Revolutionise your sowing with the new LEMKEN Solitair PT! ((Image credit: LEMKEN)

The new LEMKEN Solitair PT is a high-performance drill combination with a power harrow, designed for professionals who demand efficiency and precision in a variety of soil conditions

Perfect for farmers and contractors, this machine sets new standards in sowing with its exceptional seedbed preparation, ease of use, and versatility.

Optimised seedbed preparation with power harrow

A good seedbed is essential for even crop emergence, and the Solitair PT excels here. It comes with the Zirkon power harrow, featuring four tine carriers per metre of working width. The harrow's unique tine layout, combined with hydraulic depth adjustment as standard, ensures consistent soil crumbling and flow in all conditions. The working depth, rotor speed, and forward speed can all be individually adjusted, enabling the machine to work both quickly and shallow or deeply and thoroughly, depending on soil type and tillage needs. The levelling bar can be adjusted either hydraulically or mechanically for consistent, high-quality results.

Tank options to suit every need

To boost efficiency, the Solitair PT is equipped with large-capacity metal tanks. You can choose between a single tank with 4,400-litre capacity or a double tank with 5,100 litres (40:60 split). Built with corrosion-resistant parts and an integrated agitator shaft, the modular metering system ensures reliable operation, even with different seeds or fertilisers.

Precision sowing with OptiDisc coulter bar

The Solitair PT features a high-quality coulter bar with parallelogram-guided double disc coulters, available in OptiDisc M (up to 45 kg coulter pressure) or OptiDisc H (up to 70 kg coulter pressure). The coulter pressure can be adjusted either mechanically or hydraulically, independent of seed depth, making it ideal for varying soil conditions and high-speed operations. To improve seed placement, the machine also includes a pre-running trapeze packer roller that ensures optimal seed-to-soil contact, promoting fast and uniform crop emergence.

Designed for practicality and flexibility

The Solitair PT is designed for ease of use in everyday farming tasks. Its long drawbar allows tight turns, even with large tractors. Additional tools like leading tyre packers, wheel mark eradicator discs, and tractor wheel mark eradicators provide further adaptability for any situation.

The LEMKEN Solitair PT is a future-oriented, reliable seed drill that offers precision, flexibility, and top-quality results. It is an excellent choice for arable farmers and contractors who demand the best performance in their sowing operations.

The committee urged the department to speed up efforts to localise renewable energy production.

South Africa's  Select Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Mineral Resources has called on the Department of Electricity and Energy to prioritise the local manufacturing of renewable energy products instead of relying on imports

This came after the department briefed the committee on the implementation of the Renewable Energy Sector Master Plan (RESMP).

During the presentation, the department outlined the key goals of the Master Plan, describing it as a driver for industrial development that aims to meet the growing demand for renewable energy, especially solar and wind power. A strong focus was placed on the importance of promoting inclusive economic growth by involving previously disadvantaged groups, with particular emphasis on youth and women, in the renewable energy sector.

The committee was briefed on several initiatives under the Master Plan. These included the localisation of renewable energy production, the rollout of skills development programmes, and the establishment of proper monitoring systems to track progress. Committee members stressed that the plan should not only address energy needs but also promote job creation and skills development.

Members raised concerns about the involvement of vulnerable communities, especially those in rural areas, asking the department how it plans to ensure these groups benefit from the Master Plan. The department responded by affirming its goal to ensure that at least 50% of job opportunities go to youth and marginalised communities. It also highlighted ongoing efforts to identify skills needs and expand internship and training programmes.

Regarding local manufacturing, the committee questioned the current focus on training people only for assembly work rather than producing renewable energy components like solar panels and charge controllers. They urged the department to move beyond just assembling and start developing the capacity to manufacture such products locally. In response, the department confirmed that steps are being taken to explore and expand local manufacturing opportunities.

The committee also flagged concerns about regulatory hurdles, particularly a moratorium from the Department of Defence, which has delayed the issuing of letters of no objection needed by Independent Power Producers (IPPs). They warned this could slow down progress in renewable energy projects. The department assured the committee it would work with the relevant departments to address these challenges and avoid any delays for IPPs.

Overall, the committee urged the department to speed up efforts to localise renewable energy production and ensure broad community participation.

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."

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.”