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.”

Ascenso’s VF technology has been designed precisely with many challenges in mind.(Image credit: Ascenso Tyres)

Ascenso Tyres is stepping up its presence in the agricultural and off-highway tyre market by introducing a new generation of high-performance tyres designed for modern farming demands

The company’s latest range demonstrates its commitment to innovation, durability, and soil-friendly farming practices.

A recent feature highlighted Ascenso’s investment in “VF technology” (Very High Flexion) tyres, which can either carry ~40% more load than standard radials or handle the same load at ~40% lower pressure. This innovation allows farmers to reduce soil compaction while improving traction and extending tyre lifespan key benefits for anyone managing heavy-duty agricultural operations.

The new V-range includes models such as the VDR2000 tractor tyre, VDR900/901 sprayer tyres, and VIR2500 implement tyres. Each tyre features an extra-strong casing, steel belts for enhanced strength, and an advanced tread pattern aimed at delivering better grip, reduced fuel consumption, lower ground pressure, and superior durability.

Although the full Farmers Review Africa article wasn’t accessible, it’s likely that Ascenso will showcase this advanced tyre portfolio at Agritechnica 2025, one of the world’s leading agricultural machinery trade fairs. This move highlights the brand’s ambition to enter the premium and technical segments of the agricultural tyre industry.

As agriculture becomes increasingly technology-driven, tyres are now expected to do far more than simply carry loads. They must protect soil structure, minimise compaction, offer excellent traction on and off the road, and support fuel efficiency. Ascenso’s VF technology has been designed precisely with these challenges in mind.

With 63 sizes already planned for the new V-range, Ascenso is expanding its footprint globally, aligning itself with established players and moving beyond standard, commodity-style tyres into high-performance solutions. Its presence at Agritechnica 2025 is expected to feature detailed demonstrations, load-versus-pressure charts, and application examples across tractors, sprayers, and implements.

For farmers in India and Africa, VF tyres may represent a higher initial investment, but the long-term advantages including lower inflation pressure, extended service life, and improved soil protection make them a valuable choice for sustainable farming.

Farmers and agrimech buyers are encouraged to review local dealer availability, warranty terms, and machine compatibility before purchasing, while comparing total cost of ownership with leading competitors such as Michelin and Trelleborg.

The facility aims to transform locally produced red palm oil into refined vegetable oil.

Kpalema Inc., a growing agribusiness specialising in palm oil production, has commenced the construction of a modern vegetable oil factory in Nimba County

The facility aims to transform locally produced red palm oil into refined vegetable oil, commonly referred to as “argo oil,” marking a significant step forward for Liberia’s agricultural sector.

According to Newton Guanue, Administrator,the Kpalema Agrobusiness Enterprise currently manages over 300 acres of oil palm farmland and collaborates with more than 280 smallholder farmers across Nimba and Bong counties. “We have the capacity to produce more palm oil around the clock. The farms are there, and we are open to doing business with other palm oil farmers,” said Guanue.

During peak harvest seasons, Kpalema can process approximately two tons of palm oil per hour, equivalent to about 48 tins of red oil. Most of this oil is sold locally, while a portion is exported to regional markets. The enterprise operates a distilling plant and weighing bridge, ensuring farmers are fairly compensated based on the weight of their palm fruit before offloading.

Guanue added, “We are constructing a plan to transform the red palm oil to vegetable oil, and, by May 2026, the first sample of our production will be out. We are adding value as well as branding it.”

During a visit to the project site, situated about 10 kilometres from Ganta, construction was well underway, with stainless-steel storage tanks already being installed. Guanue noted that additional materials are expected soon, with production scheduled to begin early next year.

Kpalema Agrobusiness, led by Sylvester Kpai, also the CEO of Agriculture and You, currently employs over 75 workers. “Upon the opening of the factory, the employment number will increase at least by 50% because we will be working 24hrs daily,”  said Kpai.

As vegetable oil remains a staple in Liberian households, Kpalema’s initiative aims to reduce dependence on imports and stabilise local prices. The management has appealed to the Ministry of Agriculture for financial and logistical support, particularly for branding materials and transport vehicles.

“We also need more logistical assistance from the government. We need trucks for transporting the palm to the factory from the smallholder farmers across Liberia,” Guanue added.

Modern greenhouses will allow the continuous cultivation of a wide variety of vegetables throughout the year.

The National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) has commenced the construction of 50 advanced greenhouse facilities in Abuja, as part of a national strategy to revolutionise vegetable farming, increase food supply, and empower youth and women through president Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda

Speaking during an inspection of the site at the University of Abuja’s Faculty of Agriculture, Cornelius Adebayo, NALDA’s executive secretary, explained that the Abuja greenhouse cluster follows the model already implemented in Sagamu, Ogun State. This initiative is aimed at driving sustainable food production through climate-resilient agriculture and offering job opportunities across the agricultural value chain.

Adebayo highlighted that these modern greenhouses will allow the continuous cultivation of a wide variety of vegetables throughout the year. Operating in a fully controlled environment, these facilities are designed to ensure consistent supply, improved quality, and lower prices for consumers.

“This greenhouse is more than just a structure; it’s a sanctuary for plants, where environmental conditions are meticulously controlled to optimise growth year-round,” he said. “Within its transparent walls, a diverse range of crops will flourish, shielded from harsh weather and pests.”

As part of the programme’s long-term impact, NALDA has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Abuja to involve students and agricultural graduates in the management and operation of the facility. They will undergo specialised training to equip them with hands-on experience in smart farming techniques and modern greenhouse management.

Each greenhouse site includes key infrastructure such as a cold room, packing house, and a solar-powered borehole to support efficient irrigation and post-harvest handling. These elements are intended to minimise losses and ensure high-quality produce reaches local markets.

The Abuja cluster is expected to meet the vegetable demands of the Federal Capital Territory and surrounding areas, while the Sagamu facility will serve Lagos and the South-West region. Additionally, NALDA has announced plans to cultivate at least 10 hectares of open-field vegetables in every federal constituency nationwide.

Describing the project as a game-changer for Nigeria’s agricultural sector, Adebayo emphasised NALDA’s commitment to making the country self-reliant in vegetable production, while providing sustainable livelihoods for thousands of young farmers and women involved in agriculture.