In The Spotlight
The Thulit MF/1200 harrow which is now available in small quantities, will start its series production in March 2025. (Image source: LEMKEN)
LEMKEN presents Thulit MF/1200, its first weeder harrow with more than 12 m working width
The new model is based on the innovative properties of the Thulit MF product series launched last year. The design with four bars and eight rows of harrow tines and hydraulic tine pressure adjustment is unique on the market. The tine pressure can be continuously adjusted from 100 g to 5,000 g across the entire width during travel and remains constant at every setting – for optimum and reliable work results.
The new Thulit MF/1200 comprises five harrow sections, with various folding options available for different applications. For greater ground clearance at the headland, LEMKEN offers the option of folding the weeder harrow into a V position. To do this, the outer folding segments are angled slightly upwards to prevent the tools from coming into contact with the ground. For convenient and safe road transport, the weeder harrow can be folded in on both sides to a transport height of 3.3 m. The automatic transport locking system is active in all variants, making manual intervention a thing of the past.
For the frame, LEMKEN uses torsion-resistant support profiles that guarantees both stability and low weight. The frame design with six support wheels at the front, distributed across the entire working width, has an extremely positive effect on the smooth running of the machine and thus on the guidance of the harrow tines to the soil surface. The Thulit MF/1200 can additionally be operated as a rigid implement or with ground contour adjustment.
Customers opting for the rigid frame will not need the optional support wheels behind the side panels. If the individual working sections of the weeder harrow are to follow the soil horizon at all times, the Thulit must be equipped with additional rear support wheels. This ensures maximum flexibility and perfect working results on hilly terrain. Precisely adjustable trailing harrows on the rear support wheels eradicate wheel marks and leave loosened weeds on the soil surface to dry out.
The Thulit MF/1200 harrow which is now available in small quantities, will start its series production in March 2025.
Ambient Carbon’s mission is to develop and commercialize effective, safe, and scalable technologies that mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Denmark-based company, Ambient Carbon has announced its new partnership with Benton Group Dairies to field-test a prototype of Ambient Carbon’s Methane Eradication Photochemical System (MEPS)
This first-of-a-kind non-invasive technology helps remove methane from airy barn exhaust. Ambient Carbon also has a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Danone North America which sources milk from Benton. This month, the company will install methane monitors at Benton's dairy farm in Ambia, Indiana in preparation for installing and testing a MEPS field prototype in early 2025.
On 2 October, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) released a new report on the need and potential for atmospheric methane removal. MEPS is a point-source methane removal system which is the only scalable, cost-effective solution for eradicating low-concentration (non-flammable) methane from cattle and manure, as well as other point sources. It uses a patented gas-phase photochemical process that combines chlorine atoms and UV light in a reaction chamber, mimicking a natural process of methane destruction in the atmosphere. As dairy barn air is cycled through MEPS, it breaks down methane at its source, preventing its release into the ambient air. The chlorine atoms are generated onsite via electrolysis of saltwater, and after eradicating 80-90% of the methane, the chlorine is recycled in a closed system.
While the Indiana tests are underway, Ambient Carbon will also test another MEPS field prototype in Denmark as part of the AgriFoodTure PERMA Project, which includes Northern European dairy cooperative Arla, and is publicly funded by Innovation Fund Denmark and the EU’s NextGenerationEU.
“We believe that by 2030, Ambient Carbon will be eliminating well over one gigaton of CO2 equivalent annually by destroying methane from dairy barns and other low-concentration methane sources such as wastewater treatment plants and biogas plants,” said Ambient Carbon’s co-founder and COO, David S Miller, while Chris Williams, conservation lead at Benton Dairies also expressed his enthusiasm regarding their collaboration with Ambient Carbon.
South Africa represents around 50% all of southern hemisphere raisin production. (Image source: Raisins SA)
South Africa is solidifying its role as a significant player in the raisin industry, with its raisin production expected to surpass 100,000 tonnes for the first time in 2025
Producers have substantially increased plantings in recent years, with new hectares coming into full production, new cultivars producing better yields and growers reporting healthy vines. This season’s output is forecast to be 150% bigger than a decade ago, as South Africa moves from a middle-ranking international supplier to join heavyweight producers such as Turkey, Iran and the US.
South Africa represents around 50% all of southern hemisphere raisin production, giving its producers the chance to enter markets where there has been a shortage of supply. Moreover, raisins have also gained popularity in recent years.
“Due to climate changes and geographical risks, buyers are looking to diversify a bit more, and South Africa is ready as a supplier of top-quality raisins in terms of food safety and best practice,” said chief executive of industry body Raisins S, Ferdie Botha. “That ultimately ensures a happy and safe consumer.”
So far this season, around 4,700 t of South African raisins have been exported to the UK, with the hope that a total of 10,000 t could be reached by the season’s end. On the ground in South Africa, conditions are looking favourable but growers are continuing to be vigilant for signs of frost as the seasons change from winter into spring. After well-documented issues at the ports in the past two years, Raisins SA stresses that situation has improved, with alternative ports now available and providing the opportunity to decrease shipping times.
"We have made progress as an industry in South Africa, growing volumes in various markets and exposing buyers who do not traditionally buy from us to our exceptional product,” Botha concluded.“We hope that through great client service, exceptional quality and growing volumes, we will become more relevant as a supplier of top-quality product to premium markets.”
Minister Steenhuisen will be conducting bilaterals with his Italian counterpart, Minister Francesco Lollobrigida. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen attended the G7 Agriculture Forum for Africa from 26-27 September
The two-day forum mainly focused on strengthening cooperation between the G7 countries and Africa in the agricultural sector and agriculture investments in Africa. This aligns with one of Minister Steenhuisen's key priorities which is to widen existing trade and cooperation markets and open new ones for South African agricultural products.
Minister Steenhuisen will be conducting bilaterals with his Italian counterpart, Minister Francesco Lollobrigida, where they hope to conclude a memorandum of understanding between the republic of South Africa and the Italian government on cooperation in the field of agriculture and rural development.
In addition, bilaterals were arranged with the World Food Programme, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations and the International Fund of Agriculture Development (IFAD). These bilaterals are aimed at securing cooperation, funding and support for the South African agricultural sector.
Currently at 60% self-sufficiency in home-produced foodstuffs, the aim is to become 100% self-sufficient. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The ongoing SOMMET DE L’ÉLEVAGE (LIVESTOCK SUMMIT) is taking place from 1-4 October in Clermont-Ferrand, France
Hosting 2,000 animals representing 70 different breeds of livestock, 1,700 exhibitors from 35 countries will be attending the event which will also host a packed programme for the expected 120,000 visitors.
As an international business forum, the SOMMET DE L’ÉLEVAGE is also more than 5,000 foreign visitors from over 90 countries, who come to discover French cattle and sheep breeds, and meet suppliers of farm equipment, animal feed and health products, and not forgetting new technologies and the latest industry innovations. As every year, they can expect a VIP welcome with a specific programme of events and activities to include access to the International Lounge, farm visits and the international gala evening, among others.
Known for its long tradition of nomadic livestock farming, Kazakhstan possesses 32 million hectares of croppable land, that’s more than that of France and Germany combined. Known as the number one sheep meat producer in central Asia, Kazakhstan is also the sixth world producer of wheat.
"At a time when agriculture is facing major challenges, our event throws light on the many issues facing livestock farmers, such as replacing the current generation of farmers, young people setting up in business, farmers’ quality of life, improving incomes, climate change, animal welfare, etc," said the show's general manager, Fabrice Berthon. "They come to us to learn more about the challenges they ultimately face. The SOMMET DE L’ÉLEVAGE gives them solutions, ideas and perspectives that they may not find elsewhere. All in the festive, friendly atmosphere for which our event is world renowned. Because that too is all part of the SOMMET, four days of sharing, chatting and laughing, it’s some valuable down time for everyone!"
Sheriff highlighted that the farm offers technical services to citizens interested in fish, vegetable, and poultry farming. (Image source: State House Sierra Leone)
President Julius Maada Bio has successfully harvested 7 tonnes of fish and various agricultural produce from his farm in Mafintha, aiming to demonstrate his commitment to leadership as he works diligently towards achieving the country’s Food Security Agenda
While actively participating in the harvesting of fish, President Bio emphasised the importance of fish farming for all Sierra Leoneans, encouraging even small-scale investments in the sector. He highlighted that locally produced agricultural products are often more nutritious than imported alternatives.
The President urged citizens to actively support and patronise made-in-Sierra Leone products, emphasising that this would not only encourage local farmers but also enhance the economy by putting money into the pockets of those who work tirelessly to cultivate our land. He stressed the importance of viewing agriculture as a viable business opportunity, noting that one does not need to be a professional agriculturist to engage in farming.
Poultry consultant, Petemaa Sheriff shared that the President’s farm produces an impressive 7,600 eggs daily. Sheriff indicated plans to expand operations to further increase production. He noted that the farm utilises locally produced feeds that are 100% organic, ensuring the quality of the eggs for every household.
Sheriff also highlighted that the farm offers technical services to citizens interested in fish, vegetable, and poultry farming. This includes producing local feeds, processing and packaging chicken, growing vegetables, raising small and large ruminants, and providing training for youth on poultry management. A display of fresh farm products, including catfish, tilapia, pepper, eggs, potatoes, and a variety of vegetables climaxed the event.
“I am involved in farming to inspire more Sierra Leoneans to consider agriculture seriously,” President Bio said. “The Feed Salone Initiative is a national programme that we should all embrace, regardless of our political or regional affiliations.”
CommodiTrack is a dynamic, interactive platform that allows users to track, forecast and strategise to improve supply chain resiliency. (Image source: Helios)
Helios Artificial Intelligence, Inc., the leading AI company that predicts the price and availability of agricultural commodities, recently launched CommodiTrack, a revolutionary AI platform that gives agrifood buyers and traders unprecedented access to the climate risks impacting the commodities they care about
CommodiTrack is a dynamic, interactive platform that allows users to track, forecast and strategise to improve supply chain resiliency. The platform uses Helios’ proprietary climate risk data set which includes over 500 billion unique risk signals generated by custom machine learning models specific to more than 50 crops being tracked, rather than generic weather information, giving users a unique advantage to predict where and why disruptions are likely to occur.
CommodiTrack not only transforms how users interact with and interpret agricultural commodity data, but also integrates critical elements such as climate risk factors, price forecasting, demand and supply signals and more — data that was previously scattered or inaccessible — all on one platform, providing not only comprehensive data but also actionable insights.
One of the unique features of CommodiTrack is the WA%R (Weighted Average Risk Ratio), a proprietary metric that quantifies climate risk by assessing the number of high-risk locations within the global market. The higher the WA%R, the greater the likelihood of a price shift for the commodity in question.
The CommodiTrack dashboard also offers a range of features tailored to meet the needs of commodity traders, procurement leaders and market analysts including climate risk analysis, price forecasting & trading signals, trade insights, climate change trends, supply chain visibility and expansive news coverage. While the initial release of the product focused on the top eight globally traded commodities such as corn and wheat, the platform analyses billions of signals in real time to empower organizations to be one step ahead of the market.
“The launch of CommodiTrack is our response to the urgent needs of our customers in the face of increasing climate disruptions. Agrifood buyers and traders have never seen this level of climate and price volatility before, and the tools they’ve historically relied on are no longer working,” said Francisco Martin-Rayo, co-founder and CEO of Helios. “With this new platform, we are democratising access to the world’s best climate risk information so our customers can quickly identify and react to the climate risks impacting their supply chains.”
Minister Steenhuisen will be conducting bilaterals with his Italian counterpart, Minister Francesco Lollobrigida. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen attended the G7 Agriculture Forum for Africa from 26-27 September
The two-day forum mainly focused on strengthening cooperation between the G7 countries and Africa in the agricultural sector and agriculture investments in Africa. This aligns with one of Minister Steenhuisen's key priorities which is to widen existing trade and cooperation markets and open new ones for South African agricultural products.
Minister Steenhuisen will be conducting bilaterals with his Italian counterpart, Minister Francesco Lollobrigida, where they hope to conclude a memorandum of understanding between the republic of South Africa and the Italian government on cooperation in the field of agriculture and rural development.
In addition, bilaterals were arranged with the World Food Programme, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations and the International Fund of Agriculture Development (IFAD). These bilaterals are aimed at securing cooperation, funding and support for the South African agricultural sector.
Currently at 60% self-sufficiency in home-produced foodstuffs, the aim is to become 100% self-sufficient. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
UAE launches expanded US$2mn Global FoodTech Challenge at Clinton Global Initiative 2024 Annual Meeting during the UN General Assembly. (Image source: FoodTech Challenge)
Ambient Carbon’s mission is to develop and commercialize effective, safe, and scalable technologies that mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Denmark-based company, Ambient Carbon has announced its new partnership with Benton Group Dairies to field-test a prototype of Ambient Carbon’s Methane Eradication Photochemical System (MEPS)
This first-of-a-kind non-invasive technology helps remove methane from airy barn exhaust. Ambient Carbon also has a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Danone North America which sources milk from Benton. This month, the company will install methane monitors at Benton's dairy farm in Ambia, Indiana in preparation for installing and testing a MEPS field prototype in early 2025.
On 2 October, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) released a new report on the need and potential for atmospheric methane removal. MEPS is a point-source methane removal system which is the only scalable, cost-effective solution for eradicating low-concentration (non-flammable) methane from cattle and manure, as well as other point sources. It uses a patented gas-phase photochemical process that combines chlorine atoms and UV light in a reaction chamber, mimicking a natural process of methane destruction in the atmosphere. As dairy barn air is cycled through MEPS, it breaks down methane at its source, preventing its release into the ambient air. The chlorine atoms are generated onsite via electrolysis of saltwater, and after eradicating 80-90% of the methane, the chlorine is recycled in a closed system.
While the Indiana tests are underway, Ambient Carbon will also test another MEPS field prototype in Denmark as part of the AgriFoodTure PERMA Project, which includes Northern European dairy cooperative Arla, and is publicly funded by Innovation Fund Denmark and the EU’s NextGenerationEU.
“We believe that by 2030, Ambient Carbon will be eliminating well over one gigaton of CO2 equivalent annually by destroying methane from dairy barns and other low-concentration methane sources such as wastewater treatment plants and biogas plants,” said Ambient Carbon’s co-founder and COO, David S Miller, while Chris Williams, conservation lead at Benton Dairies also expressed his enthusiasm regarding their collaboration with Ambient Carbon.
The project aims to make Somalia self-sufficient in broiler production and contribute to the development of the livestock sector. (Image source: TİKA)
The new FeedMixer App makes feed mixing easier by calculating whether the feed mixtures farmers use contain the right balance of key nutrients, by age, type of chickens, and available ingredients. (Image source: World Poultry Foundation)
South Africa represents around 50% all of southern hemisphere raisin production. (Image source: Raisins SA)
South Africa is solidifying its role as a significant player in the raisin industry, with its raisin production expected to surpass 100,000 tonnes for the first time in 2025
Producers have substantially increased plantings in recent years, with new hectares coming into full production, new cultivars producing better yields and growers reporting healthy vines. This season’s output is forecast to be 150% bigger than a decade ago, as South Africa moves from a middle-ranking international supplier to join heavyweight producers such as Turkey, Iran and the US.
South Africa represents around 50% all of southern hemisphere raisin production, giving its producers the chance to enter markets where there has been a shortage of supply. Moreover, raisins have also gained popularity in recent years.
“Due to climate changes and geographical risks, buyers are looking to diversify a bit more, and South Africa is ready as a supplier of top-quality raisins in terms of food safety and best practice,” said chief executive of industry body Raisins S, Ferdie Botha. “That ultimately ensures a happy and safe consumer.”
So far this season, around 4,700 t of South African raisins have been exported to the UK, with the hope that a total of 10,000 t could be reached by the season’s end. On the ground in South Africa, conditions are looking favourable but growers are continuing to be vigilant for signs of frost as the seasons change from winter into spring. After well-documented issues at the ports in the past two years, Raisins SA stresses that situation has improved, with alternative ports now available and providing the opportunity to decrease shipping times.
"We have made progress as an industry in South Africa, growing volumes in various markets and exposing buyers who do not traditionally buy from us to our exceptional product,” Botha concluded.“We hope that through great client service, exceptional quality and growing volumes, we will become more relevant as a supplier of top-quality product to premium markets.”
Sheriff highlighted that the farm offers technical services to citizens interested in fish, vegetable, and poultry farming. (Image source: State House Sierra Leone)
The programme will create a lasting impact on the agricultural sector, ultimately contributing to food security and improved livelihoods across the continent. (Image source: Praxis Africa Ltd.)
The Thulit MF/1200 harrow which is now available in small quantities, will start its series production in March 2025. (Image source: LEMKEN)
LEMKEN presents Thulit MF/1200, its first weeder harrow with more than 12 m working width
The new model is based on the innovative properties of the Thulit MF product series launched last year. The design with four bars and eight rows of harrow tines and hydraulic tine pressure adjustment is unique on the market. The tine pressure can be continuously adjusted from 100 g to 5,000 g across the entire width during travel and remains constant at every setting – for optimum and reliable work results.
The new Thulit MF/1200 comprises five harrow sections, with various folding options available for different applications. For greater ground clearance at the headland, LEMKEN offers the option of folding the weeder harrow into a V position. To do this, the outer folding segments are angled slightly upwards to prevent the tools from coming into contact with the ground. For convenient and safe road transport, the weeder harrow can be folded in on both sides to a transport height of 3.3 m. The automatic transport locking system is active in all variants, making manual intervention a thing of the past.
For the frame, LEMKEN uses torsion-resistant support profiles that guarantees both stability and low weight. The frame design with six support wheels at the front, distributed across the entire working width, has an extremely positive effect on the smooth running of the machine and thus on the guidance of the harrow tines to the soil surface. The Thulit MF/1200 can additionally be operated as a rigid implement or with ground contour adjustment.
Customers opting for the rigid frame will not need the optional support wheels behind the side panels. If the individual working sections of the weeder harrow are to follow the soil horizon at all times, the Thulit must be equipped with additional rear support wheels. This ensures maximum flexibility and perfect working results on hilly terrain. Precisely adjustable trailing harrows on the rear support wheels eradicate wheel marks and leave loosened weeds on the soil surface to dry out.
The Thulit MF/1200 harrow which is now available in small quantities, will start its series production in March 2025.
CommodiTrack is a dynamic, interactive platform that allows users to track, forecast and strategise to improve supply chain resiliency. (Image source: Helios)
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The Thulit MF/1200 harrow which is now available in small quantities, will start its series production in March 2025. (Image source: LEMKEN)
Ambient Carbon’s mission is to develop and commercialize effective, safe, and scalable technologies that mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
South Africa represents around 50% all of southern hemisphere raisin production. (Image source: Raisins SA)
Sheriff highlighted that the farm offers technical services to citizens interested in fish, vegetable, and poultry farming. (Image source: State House Sierra Leone)
CommodiTrack is a dynamic, interactive platform that allows users to track, forecast and strategise to improve supply chain resiliency. (Image source: Helios)
Advanced Navigation Introduces the Certus Mini Series. (Advanced Navigation)
The programme will create a lasting impact on the agricultural sector, ultimately contributing to food security and improved livelihoods across the continent. (Image source: Praxis Africa Ltd.)
Under both programmes, USDA purchases US-grown commodities and provides them to implementing organisations, including the United Nations World Food Programme. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The project aims to make Somalia self-sufficient in broiler production and contribute to the development of the livestock sector. (Image source: TİKA)
For sub-Saharan African countries, SPACE will once again be a unique event and a valuable driver of growth. (Image source: SPACE)
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The Thulit MF/1200 harrow which is now available in small quantities, will start its series production in March 2025. (Image source: LEMKEN)
CommodiTrack is a dynamic, interactive platform that allows users to track, forecast and strategise to improve supply chain resiliency. (Image source: Helios)
Advanced Navigation Introduces the Certus Mini Series. (Advanced Navigation)
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On the show floor, New Holland will have more than 15 pieces of equipment, from combines to high-horsepower tractors to round balers. (Image source: CNH)
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