GEA Direct Sprayer DS 25 delivering powerful cleaning performance with five kilograms of spray force and a full-cone jet reaching up to five metres. (Image source: GEA)

GEA has introduced its new patented technology – the GEA Direct Sprayer DS 25 – for industrial tank cleaning in the food and beverage industry

The patented spray technology effectively removes residues from the undersides of agitators, pipes, and flow breakers. It has been developed for use in the beverage, food, dairy, pharmaceutical, and home and personal care industries, and is particularly advantageous in production environments with frequent recipe changes, strict hygiene standards, and demanding cleaning requirements. 

In the food and beverage industry, cleaning tanks with internal installations often go through a major challenge. The undersides of agitator blades being in the spray shadow, prevents them from being adequately cleaned by conventional methods. This is where the Direct Sprayer DS 25 comes into picture. This technology sprays directly onto the undersides of the agitator blades while ensuring that the agitator mechanics remain unaffected. The cleaner is flush-mounted into the tank wall and can be positioned flexibly, ensuring full coverage inside the tank. The patented valve disc only opens when activated, ensuring an even distribution of the cleaning fluid. Since the valve plate opens inward, it does not interfere with the agitator.

The mechanically powerful full-cone spray targets the undersides of the agitators and efficiently removes residues. While conventional cleaning systems operate at lower forces, the GEA Direct Sprayer DS 25 operates with a spray force of up to 5 kg, allowing it to remove even tough residues. A case study from yogurt production has revealed the ability of the GEA Direct Sprayer DS 25 technology to reduce water usage by 84.5% and cleaning time by 87.5%, making it one of the most efficient cleaning methods for tanks with agitators.

“This time saving can be directly used for additional production capacity,” explained product sales manager for Cleaning Technology at GEA, Jana Zimpel. “In yogurt production, for example, this means more batches per day or faster recipe changes without compromising efficiency.”  

Agmatix BASF Partner to develop Soybean Cyst Nematode detection tool. (Image source: BASF)

Leading AI-powered solutions provider, Agmatix recently announced a strategic collaboration with BASF, one of the world’s largest chemical and agricultural solutions companies, to develop a cutting-edge digital solution aimed at detecting and predicting the presence of soybean cyst nematode (SCN) 

The collaboration began through AgroStart, an open innovation and partnership platform by BASF, that aims to empower soybean growers with real-time, scalable insights to mitigate yield losses caused by SCN, one of the most damaging and often invisible soybean pests. Axiom, an advanced AI technology engine developed by Agmatix is the core of this initiative. It transforms vast amounts of raw agronomic data into highly standardised and enriched datasets. This rigorous data process enables the development of a robust machine-learning model capable of detecting and predicting SCN infestations with unprecedented accuracy and scalability.

Developed through AgroStart by BASF, this initiative combines Agmatix’s AI-driven agronomic platform with the deep expertise of BASF in seed and crop protection solutions and will foster the development of a scalable, user-friendly digital model. The tool will integrate with existing farm management practices, enabling users to access near real-time SCN risk assessments and tailor their pest management strategies accordingly.

SCN remains the leading pest in soybeans, with infestations frequently going undetected until yields are significantly affected. Traditional detection methods, such as soil sampling or mid-season root digs, are time-consuming, labour-intensive and not widely adopted. A digital tool could help create awareness and compliment these traditional methods.

By providing accurate, predictive data on SCN infestations, the Agmatix-BASF collaboration paves the way for future innovations in pest management and digital agriculture. The joint effort represents a significant leap forward in integrating digital agriculture with crop protection strategies, demonstrating how advanced analytics can drive on-farm decision-making and improve agronomic outcomes.

“Our collaboration with BASF is driven by the urgent need to provide a practical, data-backed tool that helps growers minimise yield losses caused by SCN,” added Ron Baruchi, president & CEO at Agmatix. “By digitising large volumes of field trial data within Axiom, we believe our machine learning model will give growers the power to act before SCN causes irreversible damage.”

The technology is designed for simple and efficient application, at speeds of up to 25 mph. (Image source: CNH)

Case IH recently launched the new SenseApply technology, purposefully designed to maximise the output of every input

Comprising a single cab-mounted camera system, the technology is an economical and adaptable automated Live variable rate application solution that offers multi-season uses for unmatched versatility and productivity without compromising quality or functionality. It has various multi-application uses including:

• Selective spray: This includes a one-time activation fee eliminating both per acre fees and annual fees for the life of the device. It offers two options – the Green-on-Brown Spot Spray offering upgraded weed management and the Base + Boost option that applies a consistent base rate over the entire boom while boosting individual nozzle sections to a higher rate when passing over areas with higher weed pressure.
• Live Variable Rate Application (VRA): This includes lifetime Live VRA use and offers five options – Burndown VRA, Nitrogen VRA, Harvest Aid VRA, Plant Growth Regulator VRA and Fungicide VRA. 

The technology is designed for simple and efficient application, at speeds of up to 25 mph, with the camera self-calibrating to the crop within the first 150 ft during Live VRA. The SenseApply camera – which is mounted on top of the cab to maximise field of view – senses plant biomass and responds accordingly, depending on the application type the operator selected.   

SenseApply also integrates with Case IH FieldOps and Raven Slingshot, enabling operators to connect and manage application data through their preferred platform. This integration increases overall operator efficiencies by providing real-time data analysis and decision-making capabilities, while making it easier to align with agronomist recommendations. The technology's multi-purpose functionality enables operators to use it throughout the year irrespective of the seasons. 

“SenseApply offers unparalleled flexibility, with a range of application methods that were previously unavailable in a single solution,” said application equipment customer segmentation lead at Case IH, Leo Bose. “It is also a cost-effective solution with no annual subscriptions or per acre fees, driving efficiency and profitability for a grower.” 

Through AGRIMAX SPARGO SB, BKT aims to offer farmers an advanced solution that addresses the specific challenges of row crops and spraying operations. (Image source: BKT)

To meet the needs of farmers and professionals managing vineyards and orchards characterised by steep terrain and narrow spacing, BKT has come up with the AGRIMAX SPARGO SB, an extended version of the AGRIMAX SPARGO 

This tire combines the advantages of radial agricultural tires, namely lower fuel consumption, comfort, and handling with a wider footprint and excellent traction. The AGRIMAX SPARGO features VF technology and was designed to ensure a constant load by reducing inflation pressure compared to a standard tire. The new version complements this product range for open field spraying, row crops, orchards and vineyards. 

The new steel-belted pattern distinguishes itself by an increased tread depth and more slender lugs, resulting in an overall more open and taller tread pattern. This configuration provides excellent handling on the road and a D-class speed rating enabling speeds of up to 65 kmph. A strategic advantage for modern farmers who need to move quickly between fields and supply points, optimising time and increasing operational efficiency. 

One of its distinctive features is the dual-layer mud ejection system, designed to effectively remove debris from the tread and ensure a quick transition from field to road without accumulating dirt. With safety and comfort remaining top priorities, the tire provides a smooth and stable ride, reducing operator fatigue and ensuring a predictable response in all conditions. This new tire also features a specially designed sidewall design to reduce vibration, which improves the comfort during precision spraying operations, where operator comfort and precision are indeed paramount.

"In the case of the AGRIMAX SPARGO SB, we have paid special attention to the casing design by using a strong polyester structure that offers greater strength, flexibility and durability than traditional materials," said senior president & director Technology at BKT, Dilip Vaidya. "This choice enables the tire to handle heavy loads while keeping deformation under control, improving the footprint and thus traction, stability, and handling."