Equipment

One effective method being adopted by many modern farms is the use of Pure Hypochlorous Acid (PHA)(Image credit: Hydroponic Systems)

Irrigation systems often face wear and tear over time, but few growers realise that the water itself can be one of the main culprits behind this deterioration

According to the team at Hydroponic System, “Growers rarely consider water as an agent that accelerates the deterioration of their infrastructure. However, irrigation water can carry microorganisms, sediments, and organic compounds that form biofilms inside gutters, drip systems, filters, and pipes.” These biofilms not only cause blockages and disrupt irrigation uniformity, but also accelerate biological corrosion, which shortens the life of these systems. That’s why installing a dedicated water disinfection system is increasingly being seen not just as a hygiene solution but as a long-term investment in infrastructure.

One effective method being adopted by many modern farms is the use of Pure Hypochlorous Acid (PHA). This disinfectant is broad-spectrum and cost-effective to generate on-site. It works efficiently against bacteria, fungi, algae, and especially biofilms that form in pipes and other parts of irrigation networks. Unlike harsher chemicals, PHA doesn’t corrode plastic or metal components when used correctly. It's safe for continuous use in recirculating systems and is even suitable for organic farming. “Installing a water disinfection system for agricultural use is not only a sanitary measure but also an investment in the durability of channels and pipes.”

By preventing biofilm buildup, PHA keeps internal surfaces clean, reduces friction and corrosion, and helps maintain steady water flow. This is essential for avoiding water stress and achieving uniform irrigation—especially important in high-value crops like strawberries, cherry tomatoes, or peppers. It also lowers the need for harsh mechanical cleaning, aggressive flushing, or early pipe replacements, helping farmers cut down on maintenance time and costs.

In dry regions where pad-and-fan cooling systems are common, PHA also extends the life of water-contact parts. Compared to other treatments, it stands out for its balance between effectiveness and material safety. While chlorine and hypochlorite are powerful, they can damage seals and plastics. UV systems help in pretreatment but don't eliminate existing biofilm. Peroxides may aid oxygenation but offer limited long-term protection. PHA, by contrast, works continuously, supports beneficial microbes, and is well-suited for systems with recirculation, external piping, or open gutters.

PHA systems are especially valuable in greenhouses that reuse drainage water, where pathogen and biofilm build-up is a frequent issue. They’re also ideal for farms dealing with clogged drippers or routine pipe replacements. When correctly sized, a PHA unit reduces chemical and labour demands and enables remote monitoring, often paying for itself within just a few crop cycles. Ultimately, treating irrigation water with PHA is both a preventative and protective measure that enhances system reliability and longevity, contributing to healthier crops and more profitable operations.

Biobest has introduced the Entomatic Handheld. (Image credit: Biobest)

Biobest has introduced the Entomatic Handheld, a portable mite and insect dispenser engineered to deliver biological pest control with greater precision, flexibility, and user comfort

Developed in collaboration with Hortiworld, this compact, ergonomic device is tailored for confined or irregular growing environments where targeted application is key.

Designed for growers of linear crops such as strawberries, as well as greenhouses, ornamental nurseries, and small-scale or variable-layout operations, the Entomatic Handheld is a game-changer in Integrated Pest Management (IPM).“The unit is designed for focused, even distribution of beneficials such as Phytoseiulus persimilis, Amblyseius cucumeris, Orius laevigatus, and Franklinothrips,” said Sam Gui, market development manager for High Tech IPM at Biobest.

For growers working with Amblyseius swirskii, the unit can simultaneously dispense Nutrimite, Biobest’s supplementary feed, making pest control even more effective. Adjustable rotator and fan speeds allow for application customisation depending on crop type and setting, while a removable hopper lid doubles as a stand - ideal for quick, efficient refills.

The Entomatic Handheld delivers blanket treatments up to three meters wide, perfect for ornamental potted plants. It also features a snout attachment for accurate, row-by-row application in narrow, linear crops. “The vertical slim design makes it easy to turn and walk in tight spaces,” added Gui.

The innovation also boasts lower mite mortality rates compared to other handheld dispensers and supports bulk loose formats, reducing the need for single-use packaging. This highlights Biobest’s focus on sustainable, grower-friendly solutions that not only protect crops but also promote environmentally conscious farming practices.

Whether you’re operating a high-tech glasshouse or a small ornamental nursery, the Entomatic Handheld is designed to help you achieve faster, more efficient, and more precise biological control outcomes.

A new front axle improves ride comfort and tightens the turning circle, while retaining the compact dimensions that define this range. (Image credit: New Holland)

The latest New Holland T7 Standard Wheelbase (SWB) tractors bring impressive advancements to the 180-225hp segment, offering enhanced efficiency, smoother operation, and cutting-edge technology

A new front axle improves ride comfort and tightens the turning circle, while retaining the compact dimensions that define this range. Additionally, the T7 SWB tractors now sport the striking Dynamic Blue colour, which will feature across future New Holland models.

“We’ve completely reimagined the key design features of the T7 Standard Wheelbase tractor range,” said Manfred Pfleger, Global Product Manager at New Holland. “Significant upgrades include a new cab design, a new operator interface and armrest, and a more compact front end. These changes aim to boost productivity and performance while ensuring greater comfort and control.”

One notable achievement is the T7.225 with Dynamic Command transmission, which set a new benchmark at the German DLG test centre. It achieved best-in-class PowerMix fuel efficiency in its power class, using just 243g/kWh. The new front axle, available in both standard and heavy-duty versions, features dual accumulators for a faster, smoother response. It also reduces the turning circle by 17%, improving headland turns and making the tractor more manoeuvrable.

Despite having the same 2,789mm wheelbase as previous models, the new T7 SWB tractors can now handle a maximum permissible gross vehicle weight of 13.5t and a higher maximum payload of 5.5t, making them leaders in their segment. The sloping bonnet enhances forward visibility and houses the Stage V FPT NEF 6.7-litre engine, which boasts a 750-hour service interval. Fuel and AdBlue/DEF capacities have been increased to 350 litres and 48 litres, respectively. The NEF engine’s new power curve delivers maximum power at a lower engine speed, reducing both fuel consumption and noise.

The T7.180, T7.190, and T7.210 models can be specified with the new 3x1-range Auto Command CVT, while the T7.225 offers a choice between Dynamic Command and Auto Command transmissions. These new transmissions deliver improved performance, with the Dynamic Command providing 24F/24R speeds and the Auto Command offering a 55kph top speed.

For greater comfort and productivity, the T7 SWB tractors feature an upgraded operator interface, including a new SideWinder armrest, IntelliView 12 touchscreen display, and refined CommandGrip multifunction handle. The cabin is more spacious, with improved climate control, expanded storage, and better accessibility to hydraulic and electrical connections.

As standard, all models come with Connectivity Included, enabling data-driven efficiency and remote dealer support for updates and diagnostics.

UC7 Plus helps farmers and crop service providers lower inputs. (Image Credit:

Topcon Agriculture has launched the UC7 Plus, the next generation of its boom height control technology for agricultural spraying applications

Built on the solid foundation of Topcon’s Norac boom height control systems, the UC7 Plus helps farmers and crop service providers lower inputs, improve crop performance, and reduce equipment maintenance costs with enhanced spray control and height management capabilities.

The new technology is compatible with most self-propelled and pull-type sprayers, and features advanced sensor technology designed to boost performance and reliability. The UC7 Plus includes the dynamic chassis sensor (DCS-1) to improve the stability and responsiveness of the boom control system. Additionally, the latest MS-1 sensors with MAX Sense ultrasonic technology enhance performance even in challenging terrains. These sensors are built to endure tough field conditions with features such as corrosion-resistant GF nylon housing, a protective transducer screen, and multi-axis vents.

Nick Townsend, Vice President of Topcon Agriculture, highlighted the benefits of the technology. “The combination of proven legacy solutions with the latest in precision technology serves up an extreme opportunity for lower operating and input costs, and lower equipment repair costs,” he said. “Spraying system advances increasingly provide farmers and service providers with an opportunity to achieve a greater return on investment on their equipment, either through upgrades or new investments. The UC7 Plus directly drives those savings.”

The UC7 Plus technology also supports sustainability efforts by ensuring that only the necessary amount of spray is applied where needed, helping farmers achieve optimal crop performance while meeting compliance standards and saving on costs. Furthermore, the technology significantly reduces operator stress and fatigue by automating boom height adjustments to match land contours, removing the need for constant monitoring of field terrain.

With improved spraying performance by up to 30%, according to Topcon’s testing data, the UC7 Plus provides a practical and efficient solution for farmers, offering incremental upgrades to existing systems and further cost-saving potential.

This collaboration integrates their platforms, offering users the ability to monitor and track their assets. (Image credit: Razor Tracking)

 CLAAS and Razor Tracking have formed a strategic partnership to enhance farm equipment management and support vehicle tracking

This collaboration integrates their platforms, offering users the ability to monitor and track their assets across both Razor Tracking and CLAAS Connect platforms.

The integration allows farmers to view their equipment, service vehicles, and non-powered assets in real-time. Razor Tracking devices not only provide GPS location but also offer valuable insights such as vehicle VIN, fuel levels, operating hours, engine status, location history, heading, weather overlays, and speed. This comprehensive data ensures better visibility, helping farmers ensure crew members are working in the correct fields and making deliveries to the right locations, ultimately improving operational transparency.

Eric Raby, Senior Vice President of CLAAS Americas, highlighted the importance of smart logistics in modern agriculture. “Knowledge is power. Nowhere is that more evident than on a modern farm where smart logistics and equipment tracking are crucial for saving both time and money,” he said. This partnership seeks to streamline fleet management, extending its capabilities beyond CLAAS equipment, offering a robust solution to optimise farming operations.

Eric Mauch, Managing Partner of Razor Tracking, also emphasised the value of the partnership. “We’re proud to be a GPS Telematics integration partner with CLAAS in North America,” he stated. “This partnership combines our advanced GPS tracking technology with our deep roots in agriculture, allowing customers to seamlessly monitor and manage all of their equipment across multiple farm locations from one powerful platform.”

By merging the strengths of both companies, this integration aims to provide farmers with a more efficient and transparent way to manage their fleets, improving decision-making and overall farm productivity. With the combined power of Razor Tracking's telematics technology and CLAAS' expertise, the partnership offers a holistic solution for equipment tracking and fleet management in the agricultural sector.

The partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to innovation and grower support. (Image credit: Biobest)

Biobest and Bogaerts Greenhouse Logistics have teamed up to launch the Plug In—a new innovation that connects Biobest’s Entomatic dispenser with Bogaerts’ Qii-Jet TAV spraying robot, enabling growers to streamline their operations and enhance pest control efficiency

The Plug In consists of both electrical and mechanical upgrades, designed to allow seamless integration between the two systems. This development brings together cutting-edge biological pest control and automated greenhouse logistics, giving growers a single, unified solution for efficient and sustainable crop protection.

Entomatic, Biobest’s automated insect dispenser, is known for its precise and even release of beneficial insects throughout greenhouse crops. It is a modular system made up of a dosing unit, control panel, and blowers, typically mounted on pipe rail trolleys used in greenhouses.

Thanks to this new partnership, growers can now mount the Plug In on existing Qii-Jet systems, or order new ones that come with it pre-installed. The innovation includes hardware changes to support better cabling, along with software updates that allow users to control both the spraying trolley and the insect dosing unit from a single interface.

Sam Gui, Biobest’s Development Manager for High-Tech Integrated Pest Management (IPM), emphasised the significance of the collaboration and said,"The two companies will continue to collaborate. Our customers often face the same challenges. By combining expertise, we will develop practical solutions that simplify operational management for growers - the Plug In is just a taste of what's to come."

This integration does more than simplify operations—it saves time, improves precision, and enhances sustainable practices in crop protection.

"With the new Plug In, using Entomatic is now as simple as other spraying systems," said Gui. "Improving the compatibility of the two systems saves time, improves application and enhances sustainable crop protection for growers. This collaboration allows us to effectively support growers to invest in a sustainable future for horticulture," he added.

The partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to innovation and grower support, with both companies aiming to reduce complexity in greenhouse operations while promoting environmentally conscious pest control methods.

With the Plug In, Biobest and Bogaerts are setting the stage for more integrated and efficient greenhouse automation solutions—reflecting a forward-thinking approach to agriculture and crop management.