Scientists battle over origins of the peanut
Just how old is the humble but delicious peanut? It may not be a question that comes to mind as you pop another handful of moreish salty snacks in your mouth but it has been a hot topic of debate amongst plant geneticists. Competing studies published in the journal Nature Genetics in 2019 broke researchers […]
Winter crop plantings boosted by driving rain
For the major winter crops, the area planted to wheat is forecast to increase by 27 per cent to almost 13 million hectares. While the area planted to barley is forecast to increase by 8 per cent to just under 4.4 million hectares. Falls in barley prices in early May occurred in the midst of […]
Agriculture outlook dominated by recovery from drought
The latest forecast from Agricultural experts identifies the recovery from drought as dominating the very positive near-term outlook for higher farm incomes. Even the COVID-19 pandemic that has presented its own challenges has been brushed off in a flurry that has seen dusty old planters heading for cropping paddocks. Better seasonal conditions are expected to […]
John Deere 4-series self-propelled sprayers take a leap of faith
John Deere is making a push for more market share with the 4-Series self-propelled sprayer range available to order now. Deere intends to entice buyers by offering updates aimed at greater efficiency from these 2021 models with improvements to operational traction. While also offering operators a much quieter ride than previous models and easier management […]
Robotic weeder takes over from herbicides
Mechanical weeders fell out of use when targeted herbicides arrived, but with the build-up of undesirable ground chemicals, the robots are set to make a comeback. Mechanical weeding has obvious appeal for organic farmers, they deliver a safer weed control method. But in addition, as herbicides are becoming less effective, mainstream growers are also looking […]
John Deere X Series combine harvesters move into high capacity
John Deere is adding two X Series combines to its range that will appeal to large-scale farmers and contractors. The X9 1000 and X9 1100 harvesters represent a capacity and performance level that John Deere harvesting has not offered previously and in addition these models also have the ability to adjust to changing conditions automatically. […]
Lemken announces it will end sprayer production this year
Based on the rise in demand for sustainable crop care and facing ever tighter regulations around use of agricultural chemicals, Lemken of Germany has announced it will cease production of conventional crop sprayers. Lemken has been building sprayers for 10 years but never achieved significant market penetration with its machines. Instead, the company intends to […]
Case IH LB4XL large square baler range debuts with significant updates
With extended drought conditions across much of Australia over recent years and the need for unprecedented amounts of supplementary feed, balers have been in high demand. With that demand forecast to continue, Case IH has announced some timely upgrades for its range of both square and round balers. “Many farmers invested in a new baler […]
Case IH 250 Series combines get AFS Harvest Command automation
Combine harvester automation is one of the most rapidly evolving sectors of precision farming technology and Case IH is at the forefront with the incorporation of AFS Harvest Command into its latest 250 Series machines. Combine automation allows for settings such as rotor speed, rotor cage vane angle, cleaning fan speed, and sieve positions to […]
Agrointelli Robotti autonomous tool carrier switches to Velodyne sensors
Agrointelli is a Danish-based developer of intelligent farming solutions. The company’s Robotti autonomous tool carrier is designed to accommodate a range of farm implements via a standard 3-point linkage hitch. A new agreement with Velodyne will see the Robotti fitted with Velodyne’s Puck lidar sensors for safe and efficient navigation. Robotti supports a wide range […]