Technology

Keep track of your machinery inventory, identify each machine, track the engine hours and carbon footprint, produce a workday log and more with Husqvarna Fleet Services.

Across the world, food consumption patterns are undergoing vast changes, necessitating changes in the agricultural landscape. Lindi Botha spoke to Mark Hassenkamp, agri-tech adviser to Blue Horizon Corporation, which holds a portfolio of companies including Red Sun Hortitech, Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, about the movement towards plant- and insect-based proteins, and the impact this will have on agriculture.

The new John Deere 8 Series tractor range features robust, versatile machines designed to offer operators massive power and supreme comfort.

While building up a soya bean farming operation, you might not have the resources to invest in a combine harvester, especially one with a flexible cutter bar. Fortunately, Agrico’s HSD630 range of high-speed disc harrows can help you get the most out of your crop, says Stehan Cloete.

A surprising number of farmers do not take the trouble to learn more about their vehicles. You can save time and money by getting to know the basics or even tackling the job yourself. Jake Venter explains the essentials, and how to identify a few potential problems.

The growing scarcity of farm labour due to factors such as urbanisation will see an increase in the demand for self-driving farm equipment. In response to this, John Deere recently unveiled its latest autonomous concept tractor, an all-electric model.

Kubota has partnered with Escorts Ltd to produce the E-Kubota tractor range, which caters to all farmers, regardless of scale. These tractors are sure to find a ready market in South Africa.

Caring for the indigenous vegetation on a farm not only helps protect plant species from extinction, but benefits the production of crops in several crucial ways. Glenneis Kriel spoke to Cape Nature botanist Rupert Koopman and Stellenbosch University researcher Rhoda Malgas.

A farmers’ day in Paarl afforded wine farmers the chance to look at some of the best viticulture equipment from Italy.

Mercedes-Benz’s X-Class double cabs are perfect for city-based CEOs who dream of one day retiring to the family farm, or for those mega farmers who find themselves spending more time in the boardroom than on the farm. Denene Erasmus carefully test drove one.

Several Argentinian implements were showcased at a farmers’ day that focused on no-till and conservation farming.

Erik de Vries, a director at precision farming consultancy Agri Technovation, says the number and diversity of data points generated by precision agriculture technologies require capable central platforms to allow the information to add value to farming businesses.