Technology

The Axial-Flow 260 series offers the new ActiveTrac four-roller hydraulic suspended track system having a larger footprint. (Image source: Case IH)

In May this year, Case IH announced the new Axial-Flow 260 series that offers unparalleled productivity, while also allowing growers to access subscription-free, integrated technology to meet the unique needs of their operations

Equipped with Harvest Command combine automation, the Axial-Flow 260 series automatically optimises settings to boost throughput and grain quality. Operators can also get easy access to real-time machine metrics, field performance and grain quality through high-resolution Pro 1200 Dual Displays.

Moreover, the all new RowGuide Pro and AccuGuide autoguidance systems enable growers to experience improved on-row accuracy, minimised header losses and less operator fatigue. These tech solutions, including AccuSync with in-field data sharing between multiple machines, are all provided with no subscription requirement.

The Axial-Flow 260 series also offers the new ActiveTrac four-roller hydraulic suspended track system which has a larger footprint that reduces compaction and increases flotation by 14% compared to fixed track offerings. Operators are also entitled to additional privileges like luxury seating that includes massage, heating, and new air conditioning technology, along with simple seat controls, to easily optimise the operator's comfort level during long harvest days.

“The Axial-Flow 260 series combine represents a significant leap forward in integrated technology throughout the harvesting process for growers,” said Leo Bose, harvesting segment lead at Case IH. “We purposefully bundled precision technologies so there are no subscriptions or activations required to run the machine. The subscription-free connectivity gives customers the ability to remotely view machine and agronomic data via the new Case IH FieldOps platform, which will launch later in 2024. The technology stays for the lifetime of the hardware, boosting resale value.”

Spectrim with LUCAi is very easy to operate thanks to the user-friendly interface. (Image source: TOMRA Food)

The Fresh Fruit Company of New Zealand (Freshco) recently implemented the new LUCAi upgrade package on its TOMRA Spectrim grading platform and found it to be a game-changer

This upgrade package for Spectrim includes Deep Learning models, pre-trained by vast datasets captured from TOMRA machines across the world and precisely labelled by TOMRA’s data science team. Thousands of high-resolution, multi-channel fruit images are assessed every second and cross-referenced with these datasets to make grading decisions. The technology enables the precise detection and classification of even the trickiest apple defects, such as splits and punctures across multiple varieties.

“The main defects are around the stem area. The splits are really hard to get around the stem, and you are forever working on the splits and punctures,” explained Robin Mudgway, Technology & Machinery manager at Freshco. “With LUCAi we get a model from TOMRA and then we just put our own severity and confidence into it.”

Moreover, the technology also enables operators to seamlessly switch varieties without slowing down the process, while also allowing customers to easily adjust the severity of grading parameters – something which previously had to be done by experienced operators – to cater to seasonal dynamics and market preferences. For example, a model that is making stem splits and punctures on Gala apples can also be switched to a different variety having the same defect, without making any adjustments.

“We deal with a lot of Royal Gala and Breeze apples, and they tend to have a lot of splits. LUCAi made it really easy to control that,” stated TOMRA Food senior application engineer, Glen Kaunds. “Production was not slowed down at all like it would have in the past. This means that throughput stays at a good pace within the shed.”

Spectrim with LUCAi also has a user-friendly interface, making it very easy to operate and track grades. More data, for instance, is visible on the platform with the percentage also being displayed upon making a change.

NOVACAT V 9200 CF for perfect swath placement. (Image source: Pöttinger)

Austrian agricultural machinery manufacturer Pöttinger's revolutionary mowing technology, CROSS FLOW is now available for the NOVACAT V 9200

This mower combination, NOVACAT V 9200 CF features impressively low weight and a low power requirement. Feedback from the field was the basis for this development, following demand for a cost-effective and straightforward system for merging swaths. CROSS FLOW works without a conditioner and is characterised by its low weight compared to conventional swath merging systems. This technology ensures optimum conservation of the forage and soil, as well as the running costs, thanks to the fuel savings.

Moreover, without a conditioner, the forage is handled extremely gently. Thanks to the closed trough shape, the forage is transported directly from the sward to the swath. This prevents forage losses, minimises dirt ingress and avoids disintegration losses.

The NOVACAT V 9200 CF with CROSS FLOW auger can be used very effectively both on grassland as well as with whole plant silage.

Results show almonds treated with Acadian biostimulants with improved Stem Water Potential in both stressed and non-stressed situations. (Image source: Acadian Plant Health)

Acadian Plan Health through its multi-year California almond water study, today, released expanded results demonstrating how biostimulant technologies can help growers reduce water use while maintaining yield

As chronic water shortages loom over the world, water reduction programmes are working to lower the local almond industry's water use by 20% from 2020-2025. Starting in 2026, California is looking to significantly reduce its water use, thus making biostimulant technologies all the more relevant for almond growers.

Starting from 2021, chosen almond trees were subjected to Acadian Organic treatments, following which weekly assessments of midday stem water potential were performed. Results from these assessments showed a consistent improvement in stem water potential and kernal weight in regular and deficit irrigation situations. 

According to director of Research and Development at Acadian Plant Health, Holly Little, the results were found to be promising. She highlighted that besides lowering stem water potential, these biostimulants can also lower the frequency or volume of irrigation required for the growth of healthy almond trees, while at the same time protecting yields. 

"As environmental and regulatory water restrictions challenge global agriculture, adopting multidisciplinary and holistic water management will be key to sustaining future orchard systems," said UC Davis Cooperative Extension Orchard Systems specialist Dr Guilia Marino. "These preliminary results suggest Acadian Plant Health's biostimulant technology has a positive effect on almond tree water status under experimental conditions and may reduce tree stress. Additional research will help determine the product's impact on orchard productivity, as well as tree physiology and productivity."

The Zambezi River Basin project is expected to benefit millions through advancements in agriculture, fisheries, and dam operations. (Image source: AfDB)

With the aim of bolstering environmental sustainability and resilience across Africa, the African Development Bank (AfDB) has secured more than US$18mn in funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) for two major projects 

The first project, 'Strengthening Zambezi River Basin Management towards Climate Resilience and Ecosystem Health,' which has been allocated US$10.57mn aims to improve the collaborative management of water, energy, food, and environmental resources within the Zambezi River Basin, which spans eight southern African countries: Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. 

The second project, the 'Global Electronics Management (GEM) programme (Horn of Africa Regional Child Project),' has received US$7.83mn to address the growing challenge of electronic waste (e-waste) in Somalia, Djibouti and Ethiopia. The project aims to significantly reduce e-waste generation and increase circularity in the electronics sector of developing countries.

"Through these projects, the African Development Bank continues to lead the way in promoting environmental sustainability and resilience, driving positive change for both people and the planet," stated the director of Climate Change and Green Growth at the AfDB, Anthony Nyong. "Over the years, we have also increased our interventions on issues related to chemicals and waste across the African continent."

The funding was approved by the GEF during its 67th Council meetings held from 17-20 June in Washington DC.

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