Glacier FarmMedia – Nine hundred to 1,000 new combines are sold every year in Australia, according to the Tractor and Machinery Association of Australia. Of those new combines, 25 to 30 per cent are equipped with weed seed destructors. “It’s taken off to the level where … there’s a few hundred being sold (with seed […] Read more
Machinery
Weed seed destructors gain ground among producers
Attaching a hammer mill to a combine is catching on in Australia, but North American farmers have been more cautious
Claas, Trimble develop new GPS steering system
New system from Trimble and Class uses one user interface
Glacier FarmMedia – Trimble and Claas have developed a new GPS steering system for Claas tractors, combine harvesters and forage harvesters. The joint development includes satellite-based steering, precision farming and the ISOBUS infrastructure, including task management. Frank Buschmeier, Trimble’s marketing director, said the agreement was focused on improving the user experience within the cab. “Having […] Read more
What’s next for precision spray application?
It’s AI technologies that incorporate a deeper learning, says Australian expert
Guy Coleman, precision weed control researcher at the University of Sydney, says incorporating deep-learning capabilities into sprayer artificial intelligence (AI) systems will allow for ever more efficient weed control while reducing inputs and resistance risk. “Australia has had a long battle with resistance. That’s why I guess some of this technology is being developed out […] Read more
CNH sees headwinds easing in 2023 after strong fourth-quarter results
Long-running strikes end at two CNH plants in U.S.
Reuters — CNH Industrial said on Thursday its 2023 net sales of industrial activities would grow by between six and 10 per cent, after the group posted stronger-than-expected results in the last quarter of 2022. The industry faced several headwinds in 2022, including a choppy supply chain and inflation, but late in the year these […] Read more
Feds back BHP potash mine for sustainable tech
Fund to provide $100M for electrifying equipment
Major miner BHP’s potash mine-in-progress in Saskatchewan has picked up $100 million in federal funding to go toward investments in low-emissions equipment. Federal Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne on Monday announced BHP’s Saskatoon-based Canadian arm will get backing from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) for the mine at Jansen, Sask., about […] Read more
Case IH debuts a fully autonomous Trident spreader
The brand says it’s the first of many market-ready autonomous machines to come
Glacier FarmMedia – Six years ago, Case IH dazzled the crowd at the United States’ Farm Progress Show held in Boone, Iowa, with its concept fully autonomous, cab-less Magnum tractor. That year, the Case IH exhibit attracted large crowds on each day of the event, as everyone vied for a close-up look at the robotic […] Read more
Imperial Oil clears Edmonton renewable diesel plant for construction
Quick decision motivated in part by need for feedstocks such as canola oil, company says
Reuters — Imperial Oil on Thursday announced approval for an investment of $720 million to build Canada’s largest renewable diesel facility at its Strathcona refinery near Edmonton. The Calgary-based company said the facility will produce 20,000 barrels per day of renewable diesel and is expected to start production in 2025. Imperial expects regulatory approval for […] Read more
Germany considering withdrawal from crop-based biofuels by 2030
Lawmakers seek to boost biofuel made from wastes
Hamburg | Reuters — Germany’s government is considering proposals to phase out the use of biofuels produced from food or animal feed crops by 2030, the German biofuels industry association (VDB) said on Tuesday, adding the measure could increase carbon emissions. German environment minister Steffi Lemke said Jan. 17 she will soon send proposals to […] Read more
Ritchie Bros. raises cash payout in bid for IAA
Activist investor Starboard Value buys into Ritchie
Reuters — Canada’s Ritchie Bros. on Monday sweetened the cash component of its buyout offer for IAA Inc. by 28 per cent, valuing the U.S. auto retailer at US$5.94 billion, and also secured the backing of a key IAA shareholder which had questioned the initial offer. The latest cash-and-stock offer at $44.40 per share, will […] Read more
Farm equipment demand to remain high, but more price hikes likely
It may take until 2024 before manufacturers are able to catch up from supply chain woes
Glacier FarmMedia – Demand for farm equipment should remain high through 2023 despite higher interest rates and projected price increases, according to a new report from Farm Credit Canada (FCC). Much of the demand stems from relatively high commodity prices and strong farm cash receipts, but the COVID-era supply chain hangover is also a factor. […] Read more
