports from China has, however, placed pressure on Brazil’s port infrastructure. A surge of vessels carrying fertiliser cargo led to extended queues at the Port of Paranagua throughout the year. On average, ships waited nearly 60 days before unloading.

"This backlog created a significant logistical bottleneck, putting pressure on the port's operating capacity and increasing costs and demurrage, which is the fee charged when a container, vessel or cargo remains longer than permitted in a port, terminal or depot," the report quoted. 

The congestion has raised concerns among traders and farmers alike, as delays and additional charges can ultimately increase the cost of agricultural production. Efficient fertiliser supply is critical for Brazil, one of the world’s leading agricultural producers, particularly as farmers prepare for major planting seasons.

The report also highlights ongoing challenges in the market. It notes that the exchange ratio between agricultural crops and phosphated fertiliser sources remains unfavourable, meaning farmers are receiving less purchasing power from crop sales when buying fertilisers.

Despite these pressures, fertiliser deliveries across Brazil increased by 9 per cent through August compared with the previous year. Industry analysts suggest that total deliveries could reach a new record in 2025. The state of Rio Grande do Sul is expected to play an important role in shaping the final outcome, largely due to delayed purchasing decisions earlier in the season.

The shift in supplier dynamics reflects broader changes in global trade flows, as Brazil continues to diversify its sources while balancing cost, reliability and long term supply security.

CEVA & Saudi Arabia collaborates to transform veterinary medicine. (Image credit: Arab news)

Poultry

Saudi Arabia has taken a major step towards strengthening its animal health sector through a new partnership with CEVA to localise veterinary vaccine manufacturing within the Kingdom.

The agreement was signed under the patronage of His Excellency Eng. Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al Fadley, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture and Chairman of the National Livestock and Fisheries Development Program, in the presence of senior leaders from the sector.

The Memorandum of Understanding sets out a joint plan to establish domestic production capabilities, transfer advanced technology and technical expertise, and expand industrial and commercial scale manufacturing across different regions of the country. The aim is to create a sustainable operating model that meets national demand while reinforcing biosecurity and food security.

Under the agreement, both sides will work to improve production efficiency and build a clear commercial pathway for locally manufactured vaccines. The cooperation also covers the development of mRNA vaccine technologies and joint research into a vaccine for MERS CoV in camels. This includes designing and evaluating targeted solutions to combat the virus. In addition, the partnership will focus on the development of rabies vaccines and related products, supporting national disease control programmes through reliable vaccine supply, capacity building and integrated prevention strategies.

A key objective is to serve the Kingdom’s poultry vaccine market, currently valued at around US$19.7mn. The plan targets roughly 30 per cent of this market, backed by an initial investment of close to US$66mn. With continued government backing and rising poultry production, the market is projected to grow by more than 10 per cent annually, reaching an estimated US$33bn by 2030.

CEVA’s participation in the Veterinary Biotechnology Future City at the Biotech Park in Dhurma Governorate marks an important milestone. It reflects the Program’s wider strategy to develop advanced industries in livestock and fisheries while building strong international partnerships with leading companies, research institutions and universities.

The agreement also ensures that locally produced vaccines are tailored to disease strains present in the Kingdom. Specialised training programmes will support compliance with international Good Manufacturing Practices standards, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s ambition to position itself as a global biotechnology hub and strengthen the long term sustainability of its animal health sector.

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

Equipment

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.

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

Machinery & Equipment

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.