The methane revolution is here, and it starts in the tractor cab.(Image credit: New Holland)

Biogas is no longer a buzzword—it’s breaking new ground in the fields. With New Holland’s powerful T7 Methane Power tractor, farmers like Christophe Rousseau in France are proving that clean energy can still pack a punch when it comes to heavy farm work.

A seasoned farmer and biogas innovator, Rousseau recently trialled the prototype of the T7 Methane Power, and the results were impressive: “During the silage season it worked eight hours from nine to five without refuelling,” he noted. The production model will boast 30% more fuel capacity, giving it even more stamina in the field.

The T7 builds on the success of New Holland’s earlier T6.180 Methane Power, but steps things up with 657 litres of onboard gas storage enough to match the diesel-powered T7.270 in performance, but without the emissions. Its autonomy and output are game-changers, especially for large-scale operations.

Yet it’s not just about machinery it’s about infrastructure. In the UK, CNH Industrial (New Holland’s parent company) has backed Bennamann, a renewable agri-tech startup, to bring on-farm biogas refuelling stations to life. In France, Rousseau’s own farm in Burgundy is already running a 500kWh biogas and cogeneration plant, powered by manure and organic waste, while a second commercial biogas plant in nearby Avallon supplies gas to the local network and potentially his own fleet.

The rise of methane-powered farming depends on smart policy, scale, and farmer-led innovation. The European Biogas Association reported nearly 1,700 biogas plants in Europe by March 2025, with France leading the charge. Subsidies and support mechanisms are critical to making CNG and biogas economically viable for farmers.

Rousseau is clear-eyed: the T7 Methane Power performs just like its diesel sibling. With the right backing, he believes biogas could power the future of European farming cleaner, cheaper, and just as capable.

Sustainable farming isn’t just about practices it's about partnerships. The methane revolution is here, and it starts in the tractor cab.

The IFAD aims to address the challenges faced by rural communities.

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has appointed Eric Rwabidadi as its new Country Director in Cameroon, strengthening the organisation's commitment to advancing rural development in the country

With a robust investment portfolio of over US$200mn, IFAD aims to address the challenges faced by rural communities, including poverty, youth unemployment, gender inequality, and the increasing impacts of climate change on agriculture.

"Cameroon holds immense potential for agricultural transformation, and IFAD is pleased to be a trusted partner in unlocking that promise," said Rwabidadi upon presenting his credentials to Lejeune Mbella Mbella, Cameroon’s Minister of External Relations. He emphasised the importance of partnering with the Government and local communities to foster inclusive, climate-resilient rural development. The new director is particularly focused on empowering smallholder farmers, especially youth and women, as key drivers of sustainable change in agriculture.

IFAD has been a key partner in Cameroon for nearly 45 years, supporting initiatives aimed at improving access to quality financial services, developing value chains, and promoting youth entrepreneurship. Ongoing projects, such as the Commodity Value-Chain Development Support Project – Phase II (PADFA II) and the climate-resilience-focused ACREGIR project, are already making a significant impact. Additionally, the upcoming Youth Agropastoral Entrepreneurship Promotion Programme – Phase II will focus on boosting food security and enhancing climate adaptation.

"IFAD and Cameroon will continue to combine resources and expertise to increase investment in food systems, with a particular focus on youth and women entrepreneurship," Rwabidadi added. These efforts align with Cameroon’s 2035 Vision and aim to increase agricultural productivity, create rural jobs, and strengthen value chains for key crops like rice, onions, cocoa, and coffee.

Rwabidadi, who is a national of Rwanda, also assumes the role of Head of the Multi-Country Office for Central Africa, overseeing IFAD's operations in several African nations, including the Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, and others. With over 25 years of experience in various sectors, Rwabidadi brings a wealth of expertise to the role, ensuring that IFAD's initiatives continue to have a lasting impact on rural communities across the region.

Apollo is a modern ECU system that brings unmatched versatility, efficiency, and productivity to seeding operations.(Image credit: Topcon)

Topcon’s new Apollo application controllers are redefining the future of precision seeding, offering a powerful, integrated machine control solution for small grain air seeders

Designed with both performance and usability in mind, Apollo is a modern ECU system that brings unmatched versatility, efficiency, and productivity to seeding operations.

The Apollo ECU is weatherproof, stackable, and ISO compatible, and supports virtually every air seeder brand currently in use. Whether you’re managing a simple single-product application or complex, multi-product seeding with fertiliser and chemicals, Apollo delivers high-end performance with ease. When paired with Topcon’s GNSS autosteering, the system becomes a fully integrated solution for precision agriculture.

At the heart of the system is the Topcon X30 console, which, together with Horizon software, gives operators a sleek, user-friendly interface. This advanced touchscreen display combines rate control, GNSS guidance, path planning, and agronomic data collection in one intuitive platform. It’s a level of integration that sets a new benchmark in the seeder market.

Apollo allows control of up to eight product channels simultaneously – dry, liquid, or NH₃ – with full Variable Rate Control and independent Section Control for each boom. Optional blockage monitoring covers 100+ lines, helping operators avoid downtime and product waste.

With an ISO UT interface, Apollo integrates seamlessly with any ISOBUS-compliant console, displaying data from up to four tanks or bins and enabling advanced functions like variable rate seeding via its Task Controller.

Built for tough field conditions, Apollo’s solid-state, modular design ensures high reliability. The system is rated IP69K, resistant to high-pressure and high-temperature washdowns, and features LED indicators for fast, on-the-go diagnostics.

Additional components like the KP-12 CAN-based keypad allow for both in-cab and on-machine operation, making calibration and task execution smooth and efficient. Operators can choose from multiple calibration methods, including manual entry, automatic wizard, area test, or weight-based calculations – all tailored to ensure accuracy and ease of use.

With the Apollo system, Topcon is leading the charge toward smarter, more connected seeding technology – helping farmers increase yields, reduce input costs, and stay ahead in a competitive market.

This partnership leverages smart technology to increase agricultural productivity.

Hello Tractor, a leading agri-tech firm, has partnered with Heifer International to roll out an innovative Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) tractor financing model aimed at improving mechanised farming across Uganda

This partnership leverages smart technology to increase agricultural productivity, improve food supply, and generate employment along the farming value chain.

The latest phase of the partnership was officially launched on 12th September 2025 at Mascor Uganda, a well-known tractor dealership in Kampala. During the event, ten tractors were handed over to young entrepreneurs under the ‘Hello Tractor Booking Agents’ initiative.

Ronald Wabwire, Heifer International-Uganda’s Signature Programme Technical Lead, highlighted the collaboration’s purpose. “Our partnership with Hello Tractor furthers Heifer International’s mission of ending global poverty and hunger while caring for the earth through increased food production and on-farm productivity,” he said.

Wabwire noted that since the pilot of the Tractors for Africa project in June 2022, Heifer has facilitated access to 26 PAYG tractors, which Hello Tractor has matched, bringing the total active fleet on the platform in Uganda to 172. So far, the initiative has created 396 tractor operator jobs and supported 576 booking agents, enabling over 70,000 smallholder farmers to access mechanised services across 183,000 acres.

Hello Tractor provides tracking devices and software that allow farmers to book tractors via a mobile app. This system helps match the growing demand for mechanised services, especially in remote areas.

“The African continent has the least number of tractors per 1,000 hectares – fewer than two, compared to 10 in Asia,” Wabwire added, citing the limitations of hand tools and animal traction still used by over 95% of African farmers.

Farmers like Ogwang Moses Odongo and Joshua Waigolo shared how the PAYG model has helped them not only access tractors but also improve livelihoods and boost productivity in their communities.

Hello Tractor’s Credit Director, James Macharia, reported a 95% repayment rate under this model, thanks to flexible terms and strong after-sales support. Head of Operations Frank Muhumuza added, “We’re creating jobs and removing barriers to finance with tech-driven solutions that show real-time demand.”