Gleanings from the Louisville show Friday, April 4, 2014 New technology was the watchword at February's National Farm Machinery Show in Kentucky CUTTING-EDGE SEEDING John Deere created a stir in Kentucky with the introduction of their ExactEmerge planter. The groundbreaking technology boasts increased accuracy and planting speeds up to 10 m.p.h., allowing farmers to plant more acres in less time, while optimizing their seed investment. SAVING FUEL! Kioti claims its Tractor Tier 4 Eco Technology, which drastically reduces tractor diesel emissions, allows farmers to save some 20 per cent on their fuel bill. The new technology also exceeds new emissions standards by 10 per cent. ELECTRONICS PACKAGE IMPROVES CULTIVATION AGCO Sunflower introduced a new computer package for the Sunflower 6631. It should be available to the public this coming autumn. The monitor allows the operator to monitor tilling depth side-to-side and fore-and-aft, resulting in superior consistency throughout rolling fields. CHALLENGER MT800E SERIES AGCO unveiled the new Challenger MT800E Series Track Tractor. Operators will love the increased power offered, up to 590 hp, which delivers superior torque at low rpms. This all-situations tractor delivers solid contact with less compaction while handling the biggest implements. SEED FASTER! Precision Plantings' new Speed Tube will be available for the spring of 2015. The technology addresses down force management, population control, spacing and row unit ride, while allowing farmers to seed 50 per cent to 100 per cent faster. More seeds can be planted in the optimal seeding window! HIGH-SPEED ONE-PASS DISC Degelman has developed a new heavier disc which gives farmers superior ground penetration, allowing one pass of 33 or 40 feet wide. This saves the farmers time and fuel. LESS WEIGHT, MORE POWER! The Gleaner S8 Super Series Combine. Now up to 15,600 pounds lighter than other competitive Class 8 combines, allowing operators to power through tough conditions with less horsepower and minimal compaction. Also features 50 per cent increased torque on the rear chains drive system. CROP ASSESSMENT ENHANCES YIELDS Aeryons Helicopter Drone allows farmers to assess field conditions and make adjustments on the fly. Multiple camera lenses detect insect infestations, fertilization problems and irrigation issues. This allows timely adjustments to enhance yields. The helicopter is controlled by a computer. EASY STONE PICKING Hate rock picking? Robo Rock Picker has an easy, economic way to pick rocks, using your tractor. Scoop and spin, leaving the dirt behind. A dairy operation that uses 'all the automation we could find' Rooting out weeds and staying on track with robots
A new front in the repair access debate Friday, March 6, 2026 Iowa lawmakers have pushed the right‑to‑repair conversation into new territory with House File 2529, a bill that focuses specifically on diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) systems—the single most common cause of emissions-related downtime on modern farm machinery. The bill would require... Read this article online
March 8 is International Women’s Day Friday, March 6, 2026 Across the United States and Canada, women are taking on increasingly visible roles in agriculture—managing farms, leading ag-tech startups, advancing research, and strengthening the rural economies that feed both nations. Their work reflects a shift in an industry once defined... Read this article online
Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry to Visit Toronto and Southwestern Ontario Tuesday, March 3, 2026 The Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry will be in Toronto and Southwestern Ontario later this week as part of its ongoing study on the role of Canada’s agriculture and agri‑food sector in strengthening national food security. The fact‑finding mission is scheduled for... Read this article online
AgriStability Program Updated to Include Pasture-Related Feed Costs Beginning in 2026 Monday, March 2, 2026 In case you missed it last week, the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced that pasture-related feed costs will be added as an allowable expense under AgriStability starting with the 2026 program year. The update addresses rising operational... Read this article online
Bringing more Food and Ingredient Processing Back to Canadian Soil Monday, March 2, 2026 Protein Industries Canada has announced the second cohort of nine companies participating in its Program, an initiative designed to bring more food and ingredient processing back to Canadian soil and expand the nation’s value‑added agriculture sector. The selected companies span the... Read this article online