Technology

Many of the innovations at the Agritechnica 2017 awards were aimed at making the work of the machine operator easier. Joe Spencer reports on two examples.

New Holland recently exhibited a concept tractor powered by methane at the Farm Progress Show in Illinois, the largest outdoor farm event in the US.

Measuring soil moisture content and water extraction has an obvious advantage: more efficient water use. In addition, it creates an optimal environment in which plants can grow and utilise fertilisers more effectively. Dirk Mercker from DFM Technologies spoke to Gerhard Uys.

More than 320 new product registrations were received for this year’s Agritechnica, the world’s top agricultural machinery trade fair.

This Irish company’s first self-propelled mixer took the Innovation Arena Award at Europe’s largest outdoor agricultural machinery show.

New Farmtrac tractors, an imported sprayer, and solidly built livestock transporters were among the items that caught my eye at Eston this year.

In the two decades since their introduction, commercially produced genetically modified (GM)crops have revolutionised global agriculture. Love them or hate them, they are here to stay. Dr Hennie Groenewald, executive manager of Biosafety South Africa, provides an overview of the past, present and future of GM crops.

John Deere has integrated the latest automated technology in the combines and headers it is introducing in the UK for the 2018 harvest season.

Landini’s Landforce, Landpower and 7-Series tractors feature new styling and advanced features, and offer a wide choice for prospective customers in the larger utility tractor segment.

SA’s fresh produce waste crisis can be addressed through smallholder co-operatives, says Dr Justy Range, business development manager, Freshmark Systems

Two leading tractor manufacturers in India are expanding their operations., Joe Spencer reports.

Seamless connectivity between machine and operator is at the heart of John Deere’s latest FarmSight precision farming solutions. Joe Spencer reports.

Technology and education are improving the lives of even small-scale growers, says Dr Justy Range, business development manager, Freshmark Systems.

With a Rotamaster, a small-scale poultry producer can slaughter birds every day if required, and so boost profits.

Travelling on a dirt road can be a bumpy and, more often than not, dirty experience. But as much as these roads can be frustrating to drive on, they can also be a great experience.

With the cost of feed continually rising, more and more SA beef producers have taken advantage of the growth tests offered by the Agricultural Research Council’s bull testing centres. ARC research technicians Johan Binedell and Leon de Lange explain how these tests can cut costs.

Local manufacturer, Desmond Equipment, based in Port Shepstone, KZN, recently added two new machines to its Dezzi range. In the meantime, demand for its haulage tractors continues unabated.

With 40% to 60% of all household energy-use spent on water heating, conventional geysers are unaffordable for many South Africans.

Looking for implements for a smaller tractor? Joe Spencer discusses a number of options.

Exhibitors at the National Vegetable Farmers’ Day near Bapsfontein, Ekurhuleni, displayed harvesters, sprayers and planters.