Equipment

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

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.

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

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.

The Orbitrap Exploris EFOX is designed to deliver rapid, reliable results for laboratories that must meet strict safety standards.(Image credit: ThermoFisher Scientific)

Thermo Fisher Scientific, a global leader in scientific innovation, has introduced the Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Exploris EFOX Mass Detector — the world’s first high-resolution accurate mass (HRAM) Orbitrap system created specifically for environmental and food safety testing

This breakthrough marks a major step forward in protecting public health and agricultural sustainability, particularly in monitoring contaminants such as PFAS, pesticides, and other harmful residues in food and water.

The Orbitrap Exploris EFOX (Environmental and Food Organic Xenobiotics) is designed to deliver rapid, reliable results for laboratories that must meet strict safety standards. Traditional high-resolution systems are often adapted from research platforms, but this model is purpose-built for routine testing. It provides the same research-grade precision found in deep protein and small molecule analysis while being simple enough for everyday use. With minimal setup, laboratories can move from sample to result within minutes, maintaining both data quality and high throughput.

“As environmental and food safety laboratories face mounting pressure to deliver faster, more accurate results under tight budgets and stringent regulatory requirements, the Orbitrap Exploris EFOX significantly lightens the workload for PFAS, pesticides and other contaminant testing,” said Lidija Raicevic, vice president and environmental and food safety lead, Thermo Fisher Scientific. “Offering an easy-to-use high-resolution mass detector helps ensure more labs can conduct critical full-scan, accurate mass high-resolution data monitoring, provide local testing across more areas of concern and ultimately accelerate quality controls to make our environment and food safer.”

The Orbitrap Exploris EFOX captures complete, high-resolution data from every sample, allowing laboratories to perform retrospective analysis identifying new contaminants without needing to reprocess samples. This feature saves both time and cost while keeping labs ahead of evolving safety regulations.

Built-in workflows for key environmental pollutants streamline compliance and testing, cutting months off method development and reducing operational costs. The system integrates seamlessly with Chromeleon Chromatography Data System (CDS), offering an intuitive interface for data processing and reporting. Combined with the Thermo Scientific Vanquish dual channel UHPLC, users gain greater confidence, flexibility, and productivity.

Alongside the EFOX model, Thermo Fisher continues to support triple quadrupole workflows with the TSQ Altis Plus EFOX MS, tailored for environmental and food applications, reinforcing its leadership in sustainable, safety-driven science.

The collaboration brings together Mahindra’s advanced tractor engineering and CEAT’s trusted tyre technology. (Image credit: Mahindra)

In a significant boost to global agricultural innovation, CEAT Specialty has partnered with Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) for the launch of the next-generation OJA tractor range in Australia

The collaboration brings together Mahindra’s advanced tractor engineering and CEAT’s trusted tyre technology, both designed to enhance performance and durability in challenging farming environments.

The OJA series, introduced in Brisbane in September 2025, represents Mahindra’s commitment to modern, efficient, and farmer-friendly machinery. As the world’s largest tractor manufacturer by volume, Mahindra has chosen CEAT as its first-source tyre supplier for this new generation of tractors. Ahead of the launch, CEAT supplied complete, ready-to-fit tyre assemblies from its Ambernath facility, ensuring seamless integration for both Farm/Industrial and Turf applications.

CEAT Specialty’s tyres are already well-recognised in Australia for their reliability across diverse terrain. The company’s engineering team worked closely with Mahindra’s experts to create a range of tyres tailored to Australian agricultural needs. The line-up includes:

FARMAX – delivering superior traction and long-lasting durability for farming.

TYROCK Super X3 – engineered for industrial performance with loaders and backhoes.

TURF XL – ensuring gentle soil compaction and smooth operation for hobby farmers.

Built tough to withstand Australia’s demanding conditions, Mahindra’s OJA tractors combine power, comfort, and advanced features. With innovations such as a button-operated PTO, digital driver display, enhanced hydraulics, and power steering, these tractors offer precision and ease for both professional and small-scale farmers.

Amit Tolani, Chief Executive of CEAT Specialty, said: “We are proud to partner with Mahindra once again, this time for their future-ready OJA launch in Australia. Our tyres are engineered to deliver performance across industries and applications. This partnership is another step forward in our journey with Mahindra, and a strong example of how CEAT is enabling farmers worldwide with trusted, efficient products.”

Ravindra S Shahane, Head of Global Product Planning & International Operations at M&M, said, “We are proud to introduce the globally acclaimed Mahindra OJA tractor range in an important market like Australia… This extension into Australia further strengthens the bond between the two brands.”

Through this partnership, CEAT Specialty strengthens its role as a global OEM partner, empowering farmers with dependable, high-performance tyres that support modern agriculture worldwide.

Agrico Web Control offers a cutting-edge solution for farmers seeking efficiency.

Agrico Web Control is redefining how farmers manage irrigation, offering a fully remote and intelligent system that can be accessed from any internet-connected device

This innovative solution allows users to oversee and operate all aspects of their irrigation infrastructure from centre pivots to pumps through a single, integrated platform.

Designed to simplify the complexities of large-scale farming operations, Web Control gives farmers real-time visibility and control over key elements such as dam levels, valves, irrigation blocks, and pump stations. Whether you're in the field or across the globe, you can monitor and manage your irrigation systems with just a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

One of the standout features is Agrico Advanced RAIN, which automates centre pivot irrigation based on water pressure. It helps detect and alert users to any system irregularities, enabling swift response and reducing downtime. Key capabilities include detailed sector configuration, alert triggers, historical performance tracking, and instant SMS or missed call notifications when status changes occur.

Complementing this is the Agrico Pump Controller, which ensures efficient and intelligent pump management. It supports a variety of starter systems including direct-on-line, star-delta, soft starters, and variable speed drives (VSDs). This tool automates operations, optimises energy use, and supports the integration of additional sensors for flow, vibration, and level monitoring.

A notable enhancement to the platform is its GPS-based end-pressure control. Especially useful for farms with uneven terrain, this feature allows the system to track the final tower in a centre pivot and monitor pressure levels at that point. When possible, the pump’s speed is automatically reduced, conserving energy without compromising performance.

Salinla Seehaphan, Corporate Affairs Director, Nestlé (Thai) Ltd., said,“Marketing cannot be done the same way year after year and expect different results it’s madness.”

With energy-saving features, intelligent automation, and comprehensive system integration, Agrico Web Control offers a cutting-edge solution for farmers seeking efficiency, sustainability, and precision in irrigation. 

Roads and access points must be wide and clear enough for emergency vehicles.(Image credit: Husqvarna)

With rising global temperatures driving up the risk of wildfires, farmers across the Western Cape are being urged to take fire preparedness more seriously than ever

According to the Winelands Fire Protection Association, a single-degree increase in temperature raises the risk of fire by nearly 30%. This wasn’t just a statistic in theory during the summer of 2023/2024, over 6,000 fires tore through nearly 100,000 hectares in the region, marking one of the worst fire seasons in recent memory.

As another hot, dry summer approaches, Stefan de Ridder, chairperson of the association, has issued a stark warning: “It’s going to be another hell-raiser unless farmers focus on minimising the risks.” Beyond the physical destruction fires can bring, the legal and financial responsibilities weigh heavily on landowners. “If a fire starts on your farm, you’re legally and financially liable for all the damage it causes to other properties,” he explains.

Despite the common practice of creating firebreaks, de Ridder stresses that these alone are not enough. Comprehensive fire readiness involves a combination of access, equipment, training, and understanding the environment. Roads and access points must be wide and clear enough for emergency vehicles, while tools such as chainsaws, water pumps, and fire beaters need to be in good working order. Staff should be properly trained in fire response and provided with protective gear, while emergency contact numbers should be easily accessible.

Reliable water access is another essential factor. In many cases, farms rely on electricity to pump water which may not be an option during power outages. This is where portable, petrol-powered pumps come in. De Ridder particularly recommends high-pressure units for tackling underground fires, especially in sensitive areas like fynbos where roots may continue to smoulder unseen.

Understanding how different vegetation behaves during a fire is also critical. Trees like gum and even green pinecones can explode when burning, increasing danger and spreading fire more rapidly. That’s why periodic, controlled burns are sometimes necessary not just for safety, but for the health of the ecosystem. “Periodic fires are therefore essential for protea germination and sustainability,” de Ridder says, “and when they aren’t burnt, old proteas die and become hazardous fire fuel.”

He trusts Husqvarna equipment for this work, citing the brand’s reliability, affordability, and portability. “The W25P is great for transferring water and the 321SP high-pressure pump means I don’t have to dig up fynbos roots to make sure they’re not alight.”

De Ridder’s fire-fighting approach includes strategically placing vehicles equipped with pumps and water tanks near hotspots, turning natural water sources like streams into assets during a fire. “Fire is a natural part of our ecosystems,” he concludes. “So we need to be prepared. With the right tools and knowledge, we can protect our farms and ensure their resilience in the face of wildfires.”