Technology

No continent will be struck as severely by climate change as Africa. Due to the continent’s limited adaptive capacity, exacerbated by widespread poverty, climate change is a grave threat to economic growth and the livelihoods of vulnerable populations.

This well-known German manufacturer of chainsaws and other handheld equipment offers brushcutters, augers, water pumps, cultivators and other essential tools in its new range.

Case IH has launched its Austoft 8010 and 8810 sugar cane harvesters on the Africa and Middle Eastern markets.

A bike’s tyre pressure and condition are even more important than on a car. Jake Venter explains the different chain types and how to maintain them.

Husqvarna is known the world over for the toughness of its zero-turn lawnmowers.

Agriculture has reached a critical point. Farmers are trying to meet the global challenge of providing nutritious food for a rapidly growing population constantly demanding healthier food.

John Deere’s new PIN code locking system helps deter the theft of valuable GreenStar in-cab displays and StarFire satellite receivers.

Recent breakthroughs in gene editing technology mean that advancements in the industry can be brought to the farm faster, cheaper and more accurately than before. The result is plants and livestock that are naturally more resistant to disease, crops that are higher-yielding, and ultimately, more sustainable, profitable farms.

Kubota South Africa is committed to working with its customers to adapt to industry trends. One market it has specifically focused on is orchards, with a range of open-station and cab narrow tractors.

AGCO has acquired the forage division of the Lely Group, a leading manufacturer of balers and loader wagons in Europe.

The GridCON research project and its electric cable powered tractor are part of John Deere’s continued efforts to electrify agricultural machinery, and offers new opportunities for farms to supply their own energy.

The argument against beef production is gaining momentum, with the industry being accused, often inaccurately, of significantly increasing greenhouse gas emissions. However, climate-smart farming and improving productivity can reduce emissions.

New technological developments have triggered a demand for more sophisticated machine operators as well as improved training.

Agricultural tyres are essential to food and fibre production, yet their importance is often overlooked. Dilip Vaidya, president and director of technology for off-highway tyre manufacturer BKT Tires, speaks to Lloyd Phillips about global trends in the requirements for agricultural tyres.

Dr Willem de Clercq, a researcher at the Water Institute at Stellenbosch University, says that all farmers, and especially those who practise conservation agriculture, need to approach irrigation in a holistic manner that will ensure sustainable production.

The battery has been around for 200 years, and has essentially changed little. Jake Venter explores this brilliant device that is integral to the motor industry.

Total’s TRACTAGRI HDX 15W-40 high-performance motor oil has been specifically designed for turbocharged and naturally aspirated engines, and can be used in tractors and other agricultural machinery.

A unique blend of go-anywhere family car and tough, practical pickup, the double cab bakkie appeals to a wide spectrum of users. Johannes Letsohla recently tested the Ford Ranger Wildtrak 3.2TDCi to understand why it is one of the most popular bakkies in this class.

A locally developed irrigation system designed to transport water directly to plants’ roots and thus eliminate evaporation has achieved outstanding success in trials.

New Holland recently received an international award for its concept tractor, which offers huge savings in running costs.