During the critical peak demand months of July, August, and September, usage soars due to grape irrigation, harvesting, and storage. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Electricity has played a pivotal role in advancing agricultural practices, catalysing both growth and innovation in the region's grape cultivation
In response to the escalating power needs of fruit farmers, State Grid Zhejiang Electric Power's service team in Yuyao has substantially improved the performance of the local grid, including an upgrade of 30 km of power lines and the addition of 22,000 kva to the substation capacity. This robust enhancement of the power infrastructure has not only fattened the wallets of local grape growers but also contributed to the rise of 'Linshan Grapes' as a celebrated local brand and a testament to the region's commitment to agricultural excellence and innovation.
In Linshanzhen, a meticulous focus on maintaining the electrical infrastructure is central to supporting its burgeoning grape industry from irrigation through to harvest. The town's dedicated service team regularly inspects electrical equipment at the growing sites as well as the lines connecting the equipment to the grid, ensuring growers have an uninterrupted power supply. With increasing grape acreage, the team has quickly adapted, installing single-phase irrigation meters for smaller growers and three-phase meters for larger operations to meet their specific energy demands effectively.
Expected battery cycles required per machine lifetime. (Image source: IDTechEx)
IDTechEx’s new report, ‘Battery Markets in Construction, Agriculture and Mining Machines 2024-2034’, showed that CAM machines require a diverse range of battery solutions to cater to their individual needs.
It has taken around 15 years to convince car owners that battery power is a viable alternative to their fossil fuel comfort blanket. In the construction, agriculture, and mining (CAM) industries, electrification is an even steeper uphill battle. In these industries, if a machine runs out of battery, the operators will soon start losing money. Moreover, these industries have a broad spectrum of machines, each with unique use cases. In case of agriculture machines such as tractors, electrification presents some unique challenges.
The first challenge is that the use case of tractors is incredibly energy-intensive. For the most part, the purpose of a tractor is to drag machinery through a field. Sometimes, this work is low intensity, such as mowing grass in large fields. Here, the mower attachment isn’t too heavy and creates little resistance with the ground. On the other hand, plowing a field creates lots of resistance and, therefore, uses lots of energy. Additionally, if a field has soft mud, the tractor will lose energy due to the tires slipping. When we compare a tractor and an excavator for example, although both machines have hard and similar workloads, the excavator is at its peak load only momentarily as it breaks through the ground while a tractor works at a constant near-peak capacity. From a battery standpoint, this means that the tractor needs substantially more storage to give the same run time.
While large construction machines have large chassis to incorporate the battery, tractor chassis are a little more compact. Additionally, large excavators can handle the weight of the battery, with many already having concrete ballasts for balance. Excessive weight however, could be an issue for tractors, especially when operating in wet mud. Tractors are also more sensitive to the location of the weight, preferring an even weight distribution across the wheels for the best stability in the mud. So, not only do tractors need more battery power per hour than other similarly sized CAM machines, but they also have tighter constraints on where that battery can go.
Construction and mining machines tend to be in almost constant use, but many tractors have very seasonal work. They could sit dormant for large portions of the year, but come harvesting time on a large farm, they could be running 24/7 for days at a time. High uptime in peak season means that the battery needs to be capable of rapid charging to minimise downtime. This is typically tough on batteries, as regular fast charging can degrade their cycle life. However, on the positive side, sporadic usage means fewer cycles are needed over a vehicle’s lifetime. Many tractors have life expectancies of around 2,000-5,000 hours, whereas large excavators might operate more than 10,000 hours over their life span. A shorter life expectancy, with fewer cycles required, opens up battery options to more cutting-edge and emerging technologies.
Today’s dominant battery technologies are Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) and Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP), used almost ubiquitously throughout the automotive industry. NMC offers good energy density but typically recharges slower compared to LFP. LFP has compromised energy density but is cheaper and can be recharged more quickly. Both have plenty of cycle life for agricultural applications, but IDTechEx suggests that other emerging options with higher energy density could offer a better fit.
Solid-state batteries (SSBs) and silicon anode batteries are two emerging technologies that might work well in tractors. Both offer improvements in energy density when compared to NMC and LFP, making it easier to put more kWh of battery capacity onto the tractor. Both offer good to high recharging performance, minimising downtime. Finally, both offer the equivalent or higher safety than LFP and NMC. Unfortunately, both technologies are also very new, still in the early stages of commercialisation, and therefore are very expensive. Solid-state batteries and silicon anode batteries make a good fit for agricultural machines from an engineering perspective, but unfortunately, they don’t quite make the business case, for now.
IDTechEx’s report considers a total of 15 machine types across construction, agriculture, and mining, evaluating the needs of each and matching them up against ten existing and emerging battery technologies. The report forecasts that forecasts that SSB and silicon anode will have a small market share of battery demand for agricultural vehicles once they are more mature, but demand will still be dominated by NMC and LFP, even in 2034.
The Axial-Flow 260 series offers the new ActiveTrac four-roller hydraulic suspended track system having a larger footprint. (Image source: Case IH)
In May this year, Case IH announced the new Axial-Flow 260 series that offers unparalleled productivity, while also allowing growers to access subscription-free, integrated technology to meet the unique needs of their operations
Equipped with Harvest Command combine automation, the Axial-Flow 260 series automatically optimises settings to boost throughput and grain quality. Operators can also get easy access to real-time machine metrics, field performance and grain quality through high-resolution Pro 1200 Dual Displays.
Moreover, the all new RowGuide Pro and AccuGuide autoguidance systems enable growers to experience improved on-row accuracy, minimised header losses and less operator fatigue. These tech solutions, including AccuSync with in-field data sharing between multiple machines, are all provided with no subscription requirement.
The Axial-Flow 260 series also offers the new ActiveTrac four-roller hydraulic suspended track system which has a larger footprint that reduces compaction and increases flotation by 14% compared to fixed track offerings. Operators are also entitled to additional privileges like luxury seating that includes massage, heating, and new air conditioning technology, along with simple seat controls, to easily optimise the operator's comfort level during long harvest days.
“The Axial-Flow 260 series combine represents a significant leap forward in integrated technology throughout the harvesting process for growers,” said Leo Bose, harvesting segment lead at Case IH. “We purposefully bundled precision technologies so there are no subscriptions or activations required to run the machine. The subscription-free connectivity gives customers the ability to remotely view machine and agronomic data via the new Case IH FieldOps platform, which will launch later in 2024. The technology stays for the lifetime of the hardware, boosting resale value.”
INAGRITECH 2024 is expected to present 350 global top exhibiting companies from 25 countries around the world and attract 25,000 trade visitors. (Image source: GEM Indonesia))
Returning in its 10th edition, INAGRITECH 2024 along with its co-located exhibitions will be held on 30 July to 1 August 2024 at JIExpo Kemayoran in Jakarta, Indonesia
GEM Indonesia is committed to supporting the Indonesian government to advance the agriculture industry by presenting a business platform that will be attended by major players in the relevant industry. INAGRITECH 2024 is ready to present attendees with One Stop Solutions for all sectors of agriculture, including tractor and machinery, smart agriculture technology, agrochemical & greenhouse, horticultural and floricultural technology, sugar machinery & technology, and rice technology.
The event will co-locate with INAGRICHEM 2024, INAPALM ASIA 2024, SugarMach Indonesia 2024, RubberTech Indonesia 2024, and Pump & Valves Indonesia 2024. The Agri Technology Forum 2024 will also invite industrial experts, researchers, government and key players to discuss and exchange knowledge, work-in-progress, experience and case studies pertaining to the agriculture industry.
INAGRITECH 2024 is expected to present 350 global top exhibiting companies from 25 countries around the world and attract 25,000 trade visitors, making this exhibition a golden opportunity for professionals to expand their business network, discuss business matters and find the latest information about the agriculture industry.
According to the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the export value of the agricultural sector in February 2024 increased by 16.91% compared to the export value in February 2023. One of the contributors to the increase of agricultural export value was the plantation subsector, especially Crude Palm Oil (CPO) and its derivatives.
On an annual basis, all sectors experienced a decline except the agricultural sector which experienced an increase of 16.91%. Moreover, the agricultural sector was also recorded as having a contribution of US$0.39bn to total non-oil and gas exports which reached US$18.09bn, followed by the mining and processing industry sectors.
The Ministry of Agriculture also has launched programmes to boost the agricultural sector, including strengthening domestic production, farmer welfare and exports, especially strategic plantation commodities, horticulture, rice and corn as well as livestock commodities and their derivatives.
Spectrim with LUCAi is very easy to operate thanks to the user-friendly interface. (Image source: TOMRA Food)
The Fresh Fruit Company of New Zealand (Freshco) recently implemented the new LUCAi upgrade package on its TOMRA Spectrim grading platform and found it to be a game-changer
This upgrade package for Spectrim includes Deep Learning models, pre-trained by vast datasets captured from TOMRA machines across the world and precisely labelled by TOMRA’s data science team. Thousands of high-resolution, multi-channel fruit images are assessed every second and cross-referenced with these datasets to make grading decisions. The technology enables the precise detection and classification of even the trickiest apple defects, such as splits and punctures across multiple varieties.
“The main defects are around the stem area. The splits are really hard to get around the stem, and you are forever working on the splits and punctures,” explained Robin Mudgway, Technology & Machinery manager at Freshco. “With LUCAi we get a model from TOMRA and then we just put our own severity and confidence into it.”
Moreover, the technology also enables operators to seamlessly switch varieties without slowing down the process, while also allowing customers to easily adjust the severity of grading parameters – something which previously had to be done by experienced operators – to cater to seasonal dynamics and market preferences. For example, a model that is making stem splits and punctures on Gala apples can also be switched to a different variety having the same defect, without making any adjustments.
“We deal with a lot of Royal Gala and Breeze apples, and they tend to have a lot of splits. LUCAi made it really easy to control that,” stated TOMRA Food senior application engineer, Glen Kaunds. “Production was not slowed down at all like it would have in the past. This means that throughput stays at a good pace within the shed.”
Spectrim with LUCAi also has a user-friendly interface, making it very easy to operate and track grades. More data, for instance, is visible on the platform with the percentage also being displayed upon making a change.
Professor Mark Blaskovich, CEAStAR centre director, Professor Darren Trott, CEAStAR centre deputy director, and Dr Bicheng Yang, director of MGI Australia (from L to R) (Image source: MGI Tech)
MGI Australia Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of MGI Tech Co. Ltd, recently announced its partnership with The University of Queensland (UQ) led Centre for Environmental and Agricultural Solutions to Antimicrobial Resistance (CEAStAR), aiming to combat antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) infections affecting human health, agriculture, and the environment
MGI's proprietary DNBSEQ technology, renowned for its high accuracy and efficiency in genetic sequencing, plays a pivotal role in CEAStAR's efforts to combat antimicrobial resitance.
"Our goal is to deliver new antimicrobials for animal use, alternative treatments, and advanced detection methods to mitigate the spread of resistant microbes across sectors," said centre director professor Mark Blaskovich, while emphasising the urgent need for alternatives to antibiotics in agriculture and veterinary medicine.
When integrated with MGI's automated laboratory systems, the DNBSEQ technology enables portable, on-site sequencing solutions. These solutions empower rapid detection, surveillance, and monitoring of AMR in diverse environmental settings, including wastewater and agricultural environments.
As part of the CEAStAR initiative, on World Food Day 2023 MGI announced support for an industry-driven graduate research project focused on developing sequencing-based surveillance to monitor antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the water environment.
"We have successfully collaborated with UQ, utilising our cutting-edge sequencing technology to detect SARS-CoV-2 variants and antibiotic resistance genes in wastewater," said director of MGI Australia, Dr Bicheng Yang. "We look forward to expanding this partnership, continuing to develop and apply innovative solutions to combat AMR."
Certification award ceremony for new RSPO Members in China. (Image source: RSPO))
The 2024 China Sustainable Palm Oil Forum (eighth RSPO China Forum) strongly called for decisive action to enhance inclusivity and sustainability within the palm oil supply chain
The annual event highlighted the crucial role of RSPO Certified sustainable palm oil in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, introduced new sustainability initiatives, and emphasised the importance of strong partnerships to drive market transformation in China.
The forum showcased the sustainability efforts of Chinese enterprises. It attracted significant participation from RSPO Members, government bodies, industry associations, financial institutions, research organisations, NGOs, and certification bodies. Discussions were mainly focused on shared responsibility within the palm oil supply chain, urging stakeholders to increase their commitment to sustainable production and trade practices.
A significant highlight of the forum was the introduction of RSPO's new certification, trade, and traceability platform – prisma (Palm Resource Information and Sustainability Management). Designed to enhance trade efficiency and ensure compliance with global regulations, prisma aims to facilitate the adoption of certified sustainable palm oil among RSPO Members and regional market players.
This year's forum serves as a platform for RSPO members to showcase their sustainability journeys. The positive progress and actions demonstrated by leading Chinese enterprises and supply chain companies clearly indicate that Chinese businesses are sending strong signals of sustainable demand to the market, upstream supply chain, and growers. The outcomes of the eighth China Forum are poised to resonate globally, influencing sustainability practices across the palm oil industry.
"The food and agriculture system is a cornerstone of sustainable development," said CFNA president, Cao Derong. "By adopting sustainable practices in the sourcing and processing of palm oil, China can position itself as a leader in building a global green value chain. Meanwhile, we are committed to strengthening global partnerships to address climate change and promote sustainable agriculture."
INAGRITECH 2024 is expected to present 350 global top exhibiting companies from 25 countries around the world and attract 25,000 trade visitors. (Image source: GEM Indonesia))
Returning in its 10th edition, INAGRITECH 2024 along with its co-located exhibitions will be held on 30 July to 1 August 2024 at JIExpo Kemayoran in Jakarta, Indonesia
GEM Indonesia is committed to supporting the Indonesian government to advance the agriculture industry by presenting a business platform that will be attended by major players in the relevant industry. INAGRITECH 2024 is ready to present attendees with One Stop Solutions for all sectors of agriculture, including tractor and machinery, smart agriculture technology, agrochemical & greenhouse, horticultural and floricultural technology, sugar machinery & technology, and rice technology.
The event will co-locate with INAGRICHEM 2024, INAPALM ASIA 2024, SugarMach Indonesia 2024, RubberTech Indonesia 2024, and Pump & Valves Indonesia 2024. The Agri Technology Forum 2024 will also invite industrial experts, researchers, government and key players to discuss and exchange knowledge, work-in-progress, experience and case studies pertaining to the agriculture industry.
INAGRITECH 2024 is expected to present 350 global top exhibiting companies from 25 countries around the world and attract 25,000 trade visitors, making this exhibition a golden opportunity for professionals to expand their business network, discuss business matters and find the latest information about the agriculture industry.
According to the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the export value of the agricultural sector in February 2024 increased by 16.91% compared to the export value in February 2023. One of the contributors to the increase of agricultural export value was the plantation subsector, especially Crude Palm Oil (CPO) and its derivatives.
On an annual basis, all sectors experienced a decline except the agricultural sector which experienced an increase of 16.91%. Moreover, the agricultural sector was also recorded as having a contribution of US$0.39bn to total non-oil and gas exports which reached US$18.09bn, followed by the mining and processing industry sectors.
The Ministry of Agriculture also has launched programmes to boost the agricultural sector, including strengthening domestic production, farmer welfare and exports, especially strategic plantation commodities, horticulture, rice and corn as well as livestock commodities and their derivatives.
Professor Mark Blaskovich, CEAStAR centre director, Professor Darren Trott, CEAStAR centre deputy director, and Dr Bicheng Yang, director of MGI Australia (from L to R) (Image source: MGI Tech)
Certification award ceremony for new RSPO Members in China. (Image source: RSPO))
The course offers a convenient way for industry professionals to enhance their knowledge and skills at their own pace. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
In order to ensure quality and safety, the GMP+ Academy is launching an e-learning module that teach attendees the basics of correct sampling techniques
Effective sampling guides decision-making throughout production, thus ensuring that the feed is of high quality and safe for both humans and animals. The module is specifically designed for production companies in the feed industry. The course offers a convenient way for industry professionals to enhance their knowledge and skills at their own pace.
The course will guide attendees through the A-Z of sampling, addressing questions regarding the meaning of sampling; why and how to take samples; the type of sampling equipments needed; as well as techniques to correctly label, seal and store samples. The total duration of the course is 45 minutes and costs US$54.26.
To access the course, visit the GMP+ Academy platform: www.gmpplusacademy.org
IFC Supports SeABank to Issue Vietnam’s First Blue Bond, Boost Climate Finance. (Image source: SeABank)
All the project proposals are required to justify how they are bringing significative sustainable solutions to overcome challenges of the swine or poultry industry. (Image source: Adisseo)
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)
The platform is slated for launch later this year and focuses on both domestic and international markets. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The LightWeeder is an agri-robot that can kill weeds using a unique concentrated light method. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
During the critical peak demand months of July, August, and September, usage soars due to grape irrigation, harvesting, and storage. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Electricity has played a pivotal role in advancing agricultural practices, catalysing both growth and innovation in the region's grape cultivation
In response to the escalating power needs of fruit farmers, State Grid Zhejiang Electric Power's service team in Yuyao has substantially improved the performance of the local grid, including an upgrade of 30 km of power lines and the addition of 22,000 kva to the substation capacity. This robust enhancement of the power infrastructure has not only fattened the wallets of local grape growers but also contributed to the rise of 'Linshan Grapes' as a celebrated local brand and a testament to the region's commitment to agricultural excellence and innovation.
In Linshanzhen, a meticulous focus on maintaining the electrical infrastructure is central to supporting its burgeoning grape industry from irrigation through to harvest. The town's dedicated service team regularly inspects electrical equipment at the growing sites as well as the lines connecting the equipment to the grid, ensuring growers have an uninterrupted power supply. With increasing grape acreage, the team has quickly adapted, installing single-phase irrigation meters for smaller growers and three-phase meters for larger operations to meet their specific energy demands effectively.
Expected battery cycles required per machine lifetime. (Image source: IDTechEx)
The Axial-Flow 260 series offers the new ActiveTrac four-roller hydraulic suspended track system having a larger footprint. (Image source: Case IH)
INAGRITECH 2024 is expected to present 350 global top exhibiting companies from 25 countries around the world and attract 25,000 trade visitors. (Image source: GEM Indonesia))
The Axial-Flow 260 series offers the new ActiveTrac four-roller hydraulic suspended track system having a larger footprint. (Image source: Case IH)
IFC Supports SeABank to Issue Vietnam’s First Blue Bond, Boost Climate Finance. (Image source: SeABank)
Certification award ceremony for new RSPO Members in China. (Image source: RSPO))
Monarch MK-V tractor demonstrating V2G through Borg Warner DCFC and Gridtractor CMS. (Image source: Gridtractor)
The BBL2-2 maize is set to herald a new era of crop innovation. (Image Source: Adobe Stock)
Wrinkle-lipped bats hunt insects which include serious agricultural pests like plant-hoppers that can destroy up to 60% of the rice harvest. (Image source: Merlin Tuttle and Conor Wall)
During the critical peak demand months of July, August, and September, usage soars due to grape irrigation, harvesting, and storage. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Expected battery cycles required per machine lifetime. (Image source: IDTechEx)
The Axial-Flow 260 series offers the new ActiveTrac four-roller hydraulic suspended track system having a larger footprint. (Image source: Case IH)
INAGRITECH 2024 is expected to present 350 global top exhibiting companies from 25 countries around the world and attract 25,000 trade visitors. (Image source: GEM Indonesia))
Spectrim with LUCAi is very easy to operate thanks to the user-friendly interface. (Image source: TOMRA Food)
Professor Mark Blaskovich, CEAStAR centre director, Professor Darren Trott, CEAStAR centre deputy director, and Dr Bicheng Yang, director of MGI Australia (from L to R) (Image source: MGI Tech)
Certification award ceremony for new RSPO Members in China. (Image source: RSPO))
The platform is slated for launch later this year and focuses on both domestic and international markets. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Mahindra Tractors has announced its new lightweight global tractor platform OJA for its new range of future-ready tractors from its global tractor programme K2
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:
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.
The H2-Agrar Project aims to identify the potential and perspectives of hydrogen usage in agriculture. (Image source: DLG)
Five winners of the ‘DLG-Agrifuture Concept Winner’, which recognises pioneering achievements in agricultural technology, were announced by The German Agricultural Society (DLG)
The jury, which consisted of independent international experts appointed by the DLG, selected the five winners from a shortlist of 10 candidates, who were honoured at the digital award ceremony held as part of the ‘AGRITECHNICA digital’ programme on 15 February 2022. DLG’s networking platform hosted the award ceremony which is available to view free on-demand.
Below is the list of the five winners:
Controlled row farming – a farming method with uniform row widths promotes biodiversity
By Amazonen-Werke H Dreyer SE & Co. KG in cooperation with AGRAVIS Raiffeisen AG and Schmotzer Hacktechnik GmbH
The concept of ‘controlled row farming’ is a new arable farming method for agriculture in which every crop-cultivation step is carried out in relation to a fixed row, offering yield optimisation despite lower use of fertilisers and pesticides. By cultivating crops in a fixed and uniform row spacing of 50 cm (grain in double rows) and including a row offset of 25 cm for positive crop rotation effects, both yield optimisation and maximum efficiency of farms inputs are achieved. The option of introducing companion planting between the rows of the main crop increases the value of the agricultural ecosystem, e.g. by reducing water evaporation and erosion.
Spot farming – for a holistic and sustainable crop production system
Joint development by Technische Universität (TU) Braunschweig; Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute; and Julius Kühn Institute (JKI)
The ‘spot farming’ concept places the living and growth conditions of individual cultivated plants at the levels of the plant, the field and the surrounding countryside at the center through the in-depth observation by the farmer. On this basis, an attempt is made to optimise four points – to select optimal crops or varieties for the respective site conditions, to improve spatial and temporal management practices, to increase the efficiency of agrochemicals and to strengthen functional structures in the agricultural landscape.
Automated fruit picking system by Kubota Germany GmbH and Tevel Aerobotics Technologies
Harvesting machines use innovative combination of wired drones and corresponding solutions for logistics. The drones are equipped with wind compensation which ensures safe and efficient operation in most weather. Reaching almost every fruit, and harvesting without any bruising, the drones detect and grade the individual fruit in real time, enabling pre-sorting and selective harvest. Information is transferred to the logistics system, optimising this harvesting step. Levels of automation are offered, from a simple 'navigation system' for tractor driver transporting the bins to fully autonomous carries which places empty bins and collects full ones. The concept can be integrated into existing harvesting operations and work processes. Benefits: Less food waste and yield increase of 20%.
Integrated drift management by Bayer AG Crop Science Division
The integrated drift management concept is based on the reading of information on the spray drift tendency and buffer zones as well as distance control shown on the labels of pesticides. When the pesticide is poured into the sprayer the saved information is translated into an application map. At the same time, wind direction and speed are recorded in the field in real time. If required, drift-reducing spray nozzles are activated and buffer zones and distance control are maintained, all automatically. The system records and saves all activities including weather information.
H2- Agrar Project by AGCO Fendt GmbH
In the context of the climate change debate, alternative concepts for mobility are at the top of the agenda. The H2-Agrar Project aims to identify the potential and perspectives of hydrogen usage in agriculture. Innovative solutions are underway showing not only that decentralised hydrogen production and use in agriculture can be economically successful but also how hydrogen-powered agriculture with a corresponding hydrogen infrastructure can be integrated into an overall system of hydrogen supply and ‘sector coupling’. In this way, questions about mobility can be processed using hydrogen-powered tractors and possible hydrogen mobility solutions can be demonstrated and tested. The concept also includes the transfer of local approaches and results to other agricultural areas.
“With this new concept award, the DLG is actively supporting pioneering ideas that lead the way to future global crop production. The new award focuses on the technical possibilities in the next five to 10 years and explores the realistic chances of implementation. We look forward to seeing more such future concepts at Agritechnica in 2023, which is the perfect platform for agricultural machinery innovations,” explained Florian Schiller, project manager, Digital Agriculture, DLG.
The liquid fertiliser system delivers accurate application rates at a broad range of speeds. (Image source: CASE IH)
Case IH has added a productivity-boosting, split-row configuration to its lineup of 2000 series Early Riser planters, with the launch of 2150S Early Riser front-fold trailing planter.
Case A 525-gallon fertiliser tank capacity – along with more seed capacity – enables operators to cover more acres between fills and make the most of their time in the field.
Built on Agronomic Design principles, Case IH 2000 series Early Riser planters are known to deliver exceptional results in tight planting windows and a range of field conditions. Now, the new 2150S Early Riser front-fold trailing planter provides the additional agronomic benefits of split-row planting with greater fertiliser and seed capacity.
Greater fertiliser and seed capacity
The 2150S Early Riser front-fold trailing planter features an optional 525-gallon liquid tank to provide operators maximum run times between fills. The liquid fertiliser system delivers accurate application rates at a broad range of speeds with multiple factory-installed application options, including frame-mounted coulters and in-furrow options. Plus, with 100 bushels of seed capacity (two 50-bushel tanks) and optional individual tank scales, operators can better plan for tendering with the ability to optimise partial seed fill.
“Staying productive in the field is key to getting ahead of a potentially unpredictable planting season,” said David Brennan, Case IH planter marketing manager. “Greater fertiliser and seed capacity lets operators do their jobs more easily — without having to worry about capacity concerns while out in the field.”
Multiple configurations and narrow row planting increase ROI
Studies continue to show the ROI opportunities of narrow row planting, which include increased yield benefits and faster crop canopies for weed control — all while minimising soil erosion. The 2150S Early Riser front-fold trailing planter lets operators take advantage of these benefits with a range of configurations, including 23, 24, 31 or 32 rows with 15-inch spacing, or 24 rows with 20-inch spacing.
In-cab hydraulic row unit lift control allows operators to easily convert from 15- to 30-inch spacing with no manual lifting or tools required. When planting in a split-row configuration, an industry-leading row unit offset of nearly 50 inches helps increase residue flow while minimising plugging opportunities.
Exceptional ground-following capabilities are made possible by a wing flex of +/- 15 degrees combined with +/- eight inches of row unit travel. This ensures the row units remain in contact with soil, even in rugged terrain. Optional hydraulic wing down force ensures proper seed depth control on the wings, while the agronomically designed Early Riser row unit provides excellent seed placement across the entire planter.
Front-fold design for simple transportation
With a front-fold frame design, the 2150S Early Riser planter delivers a narrow transport width of 13 feet — and a simple on-screen, step-by-step folding-and-unfolding system provides a smooth and quick transition from transport to field operation. Operators also gain in-cab hydraulic control of all rear sub frame row units, including the centre main frame row units.
“Operators should feel ready to take on the day as efficiently as possible,” Brennan said. “The 2150S Early Riser model will help them do just that. Better yet, producers can feel confident that planting is completed accurately for optimal yield results, thanks to an agronomically designed row unit.”
The 2150S Early Riser front-fold trailing planter is available to order for spring 2023. Tank options include the planter-frame-mounted 525-gallon tank capacity and a pull-hitch towed fertiliser cart option.
For more details, visit www.caseih.com
HSW ECO MATIC® 6ml _ 10ml (for injection, oral and pour-on application)
During the critical peak demand months of July, August, and September, usage soars due to grape irrigation, harvesting, and storage. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Expected battery cycles required per machine lifetime. (Image source: IDTechEx)
The Axial-Flow 260 series offers the new ActiveTrac four-roller hydraulic suspended track system having a larger footprint. (Image source: Case IH)
Spectrim with LUCAi is very easy to operate thanks to the user-friendly interface. (Image source: TOMRA Food)
NOVACAT V 9200 CF for perfect swath placement. (Image source: Pöttinger)
Results show almonds treated with Acadian biostimulants with improved Stem Water Potential in both stressed and non-stressed situations. (Image source: Acadian Plant Health)
Hydro-Mix XI provides instantaneous feedback to the control system to reach the correct moisture targets. (Image source: Hydronix)
The partnership was officially launched at a dialogue hosted by the SIF, the World Economic Forum and the Global Commission on the Economics of Water (GCEW). (Image source: SIF)
New Holland aims to bring autonomous solutions across all segments it serves, particularly in the speciality crop market. (Image source: CNH)
DSM-firmenich and BESTMIX software, through their partnership, unlock the value of sustainable feed production with Sustell. (Image source: BESTMIX Software)
The platform, the first resource of its kind is focused specifically on Europe and Central Asia. (Image source: FAO)
John Deere debuted five new P-Tier Skid Steer Loaders and Compact Track Loaders. (Image source: John Deere)
