LEMKEN’s precision seeding portfolio and extend its presence in key agricultural markets worldwide. (Image credit: LEMKEN)

In a move that underlines its commitment to innovation in agricultural technology, LEMKEN, a global leader in professional crop production equipment, has announced the acquisition of South African seeding technology manufacturer Equalizer

The partnership is set to boost LEMKEN’s precision seeding portfolio and extend its presence in key agricultural markets worldwide.

Founded in 2000 and based in Cape Town, Equalizerhas built a strong reputation for designing and producing high-capacity seed drills and precision planters tailored for large-scale and conservation farming systems. The company’s solutions ranging from planters with up to 36 rows to seed drills with working widths of up to 24 metres are engineered for no-till and minimal soil disturbance systems, reflecting the growing global demand for sustainable farming technologies.

By bringing Equalizer into its fold, LEMKEN aims to bridge technological and market gaps within its existing product lineup. While LEMKEN has gained recognition for its DeltaRow precision seeding system, Equalizer’s single-row planting technology complements and expands LEMKEN’s capabilities, offering farmers more options to improve planting accuracy, soil health, and operational efficiency.

According to Anthony van der Ley, CEO of LEMKEN, the acquisition “perfectly complements our seeding technology range and helps us serve markets we couldn’t reach before.” He added that the move reflects LEMKEN’s broader strategy to promote sustainable and efficient farming through advanced machinery and data-driven innovation.

LEMKEN has confirmed plans to invest in Equalizer’s operations in South Africa, with an immediate focus on enhancing spare parts logistics and maintaining local expertise. The Equalizer brand and management team will continue to operate independently, ensuring continuity for existing customers while gaining access to LEMKEN’s research, production, and global distribution network.

Equalizer’s founder and managing director, Gideon Schreuder, expressed optimism about the collaboration, noting that combining the two companies’ expertise will accelerate product development and deliver greater value to farmers worldwide.

The acquisition marks another step in LEMKEN’s mission to lead the digital transformation of agriculture. By integrating complementary technologies and expanding into emerging markets, the company reinforces its position as a pioneer in precision agriculture, no-till seeding, and sustainable crop production systems.

Healthy soil is the starting point of every harvest. (Image credit: Husqvarna)

Brad Barthorpe, Sales Manager Distributors Africa for Husqvarna South Africa,says that it is not just about clearing ground, it’s about understanding your terrain,choosing the right tools, and setting up conditions that give crops the best possible start.“If you treat your soil well, it will pay you back with healthy plants and stronger yields.”

Healthy soil is the heart of successful farming. Whether you’re growing vegetables on a small plot or managing a larger field, the way you prepare your soil will determine how well your crops perform. Good preparation helps roots spread freely, improves water movement, and boosts nutrient availability, while poor timing or overworking the land can undo months of hard effort.

Soil has its own natural structure made up of different layers that support life beneath the surface. Digging too deep or tilling too aggressively can break these layers and damage the balance that healthy plants depend on. In most cases, loosening just the top 5 to 8 centimetres of soil is enough to create what’s known as a “fine tilth” — a loose, crumbly texture that allows roots, air, water, and nutrients to move freely. For small plots or gardens, lightweight tillers and cultivators are perfect tools to reduce compaction while keeping the sub-soil intact.

Timing is equally important. Working the soil when it’s too wet can cause clods and structural damage, while working it dry leaves only dust. The best test is simple: squeeze a handful of soil — it should hold its shape lightly and then crumble apart. Early spring, when the ground is warm but not saturated, usually offers the ideal conditions for soil preparation.

Sometimes, deeper tilling becomes necessary, especially when poor drainage, restricted root growth, or compacted layers known as “hardpan” are present. In such cases, a sturdy rear-tine tiller can help. Start with a shallow pass to break the surface crust, then go deeper to loosen the lower layers. Always work in straight, consistent lines and let the machine’s own weight do the job. On sloped land, till across the slope to prevent erosion and water run-off.

For soils already in good health, minimal or no-dig methods work beautifully. Simply layer compost, manure, or mulch on top, allowing worms and microbes to mix it naturally. Always clear stones and debris before working, wear proper safety gear, and keep bystanders safe. 

“Healthy soil is the starting point of every harvest,” notes Barthorpe.“With seasonal timing, sound technique, and the right tools, like those from Husqvarna, land preparation shifts from chore to investment,” he concludes.

TThe liquid fertiliser system integrates seamlessly with most modern drills.(Image credit: Grange Machinery)

Grange Machinery’s Liquid Fertiliser Application System is designed to help farmers improve nutrient placement and crop performance with efficiency and accuracy

Built for reliability in all conditions, the system offers a front-mounted tank available in stainless steel or durable plastic, ensuring long service life and easy maintenance in the field.

Farmers can choose from tank capacities ranging from 600 litres to 1,500 litres, depending on the size of their operation and the crops they grow. Each tank is supplied with a complete application kit, suitable for drill widths between 3 and 8 metres, providing flexibility for different farming setups.

The liquid fertiliser system integrates seamlessly with most modern drills, allowing farmers to apply nutrients exactly where they’re needed reducing waste and improving soil health. Its precise delivery technology ensures that fertiliser is placed efficiently, helping crops access essential nutrients at the right stage of growth.

Key features include corrosion-resistant stainless steel or high-grade plastic tank options, with the added convenience of being front-mounted for better weight distribution and visibility. Farmers can choose between hydraulic or electric pumps, each engineered for reliable flow rates and consistent fertiliser application across varying soil conditions.

To suit different application methods, the system includes both a Nitro Band Spray system for even surface coverage and a Coulter Injection System for accurate sub-surface nutrient placement with minimal soil disturbance.

Additional options include an integrated road lighting kit for safe transport between fields and the ability to customise the unit’s colour to match existing machinery.

Built with farmers in mind, this innovative fertiliser application system combines precision, durability, and practicality, helping to maximise yields while promoting sustainable soil management. Whether used for cereals, maize, or other row crops, it’s a dependable solution for achieving efficient nutrient use and healthy plant growth.

The new CCT is ideal for those looking to improve efficiency in the field.(Image credit: Grange Machinery)

Yorkshire-based manufacturer Grange Machinery is preparing to launch a new and improved version of its well-known 6m Close Coupled Toolbar (CCT) at Agritechnica 2025

The latest design has been developed to meet growing demand from farmers who require greater flexibility when drilling maize and other row crops.

The upgraded CCT now offers tine spacings of both 75cm and 50cm, along with extra brackets that allow users to adjust the spacing of the low disturbance legs. This versatility means farmers can easily switch between a standard 50cm soil loosener setup during harvest and wider 75cm rows for maize and similar crops.

Designed in close collaboration with working farmers, the new CCT is ideal for those looking to improve efficiency in the field. When paired with a mounted or trailed drill, it allows users to eliminate soil compaction and drill maize precisely in one pass, saving both time and fuel.

Rhun Jones, Managing Director of Grange Machinery, said," Sowing maize in 75cm rows is becoming more common. People were looking at the 6m CCT and saying, ‘I like it, I want one’, but then the conversation about maize would come up. Often, when they found out it couldn’t do that, they’d leave it. But with a lot of customers asking about it, we decided we had to get it sorted. So, we worked closely with one of our customers who wanted the 50cm spacings during harvest but also grows a large acreage of maize." He added, " With his input, we have designed a machine that does both and we’re very excited about it. It functions as an all-loosening system during harvest, but a maize and strip tillage system in that season, so it’s very versatile.”

Built for strength and reliability, the 6m CCT can operate with mounted or trailed equipment and comes PTO-ready. It excels at track eradication, shallow subsoiling, and correcting compaction both before drilling and after harvest. When fitted with a packer roller, it delivers a fine seedbed in a single pass.

Rhun added," Agritechnica is the biggest farm machinery show in Europe, possibly even the world. To be exhibiting is a privilege, but to be launching a new machine there is a dream come true. We cannot wait to sample the atmosphere and showcase the Grange brand on such a grand scale.”