An AI algorithm transforms livestock into a bankable asset hundreds of miles away.

In rural Kenya, a loan officer walks down a dirt road, heat rising from the savannah

He approaches a herd of cattle and, with a smartphone in hand, photographs one of the animals. An AI algorithm transforms livestock into a bankable asset hundreds of miles away. This is a glimpse of the quiet revolution led by Jenny Ambukiyenyi Onya, a young Congolese engineer.

Onya addresses a paradox affecting millions of women in rural Sub-Saharan Africa. The region is home to about 200 million smallholder farmers, a significant number of whom are women, accounting for up to 60% of the farmers. Yet, despite their vital role, these women remain largely invisible to the financial system. The Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that women receive only 10% of smallholder-targeted loans and just 1 percent of all agricultural loans. This exclusion leaves 70-115 million women without access to formal financing.

For these women, livestock is their savings. However, traditional methods of documenting animal ownership, like ear tags, are fragile and easily falsified, making it hard for banks to verify ownership. Onya's solution, Halisi Livestock, uses AI to recognise livestock, much like facial recognition technology. By analysing each animal's unique features, the AI creates a digital identity that can't be falsified.

"By combining the need for reliability in the field with in-house technical expertise, we saw an opportunity to apply AI to recognise assets like livestock," says Onya.

Her innovation provides a reliable, indisputable way for farmers to count and value their herds. This digital identity is proof of ownership, turning livestock into verifiable loan collateral. "For financial institutions, it's no longer a rough estimate but concrete and reliable data," Onya explains.

Through the "Enhancing Women Entrepreneurship for Africa" programme, Onya's company, Neotex.ai, has expanded its services across rural Kenya, registering over 1,250 head of livestock.

Onya's message is clear: "Dare to create. Even in sectors where you are not expected to. If I can build disruptive solutions from a cell phone and a herd of cows, you too can reinvent what no one has dared to imagine."

ALMACO D1 is designed to specific needs of the seed research industry.

The ALMACO D1 Data Collection Unit is a modern solution designed to deliver precise, real-time plot harvest data for seed research

Built with durability and an intuitive interface, the D1 accurately measures test weight, shell weight, and moisture levels—helping researchers make faster and better advancement decisions.

D1 easily integrates with existing systems, making it a cost-effective upgrade for research professionals. It is fully compatible with ALMACO plot harvesters, seed processing lines, individual threshers, and is the only solution that works with ALMACO packagers.

With a single device, researchers can collect harvest data across multiple crops. D1 supports nearly all crop types, including corn, soybeans, wheat, sorghum, canola, sunflowers, and more. ALMACO experts emphaasised,"No matter the crop, D1 measures with accuracy and precision.along with that moisture and weight curves are stored in the harvest software and not the D1 control box, so there is no need to switch units between harvesters."

Built for all-weather use, the D1 doesn’t need to be removed during poor weather, transport, or overnight storage. It is water, rust, and dust resistant, and performs reliably in both hot and cold conditions. To improve visibility, the unit can be placed out of sight and is fully operated through the main harvest software display. D1 has no internal battery or separate display, reducing maintenance and eliminating the risk of data loss due to power failure. 

The interface is user-friendly and includes built-in diagnostics to maximize uptime. Its intuitive design helps reduce training time and allows more time for field data collection. Calibration is simple with step-by-step guides, and the system supports any moisture blade size, including larger ones for greater precision. Experts also focused by stating,"Calibration supports any size moisture blade for client accuracy specifications—including large moisture blades for high data precision."

Backed by decades of experience, ALMACO developed the D1 to meet the specific needs of the seed research industry, offering an efficient, accurate, and low-maintenance solution for real-time data collection.

EA plans to conduct over 10,000 inspections of water company assets.

The UK government has announced its largest-ever budget to tackle water pollution, providing the Environment Agency (EA) with over £189 million for the 2024/25 financial year

This investment marks the biggest increase in enforcement powers in a decade and is part of the government’s broader Plan for Change.

EA responsible for inspecting water companies and prosecuting environmental damage, will use the funding to recruit more enforcement officers, upgrade equipment, and implement modern technologies. Steve Reed, Environment Secretary said, "This government is cleaning them up, including the biggest boost to enforcement in a decade paid for by the water companies responsible for it.

In 2024 alone, the EA plans to conduct over 10,000 inspections of water company assets. Since July 2024, it has launched a record 81 criminal investigations into pollution incidents involving water companies.

The budget for the EA has increased by 64% since the 2023/24 financial year. Importantly, this increase is fully funded by charges paid by water companies—not by taxpayers.

 Reed emphasized the public's growing concern: "The public are furious about sewage pollution in our rivers, lakes and seas." He added, "Our changes give the water watchdog the resources they need to tackle pollution and clean up our rivers, lakes and seas for good."

To ensure efficiency, EA has committed to strict spending targets. In the current year alone, it has achieved savings of over £23 million.

Further support will come through a proposed new levy on the water sector, currently under consultation. Introduced under the Water (Special Measures) Act, this levy will help the EA recover enforcement costs, allowing quicker action against pollution.

The EA’s efforts will also expand to the agricultural sector, with plans to carry out 6,000 farm inspections annually by 2029. These inspections aim to reduce runoff and pollution from farms into rivers and lakes. This major funding and new powers underline a strong push to improve water quality across the UK.

The new baler series is built for providing farmers with efficient and dependable baling solutions.

John Deere has introduced its next generation of fixed and variable chamber round balers, designed to deliver higher performance, intelligent connectivity, and high-quality bales

The new baler series is built for improved productivity, advanced automation, and operator-friendly features, providing farmers with efficient and dependable baling solutions.

Connected Intelligence for Smarter Baling

All new models feature advanced ISOBUS capabilities, allowing full integration with the John Deere Operations Center. This connectivity lets farmers monitor bale quality in real time, improving efficiency in the field. The system also stores invoicing-relevant data and syncs it securely. An optional moisture monitoring system provides real-time moisture readings per bale and alerts the operator if values exceed pre-set limits. Each bale’s size, location, and moisture level can be tracked and documented—offering useful insights like bale count per field and dry-matter maps.

Weave Automation and Improved Productivity

The variable chamber models V452R and V462R offer a 15% increase in driveline power intake, resulting in up to 8% more productivity. These models feature an innovative weave automation system. A flexible drawbar allows the baler to automatically weave over windrows, creating well-shaped bales without manual effort. The active hitch follows curved windrows—even in tight corners—minimizing missed crop and reducing the need for extra tractor movements. Bale release is fast, taking just three seconds, while the double-belt system increases crop compression by 7%, achieving densities up to 140 kg/m³.

Built-in Weighing System for Silage Balers

Wrapping baler models C442R, C452R, and C462R are equipped for high-quality silage production. They feature an optional built-in weighing system that measures bale weight in real time using strong sensors on the transport rollers. A wrapping arm with 40 rpm speed ensures smooth workflow. ISOBUS AUX-N compatibility lets operators map joystick buttons, allowing control through the CommandPRO™ lever.

Compact, Durable, and Easy to Use

The V452M and V462M models offer a 10% power increase and up to 8% more productivity. New endless belts with rougher surfaces improve performance in wet conditions. All models now include hydraulic knife engagement from the cab and easier maintenance with accessible service points, auto-lube chains, and long greasing intervals. A G5e touchscreen and baler automation allow for hands-free operation.

Philippe Steinmann, product marketing manager of Europe at John Deere said,“With this new generation of round balers, we’re delivering more than just power and productivity.We’re giving farmers a smarter, more connected baling experience, one that combines automation, precision, and exceptional comfort to help them get the most out of every field and every bale.”