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Bühler unveils TAS LAAC grain cleaning system

Cleaning is one of the essential process steps for a wide range of businesses operating at intake points and milling and malting plants. Buhler has unveiled  the next generation of its TAS grain cleaning system, the TAS LAAC.

With the new TAS LAAC, operators have all the controls at their fingertips wherever they are in the mill and reception points, meaning adjustments can be made with ease to optimize settings at changeovers.

With the introduction of sensors, the machine is ready to connect to digital services offering condition monitoring for maximum uptime and deep analyses for improved yields.
The new generation is fitted with a package of sensors for a multitude of functions and a user-friendly display incorporated on the machine.

The main benefit of the new machine control is that operators can change settings digitally. Considering the amount of time spent on monitoring and adjusting machinery to maintain the optimum running of the plant, this is more than mere convenience – it’s a whole new level of efficiency.

The system is also ready to be connected to the optional Bühler Insights digital service,
which provides for tracking KPIs, such as the condition of the main bearings and the setting of aspiration flaps.

Advanced machine condition monitoring detects critical thresholds and reduces the risk of unplanned downtime significantly.

The TAS series is available in nine different installation sizes and can cover a very large capacity range, from 20 t/h up to a maximum of 250 t/h (for wheat cleaning). If you have specific construction requirements it’s also possible to split the aspiration and the screen box (TS+AS) creating a variety of possibilities.

Intake cleaning
The following four types of machine in the TAS series are especially recommended for an effective preliminary and main cleaning of grain and other bulk materials: TAS 152A-2, TAS 154A-4, TAS 204A-4 and TAS 206A-6.

The ratio of the preliminary and main sieve area is the same for all four types. The pre-screen area is particularly crucial for the use as a pre-cleaner as well as for rapeseed cleaning, whereas sufficient main-screen area is important for precise cleaning into 1st and 2nd grade.

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AGI celebrates 2,000 of its flagship NECO grain dryer made in Omaha, Nebraska

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AGI celebrates 2,000 of its flagship NECO grain dryer made in Omaha, Nebraska


Ag Growth International Inc. (“AGI”) marked a “milestone moment” at its Omaha, Neb., manufacturing facility on Friday, March 24, as it celebrates the delivery of its 2,000th AGI NECO mixed flow grain dryer since its 1000-dryer milestone in 2014.

Purchased by AGI in 2017, the facility – a steady contributor to the Greater Omaha business economy since 1959 – has earned global recognition as AGI’s sole manufacturer of its flagship NECO mixed flow dryers and other grain drying solutions distributed to dealers, farmers and commercial grain operators.

“The success in the engineering, production, marketing and distribution of AGI’s NECO dryer is due to the dedication of our employee team in meeting customer needs,” said Matt Schneider, AGI Senior Director, U.S. Farm. “That includes delivering on time, every time; hearing customer feedback; and making continuous product improvements.”

The AGI NECO mixed flow grain dryer is considered an industry leader in sophisticated drying technology. The dryer is designed to quietly and efficiently heat kernels evenly to avoid damage and can be used to effectively dry all type of grain, seeds, and nuts. The systems’ screen-free operation and computerized moisture control deliver consistently higher quality grain and heavier test weights per bushel with optimized value for customers.

Founded in 1959 by Bill Patterson as the Nebraska Engineering Company, the first NECO mixed flow dryer rolled off Omaha, Neb., production lines in 1990 and the first dryer was sold to Tom Condon, a farmer in Clara City, Minn.

Since AGI’s purchase in 2017, the NECO legacy of quality craftsmanship, engineering and innovative design has expanded into new product lines and technology enhancements focused on advancing in-unit grain circulation, conditioning and drying. Today, with over 120,000 square feet of manufacturing space, AGI’s Omaha facility and 85-employee team combine hands-on experience with state-of-the art-technology to build grain dryers for use by farms and commercial grain operations in North America, Europe and Mexico.

“I remember when the #1 NECO grain dryer rolled off the line,” said Ken Kohrt, AGI’s master scheduler and one of the facility’s longest-running 37-year employees. “At first American farmers did not understand the mixed flow dryer. But they learned through experience. They saw how much more efficient the dryer was. It used less propane. It had a dryer capacity that could keep up with harvest. There were no screens to unclog, and it was a much gentler drying method which improved value and quality.”

Kohrt says many great moments flag his career at the plant. “Basically, I was born here. I worked at the plant when I was in high school. I knew Bill Patterson when I was a kid. He had horses and a ranch… In the summer of 1986 my mom, who was the controller and office manager, asked me to help.” And that was it. Kohrt never left with a career ranging from computing and drafting to engineering, management and scheduling.

According to Schneider, it is that kind of work ethic that guides the Omaha team.

“From engineering and manufacturing to sales and delivery, I am immensely proud of our people. This milestone achievement is all about their hard work, commitment, experience and ability to really dig deep and listen to dealers and farmers,” said Schneider.

On March 24, AGI will officially honor the 2,000th AGI NECO dryer milestone at a special luncheon with employees and members of the Omaha Chamber of Commerce and business and civic community. AGI leaders – Matt Schneider; Abdallah Alkhaleel, Plant Manager; Harsha Bhojraj, Vice President of Manufacturing; and Subroto Pyne, Vice President, Global Product Management – will welcome guests, recognize team achievements; honor the longstanding, positive economic impact on the city; and announce AGI’s #3,000 Dryer Challenge.

“We are honored to celebrate this milestone with our employee family along with members of Omaha’s business and civic community,” said Schneider. “We thank the city under the leadership of Mayor Jean Stothert and the City Council for more than six decades of their support for agricultural equipment manufacturing.”

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Why family farmers need greater access to technology

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With new technologies cropping up, family farming – one of the world’s oldest economic activities – is evolving to harness emerging opportunities for productivity and sustainability gains.

Family-owned farms make up around four fifths of Earth’s farmland and are responsible for over 80% of global food production in value terms, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization.

Despite producing much of what we eat – paradoxically – family farmers, many operating on a small scale, face hunger and poverty, especially in developing countries.

global action plan launched in 2019 to shore up support for family farmers in a rapidly changing world highlighted the need to empower family farmers with technology and tailored innovations that meet their needs.

“Technology boosts family farming by enhancing agricultural productivity and livelihoods and promoting environmentally friendly solutions to agriculture,” said Clovis Freire, who leads UNCTAD’s work on technology and innovation policy research.

“Increasing the access of young farmers to technologies can expand rural employment opportunities and enhance the sustainability of family farming,” he added.

Technology as a game changer for family farming

Technology strengthens all four dimensions of food security – availability, access, utilization and stability, according to experts.

Genetic modification, for instance, can increase food supply by speeding up the process of creating new varieties with desired traits.

Agro-processing technologies reduce post-harvest losses and improve the quality of processed products, making food more accessible.

Biofortification, known for improving nutrition, helps mitigate human micronutrient deficiency.

Drones and satellites, used for territory surveillance, mapping and crop health monitoring, contribute to more stable agriculture production.

Promoting cooperation and knowledge sharing

Backed by the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development, to which UNCTAD provides substantive support, various South-South cooperation initiatives – from a science, technology and innovation perspective – are underway to bolster developing countries’ technological capacities.

During a recent workshop on the use of advanced technologies for family agriculture, UNCTAD and its partners jointly launched an industrial innovation cluster of agribusiness, based in Petrolina, Brazil.

The cluster aims at helping Brazilian family farmers tap technology to raise productivity, generate more jobs and make their farming practices more sustainable.

The workshop brought together participants from 14 developing nations, who shared experiences on cooperative practices, technology assessment and the environmental benefits of precision farming – where modern technologies, such as data and digital tools, help monitor and optimize agricultural operations.

How family farmers benefit from technology

Kenya, for example, is carrying out a precision agriculture pilot project using satellite technology to analyse soil carbon and fertility. It includes advising smallholder farmers – through mobile apps and text messages – on when to plant and how much fertilizer to apply.

In Seychelles, farmers are trained to use fertigation technology – combining soluble fertilizers with micro-irrigation techniques – to improve crop quality while reducing energy consumption.

Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, enables farming families to add more value to agricultural products by providing modern machinery and production centres, which convert raw materials to primary and secondary products such as wool, dry fruits and cosmetic oils.

And Uruguay’s ministry of livestock, agriculture and fisheries is designing a digital inclusion strategy targeting rural populations, particularly women farmers.

What policymakers need to do

To narrow the tech gap for family farmers, UNCTAD calls for greater investments – nationally and globally – in research and development to make technologies more affordable, accessible and user-friendly.

Skills training and capacity-building are key to enabling technology adoption by smallholder farmers.

UNCTAD also underscores the need for adequate infrastructure – such as farming equipment, internet broadband and waste management facilities – to reach family farmers, particularly those living in rural areas.

Also, promoting knowledge transfer and international cooperation is crucial to fostering inclusive transformation of family farming, as well as resilient agrifood systems worldwide.

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4th Global Vertical Farming Show – GVF 2023 DUBAI

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th  Global Vertical Farming Show, 13th – 14th September 2023, Movenpick Grand Al Bustan Dubai-UAE


The theme of the 4th Edition of the Global Vertical Farming Show in Dubai is aimed at Transforming Food Systems to achieve better nutrition, enhance Food Security and improve climate change outcomes – via vertical farming integration in Agriculture.

The Global Vertical Farming Show, a highly successful event that brings together modern farming pioneers to collaborate and grow, is returning to Dubai for its 4th edition. The event has already set a high standard in its previous editions and promises to be ground-breaking once again.

GVF 2023 – Dubai is a trailblazing event that will gather the complete vertical farming ecosystem to explore the market, introduce brands, and create long-term strategic partnerships over two power-packed business networking days.

The region’s biggest and ONLY exclusive Vertical Farming Event

Vertical farming is increasingly critical in accelerating food production, maintaining high-quality crops, and contributing to sustainable urban farming, playing a crucial role in enhancing food security worldwide.

The growing interest in vertical farming worldwide is evident, with massive facilities already in operation in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States, and new projects being announced regularly.

The Middle East is a leader in this field, with the world’s largest Vertical Farm, ECO 1 by Bustanica, opened last year through a joint venture between Crop One Holdings and Emirates Flight Catering and policymakers truly supporting the recent developments.

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Turkish potato equipment manufacturer aims to become worldwide brand, expanding in North America

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Özbil Agricultural Machinery Ltd was established in 1978 in a region centered on potato farming in Turkey.

The turkish potato equipment manufacturer on producing custom manufactured machines suitable for the soils and the tractors in the region, and says it works closely with customers in the continuous development of its machines.

After completing several intensive studies since its founding, Özbil Agricultural Machinery expanded its field of work and has become a leader in potato production machinery used for potato production in Turkey. The company produces equipment suitable for all soil types in Turkey.

“By expanding our field of activity after 2017, Özbil’s machines have become the focus of attention in the Middle East, North Africa and South America,” says the company’s Export Manager, Mert Yel in a press release. “Today, we sell our equipment in 27 countries on 5 continents,” he points out.

Customer focused service

“The primary goal of our company is to ensure customer satisfaction, and the feedback we receive from our customers is our most important guide in the continous development of our machines,” Mr Yel says. “It is our priority to try to respond to different soil conditions, climatic conditions and customer requirements in different regions. With our 44 years of experience and the help of our expert staff, we take great care to ensure only the best quality at every stage the production phase of our machines.”

Özbil provides a 2 year factory warranty and 10 year spare part supply guarantee for the machines it sells. The company specializes in container loading, and always monitors the shipping process as machines make their way to reach target countries. When needed, staff would go to the target country and carry out maintenance tasks.

“Our company also provides both pre-sales and post-sales consultancy services,” Mert Yel says. “We always do our best to establish excellent communication with all our customers. We carefully listen to their suggestions and offer faster solutions to their problems thanks to the direct factory-customer relationship we establish with our customers.”

Wide product range

Some of the large range of agricultural equipment Özbil Agricultural Machinery offers include:

  • Two and four row automatic potato planters
  • Potato harvesters
  • Three and four row grass mowers
  • Hoeing machines with and without fertilizer
  • Garden and field type rotovators (rototillers)
  • Tractor backhoes
  • Corn planters

Read the company’s Product Catalogue here.

“We we all intention to become a worldwide brand with our new investments,” says Mert Yel. “Our products have been adopted by potato producers all over the world and attracted great attention.”

“We also aim to enlarge our current customer base in North America. We would welcome enquiries from interested parties in Canada and the U.S.,” Mr Yel says.

Some of the countries where Özbil Agricultural Machinery are sold include the following:

Poland (Distributor), Germany (Distributor), Italy (Distributor), Bulgaria (Distributor), Montenegro (Distributor), Morocco (Distributor), Kenya (Distributor), Zambia (Distributor), Japan (Distributor), Uzbekistan (Distributor), Georgia (Distributor) and Chile (Distributor).

Source: Özbil Agricultural Machinery Ltd

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Mitas brings improved soil protection with the new AGRITERRA 02 SP

Mitas brings improved soil protection with the new AGRITERRA 02 SP

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Mitas launches the new radial tire AGRITERRA 02 SP (Soil Protector), designed for modern agricultural trailers to maximize the protection of the farmer’s soil.

The tire, launched in the 560/60R22.5 IMP size, is the first in the AGRITERRA range to feature the Very High Flexion (VF) technology.

 

The tire is designed to provide farmers with decreased pressure on the ground and a larger footprint leading to greater soil protection and therefore increased yields. “Due its flexible and very strong VF sidewall construction, the AGRITERRA 02 SP enables safe operation at lower inflation pressures.

This increases the tire’s footprint by up to 25%, in turn reducing soil pressure by up to 20%. It enhances soil condition thanks to significantly reduced soil compaction,” explains Pavel Kott, Product Manager for Mitas agricultural tires.

With its high load capacity and maximum speed of 65 kilometers per hour, the AGRITERRA 02 SP means fewer journeys are needed to transport loads and also enables fast on-road movement, providing significant time savings. The tire is suitable for on- and off-road use and its excellent self-cleaning capabilities reduce road soiling when leaving the field.

Due to the special hexagonal bead wire, the tire is able to operate at lower inflation without limiting its lifespan. Moreover, the AGRITERRA 02 SP tread pattern, with its rounded shoulders, is very gentle on grassland. All these features deliver clear productivity benefits to farmers using agricultural trailers, spreaders, tankers, and other towing equipment for which the new tire is designed.

“With the AGRITERRA 02 SP, we decided to offer the first trailer radial tire enhanced with the VF technology we have been successfully using for many years, for example on our tractor tires. This significantly improves the tire’s characteristics, offering maximum soil protection together with higher load capacity, with a corresponding positive effect on operating efficiency in terms of money and time savings at the end of the farmer’s day,” says Kott.

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Precision ag tech software i-Plant Nutrition launches app


Precision ag-tech software, i-Plant Nutrition has launched a mobile application version of the software on both the Apple and Android app stores.

The app will enable users of the game-changing software user-friendly access to their tailored information, advice, and guidance anywhere via their phones or tablets.

The app is available to download now and is free to all i-Plant Nutrition customers. It also allows new customers to do their entire fertilization plan independent of their desktops or laptops.

In recent week, i-Plant Nutrition rebranded from its previous name of Smart Fertilizer. The rename signifies a new chapter for the company as their offering grows, with the launch of the app part of the platforms new provision. Alongside the pre-existing synthetic fertilizer related offering, i-Plant Nutrition is now also providing sensor less-irrigation guidance, a knowledge sharing platform and going forward to include organic fertilizer recipes and excitingly, pest and disease management.

On the horizon for the company is technology which will include pest control able to identify pathogens, pinpoint their location on a heatmap and recommend initially synthetic and later organic control. The software will also be able to recommend organic fertilizers which will be integrated into the software’s database, running on its own independent algorithm.

Current new features of the updated i-Plant Nutrition platform are drainage capabilities which allows a user to control key parameters for hydroponics irrigation including drip and drainage, and media analysis, which allows a user to incorporate soilless substrate in the calculations for the precise fertilisation plan.

Johnathan Kol-Bar, CEO of i-Plant Nutrition commented: “After rebranding from Smart Fertilizer to i-Plant Nutrition, the launch of the i-Plant Nutrition app signifies another exciting update fort the company. The app enables our global users to attain their information, which now includes, irrigation, fertigation and organic fertilizer technology, from their portable devices anywhere in the world, making the software even more accessible and user-friendly”

i-Plant Nutrition is part of Yellow Brick Capital’s YB AgTech.

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Mahindra set to unveils 40 tractor models under OJA brand


Mahindra Tractors has introduced “OJA” as the new brand name for its new future-ready range of tractors from its most ambitious global tractor program, K2.

The name “OJA” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Ojas” which symbolises Vitality, Energy & Strength.

The Mahindra OJA is Mahindra’s all-new light-weight global tractor platform, focusing on both domestic and international markets including USA, Japan, and South-East Asia, and has been developed through close cooperation between the engineering teams of Mitsubishi Mahindra Agriculture Machinery, Japan, and Mahindra Research Valley, India, the R&D centre for Mahindra’s Auto & Farm sector.

The Mahindra OJA will have four sub-tractor platforms — the Sub Compact, Compact, Small Utility and Large Utility — tractor categories, covering 40 models across various multiple HP points.

Speaking on the brand name announcement, Hemant Sikka, President – Farm Equipment Sector, M&M Ltd. said, “Ahead of the global premiere of the production version of our most awaited tractor program codenamed K2, we at Mahindra are pleased to announce “OJA” as the new brand name of Mahindra’s new light-weight tractor range. Slated for launch later this year, the OJA is Mahindra’s Future Ready approach to tractorization exemplified by numerous first best-in-class technologies for improved performance and productivity, through which we aim to transform farming and enrich farmers’ lives.”

Mahindra OJA tractors will be manufactured exclusively at Mahindra’s Zaheerabad tractor facility; one of South-Asia’s largest and Mahindra’s youngest tractor manufacturing plants. A vertically integrated tractor facility, Mahindra’s Zaheerabad facility also rolls out Mahindra’s next-generation range of Yuvo and Jivo tractors, including the recently launched Plus Series of tractors.

Currently, Mahindra is the only tractor manufacturer in Telangana, having invested close to Rs 10.87 billion in Zaheerabad. The farm equipment sector employs over 1,500 workers, with a capacity of over 100,000 tractors per year on a two-shift basis.

The Zaheerabad plant is technologically advanced, with the flexibility to roll-out over 330 different tractor variants ranging from 30 to 100 hp. The plant has adopted the TPM (Total Productive Maintenance) philosophy and culture since inception, with around 65 per cent of Zaheerabad’s tractor production being exported globally.

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New Holland presents brand new Straddle Tractor TE6 range


The new range is inspired by the Straddle Tractor Concept created in collaboration with Italian design firm Pininfarina.
• It’s a multifunction tractor designed for narrow vineyards, with an elegant and compact design, great comfort and manoeuvrability. Created to work with multiple implements combinations, keeping them attached without leaving the cab, activated at a flick of a switch
• It features the best innovations available on New Holland’s tractors, including efficient hydraulic system Intelliflow™and MyPLM Connect to maximize productivity through technology.


New Holland introduces the new Straddle Tractor TE6 Range – TE6.120N and TE6.150N – multifunction tractors specifically designed for narrow vineyards that require machines with an extreme manoeuvrability and compact dimensions, and that will be available starting from the end of 2023.

The new Straddle Tractor range’s design is inspired by the Straddle Tractor Concept, created by New Holland in collaboration with Italian design firm Pininfarina and winner of the Good Design Award and of the German Design Award in 2022. The Concept tractor featured a futuristic and stylish look inspired by the shape of a glass of Champagne as a homage to premium wine growers of regions such as Champagne, Médoc and Burgundy.

The new TE6.120N and TE6.150N are in fact specifically designed for some of the most prestigious wine-producing regions, adapting to the narrow French vineyards and to any terrain that has similar characteristics.

The new tractor range is highly multifunctional: it features three independent tool zones for multiple possible implement combinations. They are also designed to grant an extra quick hitch – less than 10 minutes for the sprayer – and to allow the operator to keep the tools attached without leaving the cab, saving time and maximizing efficiency. Maximum manoeuvrability is granted by the Superlight new steering system.

Thierry Le Briquer, Grape, Olive and Coffee Harvester Global Product and Platform Manager at New Holland says “Multifunctionality, maneuverability, compact design and power: these are the key elements of the new Straddle Tractor range that is completely revolutionizing our offering in Straddle tractors.

The best quality is ensured by our engineering and manufacturing at the Centre of Excellence in Coëx, France, where these tractors are produced and that is specialized in grape, olive harvesters and straddle tractors, serving customers worldwide.”

Just like the rest of New Holland’s new generation tractor range, the Straddle Tractors are equipped with innovation technology: Intelliview™ IV Plus display and its rearview screens give a total control of the tractor and My PLM Connect® allows operators to manage data in real time, on board or remotely, to maximize efficiency and productivity.

The Blue Power livery reflects New Holland’s new styling lines and balances elegance with comfort. The ergonomics have been completely reshaped with a renovated cab offering comfort and high visibility all around the machine. The FTP Industrial Stage V engine in the row ensures total stability on slopes and inclines, and the IntelliFlow hydraulic system gives a balanced distribution of power all around the tractor.

Carlo Lambro, Brand President of New Holland Agriculture says: “It’s with great pride that we add these Straddle tractors to our already excellent range, featuring a new design that combines our long-lasting identity with the most innovative features and inspired by the collaboration with a great design firm such as Pininfarina.

It brings elegance, comfort and performance to our customers specialized in viticulture and I’m excited to see it in action very soon in the most prestigious vineyards.”​​​​

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AGCO and Bosch BASF Smart Farming Announce Joint Development and Commercialization of Smart Spraying Capabilities


AGCO Corporation announced today that together with Bosch BASF Smart Farming it will integrate and commercialize Smart Spraying technology on Fendt Rogator sprayers, and jointly develop additional, new features.

In May 2021, AGCO and Bosch BASF Smart Farming started the first trials of Bosch BASF Smart Farming’s innovative Smart Spraying Solution, which will deliver optimal herbicide savings without compromising weed control and will enable targeted spraying during day and night-time conditions.

In addition to targeted spraying, the system will deliver integrated digital tools to turn the application data into actionable insights and improve yields and efficiency for farmers.

Herbicide savings are delivered through sophisticated sensoring, automated sensitivity thresholds, access to Bosch BASF Smart Farming’s pest identification technology, and the use of Fendt Rogator’s robust application platform. AGCO will offer the system in the Americas and Europe starting in 2024.

Farmers will also be able to benefit from customized agronomic recommendations and reliable documentation within the same solution. The system will offer an end-to-end user experience through AGCO on-board and off-board controls and Bosch BASF Smart Farming’s integrated digital platform from xarvio® Digital Farming Solutions, with insights into the data gathered during the application.

Supported crops currently include corn, soy, cotton, canola, sunflower, and sugarbeet, with capabilities for more crops such as small grains being added over time.

“The progress we have made with Bosch BASF Smart Farming in developing a sustainable solution that maintains productivity while improving profitability and delivering clean fields with maximum savings is an excellent example of AGCO’s farmer focus,” said Seth Crawford, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Precision Ag & Digital, AGCO.

“We look forward to our further collaboration with Bosch BASF Smart Farming as we work together to bring this solution to farmers and custom applicators around the world.”

“What makes our system unique is the combination of superior precision, digital tools and the agronomic expertise. With a 24/7 application capability, we create exceptional green-on-green and green-on-brown performance.

This type of precision agronomics offering is a breakthrough to support farmers with less impact and higher yields,” said Matt Leininger, Managing Director North America, Bosch BASF Smart Farming.

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