Rooibos tea has been experiencing a global rise in demand for years. Rooibos only grows in a small natural area, which means that the production limits are ‘naturally’ restricted.
A guest contribution from the American Furrow: agricultural journalist Katie Knapp takes a highly personal look at technological developments in farming, from the electronics of the 1970s to GPS guidance, drones, sensors, robotics and artificial intelligence. Agricultural technology is helping farmers work more efficiently, sustainably and precisely, both in the field and in the barn. Look at the key technological milestones and the challenges ahead.
In crop improvement, controlling chlorophyll levels is emerging as a promising tool for enhancing resilience and reducing nitrogen requirements.
Once a defining crop in the British countryside, oilseed rape dropped from rotations as pest pressures and risk grew, but its loss created a bigger problem; hunger in bees. Now, a new industry collaboration is giving farmers a reason to reconsider oilseed rape’s place on farm.
An old species of bee lives on the Mexican Yucatán peninsula: the Melipona beecheii. This wild bee is particularly small and produces little honey compared to other bees. However, it is of great importance for agriculture. In Mexico, the Melipona beecheii pollinates avocado, coffee, pumpkin, mango, cucumber, watermelon, tomato and various spices.
Humanoid robots in barns, AI-powered real-time analytics, and voice control via smartphone: what still sounds futuristic today is increasingly becoming reality. New technologies are fundamentally transforming livestock farming and offer measurable benefits for animal health, workflows, and economic efficiency.
Automatic steering systems and site-specific field management are finding their way onto farms as the options become wider and more diverse. Precision farming can make businesses more efficient, more sustainable and more economically viable.
Three farmers who dared to step into precision farming talk about their experiences.
Have a look at this infographic to see how precision farming supports farmers at different steps of the cropping cycle, from planning to harvest.
How the digital modernisation of farms opens new opportunities for livestock producers to cope with upcoming challenges.
On the edge of the Dutch town of Andijk, tulip grower Niels Kreuk runs a business rooted as much in people as in plants. From bulbs grown on his own land, he supplies flowers to customers across Europe. Progress, for Kreuk, is a shared effort shaped by a committed team and a clear view of leadership. “I want personal attention for everyone who works here,” he says.
Using modern technology instead of gut feeling. One field trial with the new S7 800 combine demonstrates that artificial intelligence (AI) supported machine settings not only safeguard quality but also boost efficiency. It takes insights into real-world practice, compelling measurements, and candid voices from the cab.
In a tight labour market, many farmers are struggling to attract qualified staff. Laurent Paillat, Secretary General at ANEFA* in France, shares best practices for making farms more appealing to potential employees.
How do you run a 450-cow dairy farm with a strong team? One French farmer shows how clear planning, smart communication, and better working conditions help attract and retain skilled staff—while keeping a human touch.
Farmer Friedrich Baumgärtel from Wegeleben, Germany, began practising precision agriculture more than 20 years ago. Together with his adviser, Michael Eckhardt from dealer LVA Landtechnik GmbH, he shares his experiences and explains how modern technologies are helping him to guide his farm securely into the future.
Europe’s farms will continue to offer plenty of work – but who will take on this work remains uncertain. While new technologies are reshaping rural workflows, human hands remain essential. Adrien Leroy takes a look at the causes of the skilled labour shortage in agriculture and explores which solutions could help turn the tide.
Egbert Wissling's farm in eastern Münsterland, Germany, has grown significantly over the past two decades. Today, he employs more than a dozen staff members, who appreciate both the farm’s innovative dynamism and its flexible working hours.
Some machines are more than just tools. The John Deere 6030 is undoubtedly one of them. In the 1970s, it set new standards in terms of performance and was considered the most powerful series tractor of its time. For entrepreneur and farmer Matthias Stadlhuber, this particular model became a labour of love, combining technological history, passion and years of restoration work.
Good people management is increasingly becoming a decisive success factor for modern agricultural businesses. In southern England, dairy farmer Charlotte West demonstrates how this works in practice. In doing so, she creates structures that not only strengthen the performance of her farm, but also support the people behind it.
Ontario has more family farms than any other Canadian province. Embark on a journey of discovery from maple syrup to goat farming.
Visit your John Deere dealer and ask for a subscription of The Furrow.
The transition to regenerative agriculture takes patience. Christian Højgaard Weigelt has finally started to see progress after three years – but it’s been worth it.
A visit to the Lovati Agricultural Company offered a glimpse into a modern, dynamic side of Italian livestock farming, where technology and tradition work together and animal comfort is part of everyday life.
Subsoil is the silent reserve of arable farming – often overlooked, yet essential for yield stability in the face of climate change. Tapping into the subsoil provides access to plant nutrients and water reserves, which can make the difference between a successful harvest and crop failure in dry years.
Just a stone's throw from the new town of Cergy-Pontoise, the Fumery's family farm has withstood the pressures of urbanisation for 75 years. Amid expropriations, educational outreach and local partnerships, three generations have adapted to their model. Today, Denis and his son Philémon continue the family's commitment to vibrant, locally rooted agriculture closely connected to the city.
Combines are crucial to our global food supply and reliability is non-negotiable. But how does John Deere ensure that every machine meets the highest standards? Production Planning Manager Georg Ramstetter offers a behind-the-scenes look at the company’s Zweibrücken plant.
Long periods of drought, heavy downpours, and a a increasing risk of salinisation is making crop production increasingly challenging. For Dutch farmer Klaas Schenk, these pressures were the trigger to develop a sustainable on-farm water system. His set-up now filters and stores around 30,000 m³ of fresh water underground each year, providing reliable drip irrigation throughout the growing season.
Farmer Laura Kulow runs an organic farm in the Altmark region in Germany, and this year she and her team, which includes a reliable JD 6140M, have achieved an exceptionally good harvest.
When December rolls around in East Anglia, something magical happens at Ben Burgess John Deere dealerships. Rows of tractors, combines, and even sprayers sparkle under thousands of festive lights, transforming machinery yards into dazzling winter wonderlands. This unique tradition began a few years ago at the company’s Coates branch and has since grown into a group-wide celebration across 11 locations.
In the soil, during crop rotation, in the barn, on pasture, at the silo, during feeding, in milk production, but also on the slurry line and in biogas production: even though agricultural production is largely circular, there remains potential at every stage to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
At James Goodley’s farm in the heart of North Norfolk, a cutting-edge field trial is reshaping how farmers think about nitrogen use. The Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) trial brings together a powerful team of agronomists, farmers, technology experts, and John Deere specialists to explore how smarter nitrogen management can drive profitability and reduce environmental impact.
The harvest of wild walnuts in western Kyrgyzstan is an encounter with a quintessential form of agriculture. It’s a continuous attempt to keep human land use and wild nature in balance.
Around one in seven hectares of elderberry in Germany grows in the Rhön region. Several farms cultivate the berries, which make a popular health drink and gained fame as an ingredient in red Bionade, the cult lemonade from Ostheim.
The choice of wheat variety is usually based on yield and quality. However, climate change and extreme weather conditions are increasingly leading to yield and quality losses. Can we still afford to grow homogeneous varieties in the future?
In the heart of the Hertfordshire countryside, Rothamsted Research is home to the world’s longest-running agricultural trials – a scientific legacy that continues to shape farming practices and research globally.
Autumn is peak season for squashes, and in Ludwigsburg in southern Germany they’re not only popular on the dining table and as decorations, here they are even taken to the water as competition boats.
When Laurin Müller starts the forage harvester, it is more than just the beginning of another working day. The development engineer at John Deere regularly swaps his office desk for the cab of a 9900i SPFH, gaining hands-on insights that directly inform the continued development of the machines. What began as a childhood dream has become a valuable field test for the technology of tomorrow.
RNA-based insecticides appear to be promising. They are precise, they protect beneficial organisms, and they can be produced cost-effectively. The method brings new potential to crop protection, especially where traditional active ingredients are lacking.
In citizen science projects, people around the world are collecting data on the soil carbon cycle and biological activity by measuring the decomposition of tea bags. This method is helping farmers to better estimate the decomposition rate of organic manures.
At the John Deere plant in Zweibrücken, Germany, highly complex combines are constructed from thousands of components – customised, efficient, and ready for use in fields worldwide. We take a look at the final assembly.
The image of agriculture is positive – and in many countries, it’s even improving. Recent surveys from across Europe reveal that farmers are widely respected. A closer look uncovers differences, similarities, and unique regional perspectives.
The Gaus and Lütje families have been managing their farms together for over 30 years. Potato cultivation and marketing have brought them close to their customers, and to ensure that customers buy their products, they do a lot to convey a positive image of agriculture. But it's not just the external image that has to be right; there is a lot of self-reflection and hard work behind it too.
In France, the Agridemain platform has set itself the mission of bringing agriculture closer to the general public, moving beyond clichés and showcasing the full diversity of production methods.
A young farmer from Navarre in Spain has managed to increase his crop production by 16% through the use of new technologies, while using 22% less fertiliser, 40% fewer pesticides, and 20% less fuel.
As in all areas of the economy, artificial intelligence (AI)-based technologies are making inroads into the agricultural sector at a rapid pace. One thing is already certain: AI will greatly transform agricultural work. Nevertheless, farmers must remain the ultimate decision-makers in the barn and on the field.
High-tech in the field – but does potential remain untapped? Many farmers invest in modern machinery but only use a fraction of its technological capabilities. John Deere aims to help farmers get the most from their machines.
Andreas Brömser is an agricultural meteorologist at the German Weather Service (DWD). He assists farmers in making forward-looking decisions with the help of soil moisture forecasts.
Building a forage harvester is all about raw power combined with ultimate precision – from the very first weld to the final calibration. In the final assembly hall at John Deere in Zweibrücken, Germany, a machine is brought to life that can shred an entire truckload of maize in just two minutes.
The dairy industry often finds itself under fire for its environmental impact. But one organic producer is hoping that bringing farmers together to adopt a more sustainable approach to agriculture can challenge this narrative.
Active Slope Adjustment™ (ASA) is a new technology to prevent grain losses when harvesting on slopes. Go-to-Market Manager for combines, Jonathan Edwards provides some insights.
In a niche between conventional and organic pig production, Greensgaard Farm has carved out a successful position, offering high animal welfare and low pig mortality at a price consumers appreciate.
The pace of work in agriculture changes during the year. But in Romania, a new kind of rhythm is emerging, one that, thanks to precision agriculture, is transforming farmers' habits, lives, and results.
Its name gives it away: The safflower, also known as the dyer’s thistle, was used in the past for dyeing fabrics yellow and red. Even the Ancient Egyptians cultivated the plant, which is still used for dyeing today – although rarely for fabrics. Nowadays, safflower is popular mainly for its oil.
Forestry machines consume large amounts of diesel, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions within the forestry value chain. However, a modified John Deere harvester proves that a more climate-friendly option is available, powered by a fuel that’s been around for decades.
Phacelia could bring multiple benefits to arable systems, acting as a useful cover crop and potentially attracting beneficial insects as a means of reducing pesticide use. With that in mind, it’s a flower that should be taken seriously in light of changes to farm payments and the acceleration in the regenerative farming movement.
There is a new generation of farmers coming through in Heidal, Norway, one that is motivated to breathe new life into the industry – and preferably on a green and yellow tractor.
In the heart of Denmark’s Jutland moorlands, an organic farmer has created a circular farming system where chickens and vegetables form a symbiosis.
Alejandro Aguado is a farmer in Soria (northeastern Spain), cultivating land that was inhabited millions of years ago by dinosaurs. On this land, now in the 21st Century, Alejandro uses precision farming technologies to maximize his yields.
A fresh cob of sweetcorn on the barbecue with a good piece of beef - what could be better? Nothing, according to Dutch maize and cattle producer, Giel Hermans, who is leading the way in this market.
Completely autonomous tractors may be on the verge of becoming a reality in the UK, and one farm in Cambridge is using John Deere technology to get as close as possible to this goal. Lydia Wombwell finds out more.
At just 40, Rémi Janin can both look back with pride and forward with determination. He can be pleased with his efforts to protect his family tradition of organic farming and direct selling. With a degree in landscape architecture, he is working to make his farm in Vernand, Haut-Beaujolais, France, more resilient to climate change. At the same time, he is striving to make the landscape more meaningful for the people who live in the region and for visitors.
Automation in arable farming operations is advancing, enhancing work comfort, improving precision and ultimately increasing productivity. A closer look at the key solutions from John Deere reveals that many of today’s tasks can be automated.
A fluffy body with long legs and a long neck, then a head with big googly eyes, often crowned by a funny hairstyle – it’s the alpaca. This species of camel has been experiencing a surge in popularity in recent years, with many farms offering alpaca products and events. But how can farmers handle farming and breeding, regardless of the trends? Elisabeth Freitag manages the largest alpaca breeding farm in Germany and shares insights into the opportunities and challenges.
Guillaume Ripoll from Lacougotte-Cadoul, Tarn, Southern France has long been a fan of precision farming. Responsible for 1,200ha of crops, the contractor finds that automation systems like AutoPath help control the bigger equipment on the farm, particularly in fields with complicated layouts.
The ladybird brings good luck to agriculture because its favorite foods are plant pests like aphids, spider mites and their eggs. It is the best-known species in the ladybird family, which consists of around 6,000 species and subspecies worldwide, with different colours, sizes and numbers of dots.
Over the past three years, John Deere has been testing and enhancing its Autonomous Tillage solution in collaboration with customers and dealers, specifically focusing on the Midwest region of the US. We spoke with Brandon Page, Autonomy Product Marketing Manager, about the technological requirements and transformative potential of this innovation.
Thanks to geothermal energy almost all of Iceland’s energy is sourced from renewable resources. Farmers are able to grow tomatoes, strawberries and even bananas. In fact, some farmers have even constructed their own geothermal power plants.
Hans-Peter Tramsen began investing in renewable energy such as biogas, wind power, and photovoltaics decades ago, ensuring the sustainability and profitability of his farm through animal husbandry, organic fertilisation and multiple crop rotations. Now, his son, Jakob, is focusing on automation in dairy cow husbandry and arable farming to optimise time and further develop the farm’s resources.
Sander van Kampen cultivates wasabi in De Lier in the Netherlands. The Japanese horseradish is a delicate plant with specific requirements. When it comes to processing and selling, the rule is: the fresher, the better.
In many European countries, policy makers require farmers to minimise the use of mineral fertilisers to reduce their environmental impact. One approach to this is site-specific nitrogen fertiliser application. John Deere and the fertiliser manufacturer Yara have together made this task significantly easier. A report from the field.
Standfirst: A project aimed at monitoring cows at grass using artificial intelligence (AI) has given some interesting results.
For over 20 years, John Deere has been providing AutoTrac guidance systems to help farmers and contractors maximize their efficiency. In August 2024, John Deere launched the Precision Ag essentials packages – a retrofit solution compatible with all types of equipment, regardless of its brand or age – making smart farming easier and more accessible. Here we share some first-hand experiences from the field.
For Lars Andersson and 20 other livestock farmers collaborating with Biokraft Mönsterås, low earnings and problems with spreading manure are no longer an issue now that biogas production is ramping up in Sweden.
With the over-150hp 6M tractors, John Deere offers uncomplicated machines for challenging tasks. In this interview, product manager Marcus Luchmann explains how these tractors combine power and efficiency with attractive costs.
Planting cover crops before growing sunflowers can increase yields, as trials at the French agricultural research centre - the Terres Inovia Institute – have revealed.
Simple, robust, and versatile—this is how a tractor for smaller livestock operations should be. Scott Mackenzie, Go to Market Manager for the 6M tractors up to 149 HP, explains in an interview how John Deere has met these requirements. He highlights why sometimes less is more and how a clear vision has led to the creation of an all-rounder for modern livestock farming.
In the South of the “Beautiful Country,” the number of exotic fruit farms is increasing, since tropical fruits are more profitable than other crops and more in demand than ever, both domestically and across Europe. However, careful land selection and agronomic management is important, as proven by the 10-year experience of the F.lli Bilardi Farm, in Calabria.
The Strübbe family has been managing their farm since 1344. What started as a traditional mixed farm has developed into one of the largest Christmas tree producers in the region. With 15 permanent employees, 40 seasonal workers, and state-of-the-art technology, thousands of Nordmann firs are cared for here every year, from planting to sale.
Aisha Hassan and Lukas Paltanavičius are cycling across the world to learn hands-on about practices of regenerative agriculture. In a series of articles, they share their insights from the field. In this guest article they look at the socio-economical aspect of regenerative farming in Lithuania.
Participants from banks, NGOs and machine manufacturers learn more about the current challenges facing agriculture and possible solutions at the Lighthouse Farm Academy. With the accumulated knowledge, they can make decisions that will help farmers transition to more sustainable systems. Marc Gijsbers is one of these participants and reports on his experiences as a member of the Academy.
The new paint shop at the John Deere plant in Mannheim combines shiny tractors with environmentally friendly production. Take a look behind the scenes of this state-of-the-art facility and test your knowledge in a short quiz.
There is a labour crisis in UK farming, with limited access to overseas staff and a disengaged domestic workforce. But some organisations are breaking the mould by thinking differently – and opening up agriculture to a wider population as a result. Anna Bowen reports.
In the northwest of the Czech Republic a woody perennial rhizomatous grass, originating from Asia, is being grown on a large scale by arable farmer Roland Schaumberger – who is eager to access new markets with this low-maintenance, climate-friendly crop.
Building an agrivoltaic installation can be expensive; however, when integrated with greenhouses or polytunnels, this system may provide a more cost-effective solution while also improving the nutritional content of plants. This perspective is based on an interview with Elinor Thompson, Assistant Professor at the University of Greenwich.
Germany’s More Sustainable Milk project is aiming to assist its dairy industry in lowering its CO2 equivalent emissions to reach a greener future. Investigating how technology and data can help reduce methane, nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide emissions, the project’s participating farms have outcomes to share. The Furrow finds out more.
Standing between energy and food crops, agrivoltaics takes a middle route, offering the potential for improved land use efficiency. However, the question remains: Will agricultural productivity meet expectations? The Furrow spoke with farmers who have embraced this approach.
Supermarkets are often blamed for squeezing primary producers dry, but the Van Onze Grond (From Our Land) co-operative in the Netherlands shows that things can be different. In the Apeldoorn-Deventer-Zutphen urban triangle, farmers and supermarkets are working together to find markets for local produce.
Agrivoltaics as a technology is still new, but it shows potential. What systems and framework conditions already exist, and what energy output can be expected?
Jean-Luc Resnik and John Deere’s self-propelled forage harvesters have one thing in common: They have both been closely associated with the John Deere site in Zweibrücken for almost 40 years. The 64-year-old was there when production of forage harvesters started at Zweibrücken and has followed their development ever since.
There have often been conflicts of interest between weed management and biodiversity but what if there was a way to combine the two without having to accept serious yield losses? Recent studies suggest that weeds can be beneficial to farmers, as Theresa Petsch takes a closer look at the data.
After 25 years in Paris, Albane de Warren-Desbois has settled on the family farm. It was a brave return to her roots, where she had to learn everything from scratch.
The principle of partial deep tillage (PDT) boasts a rich history, having been developed in East Germany as early as the late 1950s. Initially aimed at increasing soil fertility and yields, this method has found renewed relevance today. Soil scientists Prof Dr Michael Sommer from the Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF) and Andre Hahn from the agricultural machinery manufacturer Lemken are now leveraging this historical knowledge in their ‘Carbon Tillage’ project to further protect the climate.
Advanced harvesting automation systems and the latest John Deere engines provide the new S7 combines with higher productivity and efficiency. The S7 also features integrated additional functions for precision farming.
Rice is the third largest grain crop in the world after wheat and maize. In Portugal, it is produced in the basins of the Mondego, Tagus and Sado rivers, and Carolino rice is the most popular variety. So what challenges and opportunities is the sector facing?
Risk management in the agriculture is complex and volatile. Robbie Dennis, who runs a farm in farm in Suffolk, tries to protect himself by relying on clear contracts. contracts. Another building block is the versatile John Deere 7R 310 tractor, which has been in use since this spring.
Waste from food production is highly appealing to the black soldier fly, while it enhances biomass production at the same time. A professional approach to raising and using this fly could therefore present a promising opportunity to address the challenges of land, water, and energy scarcity. Danish farmers Carsten Lind Pedersen and Jane Lind Sam have built a large farm dedicated to this insect.
When a fuel tanker spills its load and contaminates agricultural land (covering a hectare in this case), a decontamination process is required. Substantial earth-moving resources are needed, as the company Dieuzaide TP, from Gers in southwest France, explains.
In mixed arable and livestock operations, there is a symbiotic relationship akin to the Romanian proverb ‘one hand washes the other’. With multiple branches to the enterprise, risks can be balanced through mutual support. In times of declining grain prices, the value of livestock serves to offset losses, while in instances of livestock challenges, the grain serves as a reliable commodity for sale.
Staying on track has never been easier than with the new John Deere 7R 350, according to Henryk Boćkowski, who particularly appreciates the new EZ Ballast System in addition to the reactive steering. This allows the farmer and contractor to switch easily between field work and road transport.
FIT-POP popcorn is sold in Iowa grocery stores and movie theaters. It all started in the 1980s, when Jim Fitkin and his family decided to give this crop a try.
All tractors supplied by the John Deere factory in Mannheim meet the highest quality standards. An automated camera robot now helps employees to detect and correct errors in the production process.
At the age of 65, Ed Dillinger and his family thought about setting up a bison ranch in the United States. At the Lazy Heart D-Ranch, he offers guided tours to show children and adults life on the ranch.
Black truffles (Tuber melanosporum) are a highly prized delicacy among gourmets. They have an intense aroma that is described as earthy, nutty and spicy. Production is on a small scale and is limited to certain areas. However, it can pay over €1000/kg (£846/kg). This makes it one of the most profitable agricultural crops currently available.
Researchers investigating the link between cabbage varieties revealed that our cabbage in Northwest Europe has a historical connection to the Middle East – which could favour the future development of new climate resiliant cabbage varities.
Lithuanian young farmers are joining the green trajectory with precision technology and smart farming helping them lead the way.
Agriculture accounts for around one fifth of Ghana’s gross national product. In addition to export successes like raw cocoa and palm oil, there is further potential, although some structural deficits still need to be overcome.
No Romanian farm has ever been big, beautiful, and profitable from the very start. Most farmers had to start all over again after the end of communist rule in 1989. This was the case for Agroserv Borcea, today one of the best-equipped farms in the southern part of the country.
It’s pretty obvious that if you want to apply fertiliser, you need to know what your plants need, and what nutrients are available in the soil. Unfortunately, soil testing is still not common practice on most farms.
Many German farmers are concerned about their land because the federal government is focusing on rehydrating peaty soils to achieve its climate targets. However, in some circumstances, there are prospects of using this rehydrated land profitably.
A unique station of the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service (Deutsche Gesellschaft zur Rettung Schiffbrüchiger, DGzRS) is located on the Baltic Sea Coast at Wustrow. It’s unique because the station is responsible for two different operational areas at sea – and in order to cope with this challenging task, the local Sea Rescue crew utilises a John Deere 6R 230.
Klaus Aage Bengtson successfully runs a large organic farm in North Jutland. But by 2025, his switch to conventional farming will be complete. So why is this producer returning to inorganic ways?
Prof Jean-Pierre Sarthou is a specialist in agro-ecological systems and professor at the Toulouse school of agricultural and life sciences. He talked to The Furrow about the definition of regenerative agriculture and its future prospects.
At more than 1,100ha, BV Erf is the largest organic arable farm in the Netherlands. Strip cropping and robots are not the stuff of dreams here, they are being tested at a practical scale. The Furrow visited this exceptional company.
What does regen Ag look like in practice? In the absence of any regulatory or scientific definition, it can be difficult to pin down. Overview of the main goals and technical indicators.
An old 2030 LS tractor with a transmission fault had been sitting forgotten in the workshop of a school in Zambia. Retired John Deere expert, Günter Becker was drafted in to help with the repairs. To make sure nothing went wrong, he practiced on a duplicate model in Germany.
Regenerative agriculture has become a hot topic for discussion, but a consistent definition of this production model has yet to emerge. The Furrow met growers committed to this path to get an idea of its key principles.
The new 5M tractor from John Deere offers visibility, manoeuvrability, comfort and high pulling power for the road, field and yard. Product marketing manager Mart6in Nolte provides an overview of the most important improvements – and explains which applications the tractor is particularly suitable for.
In their pursuit of better returns on their small livestock farm, John and Nina Andersson, based outside Ängelholm in Sweden, turned to the legendary Japanese Wagyu cattle. They are known for their famous premium marbled meat, which is cherished by food connoisseurs and chefs across the world.
Mustard is a global product. Following supply bottlenecks in 2022, manufacturers are now increasingly trying to use local varieties again. We visited mustard producers in France and Germany and spoke to them about their new approaches.
Two halved tractors captivated more visitors at Agritechnica 2023 than some whole tractors. The unusual duo demonstrated that John Deere keeps tractors running with the right spare parts and proactive service – no matter how old they are.
Drones are increasingly being used in agriculture. As well as monitoring crops, their high altitude potential and versatility means they can be used to spray fertilisers, biostimulants, pesticides and even biological control agents.
John Deere’s European Parts Distribution Centre (EPDC) in Bruchsal, Germany, ensures that farmers all over the world are quickly supplied with the vital spare parts they need. But what happens behind the scenes at John Deere's largest dispatch and logistics centre?
The Global Crop Diversity Trust has set itself the goal of preserving the genetic diversity of all agricultural crops. The seeds are stored in a gigantic vault in a mountain in Norway. In an interview, managing director Stefan Schmitz explains who benefits from this.
It was once a much-praised country on the Silk Road, but then came along cotton and a bad reputation. Uzbekistan set out to change that – and has achieved a great deal in just a few years.
John Deere’s European Parts Distribution Centre (EPDC) supplies Customers throughout Europe with spare parts quickly and reliably. Managing Director Matthias Steiner explains how people and technology ensure satisfied customers and how logistics are becoming more efficient and sustainable.
Farming blackcurrants regeneratively for Ribena, Rosie Begg is in the driving seat of a new research project which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions during fruit production. Marianne Curtis finds out more.
Farmers in Germany draw attention to the importance of their work during the pre-Christmas period with illuminated processions in festively decorated tractors. The Furrow offers an insight into the illuminated processions in the Viersen district.
In the past, camelina was cultivated throughout Europe as the ‘rapeseed of the Bronze and Iron Ages’. It was then forgotten in favour of more lucrative crops and ended up on the red list of endangered native crops. A German scholar rediscovered it: Thomas Kaiser has been working tirelessly for over 30 years to reintroduce camelina into arable farming.
John Deere's Mannheim facility uses tools like digital tractor models, 3D glasses and special software to develop and improve tractors. The Furrow takes a visit to a virtual world with physical outcomes.
Vertical farming can help cities become less reliant on imports. Singapore, Taiwan and Seoul all make use of the system to produce herbs, lettuce, and other leafy vegetables. And even rural areas can benefit from the space-saving concept.
Turning one’s own products into a brand promises higher added value, but requires efficient marketing. This infographic shows the advantages and disadvantages of establishing a brand, which steps should be considered and how to create a good logo.
Believe it or not, the Vix family were all born on June 26. Wendelin Vix, hale and hearty at 87 years old, has passed on his love for farming to his son Jean-Marc and his grandson, François. Visiting this personality of Alsatian agriculture was well worth the trip, 26 years after doing a first report in the French edition Le Sillon. Let’s rediscover carefully managed La Neumatt Farm, based in Wantzenau (Lower-Rhine), where corn is king and cause for optimism.
Carolin Schäfer founded the agency Agrarmarketing Detailreich (Agricultural Marketing in Rich Detail) and works with, among others, farmers who enter into short supply chains or direct sales. The Furrow speaks with her about brands, branding and communication using social media.
A joint field trial by John Deere and Saaten-Union is investigating the influence of various parameters such as fertilization, seed density and growth regulators on the yield and protein content of winter wheat.
Back in the late nineties, it was all about the potato for two Germanic families; until they formed a partnership that broadened their horizons and built a strong, evolving business and brand.
In the Berry region of Nerondes, France, Marion Breteau and Damien Sneessens produce a wide range of "superfood" seeds, which they market under their own brand. In doing so, they now buy from some 50 contract farmers. We meet this couple of young farmers, full of initiative and conviction.
Farms are getting bigger. Therefore, when it comes to weed control, an “electronic eye” in the field can be very useful. To ensure a new product works reliably right from the beginning, extensive tests are carried out before the launch. Customer Damien Menuel from North Eastern France tested John Deere’s See & Spray Select system for a second season in spring 2023.
Fifteen percent of global beer production comes from French winter or spring malting barley. From the producer to the brewer, the entire supply chain remains committed to maintaining performance.
With hundreds of units sold since it was launched in the mid ‘90s, it’s impossible to find anyone who uses the John Deere 750A who has a bad thing to say. Jonathan Riley asked John Deere territory manager for East Anglia, David Purdy, what makes the drill so popular, and spoke to three growers for an insight into why the 750A is a kingpin in their kit-lists.
Creating your own food brand based on your farm’s produce can be a challenging but rewarding journey, as arable farmer Thomas Björklund and other Swedish farmers can attest.
In addition to arable farming and fattening pigs, the Anschütz family relies on energy production from biogas and photovoltaics, and provides heat to 90 households through a heating network. Networks also play a big role in the family's farm management: Their tractors are equipped with the AutoTrac steering system, the John Deere Display and JDLink, all connected to the John Deere Operations Center. For a crop protection agent trial, the Operations Center was additionally connected with xarvio from BASF.
The Cornish pasty has been a staple in the diet of Cornish people and further afield for years, but what is it like to supply the vegetables that go into this famous regional delicacy? Aaron Finucane and Ruth Wills find out.
It was always clear to Alexander Kern that he had to get erosion under control. Some 40 years ago, his father Martin recognised the danger to his land in the German Kraichgau hills, and since then the family have adopted intercropping and minimum tillage on the 200ha conventional farm between Karlsruhe and Heilbronn.
Aisha Hassan and Lukas Paltanavičius are cycling across the world to learn hands-on about practices of regenerative agriculture. In a series of articles, they share their insights from the field. In this guest article they look at the business models of regenerative farms.
In terms of milk production, it is the second largest dairy farm in Spain: the Granja San José farm has to feed 4,300 dairy cows and 2,250 young cattle. All the feed is grown on site. This requires an extensive and reliable fleet of machinery.
On the 51st degree of latitude, in Puhlheim near Cologne, Germany, 115 fit olive trees sway in the wind. An unusual sight, because, at least in this country, olive trees are still exotic. According to operations manager Michael Becker, this could change as the climate keeps changing.
Contractor and farmer Benny Nilsson has been working together with the local John Deere dealership in Stenkyrka, Gotland for over 45 years and counting. The long relationship has been a fruitful one, not only for them, but for Mr Nilsson’s clients as well.
Punjab has always been considered the breadbasket of India. Plenty of water, a temperate climate in the winter, and rich soils in the flat, alluvial land of the five rivers south of the Himalayas guarantee good harvests. However, times are also changing in Punjab.
Rainer Loesch is Head of Quality at the John Deere Plant in Mannheim. The 6000 M and R series tractors are developed and produced there. In an interview, he talked about the ability to continuously develop as an organisation, and why employee motivation and an error management culture are so important for customer satisfaction.
Dr Monika Joschko, Biologist at the Leibniz-Zentrum für Agrarlandschaftsforschung (ZALF) e. V., researches soil. She knows how soil can be analysed using medical computer tomography and how farmers can protect their soil.
During the past 35 years, Christian Beisel has been working for John Deere in Mannheim; currently he is the Module Manager in the Final Assembly Department. In this interview, he takes a personal look at the development of the plant and describes which developments have been the most important for him in recent years.
"You wouldn't," is usually the response you would get. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
The John Deere plant in Mannheim has produced a whopping 2m tractors as of the spring of 2023. A reason to celebrate – and a good occasion for a look at the people, data and facts behind this milestone.
Aisha Hassan and Lukas Paltanavičius are cycling across the world to learn hands-on about practices of regenerative agriculture. In a series of articles, they will share their insights from the field. In this guest article they look at how regenerative farmers are managing water resources.
The Italian company Farchioni produces oil, flour, beer and wine with the help of innovative agricultural machinery. Traceability, controlled supply chains and sustainability are criteria that play an important role in the work.
Can algae grown in wastewater provide a viable alternative to inorganic fertilisers? Professor Olaf Kruse, biotechnologist at Bielefeld University discusses the production process and its potential with the Jülich Research Centre and Lichtenau municipal utility in Germany.
Aisha Hassan and Lukas Paltanavičius are cycling across the world to learn hands-on about practices of regenerative agriculture. In a series of articles, they will share their insights from the field. In this guest article they uncover how regenerative agriculture helps to increase biodiversity.
Biogas and its uses account for around 10% of all agricultural sales in Germany. This energy revolution has economic heft and offers an important opportunity for agricultural businesses and rural areas. But with expertise and production methods varying – how is it working in practice?
From pioneering renewable projects to local focused marketing, farmers across Europe are innovating in the drive for sustainability, but for Dutch farmers - cost is key.
The protein-rich soyabean has become increasingly important for both animal feed and food production with the lion's share imported from South and North America. But the number of soya growers in Europe is rising with production better placed to secure food supply and provide economic prospects in a more sustainable way.
In early 2023, the two-millionth tractor came off the production line at the John Deere factory in Mannheim. In his guest article, Hans-Christian Quick, archivist at John Deere, reveals what has changed in performance, connectivity, and sustainability since the millionth tractor.
Delicious, organically grown coffee is the passion and pursuit of one coffee grower in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Aeroco Coffee, with its focus on sustainable production, want to show the world their passion for Vietnamese coffee. The Furrow joins them on a tour of their Ea Kao Lake plantation to learn how they’re changing the coffee landscape.
Over the past two years, cost of fuel, fertiliser and crop protection has reached historically high levels. Therefore, more and more farmers ask themselves: What savings are possible? Here are some figures from research and consulting institutes.
This is a topic of ever-growing concern for French farmers: how can they strategically reduce their inputs costs. Three examples from Sainte-Thorette, Berchères-les-Pierres and Roville-devant-Bayon show what leeway today's price conditions leave and how farmers are using it.
In an interview, Christoph Wigger, Director Small Grains Production Systems at John Deere, explains how farmers can reduce their input costs and optimise their fertilisation and crop protection measures.
The Spanish farmer Jorge Prieto practices arable farming and faces the challenge of working efficiently with fewer resources in the current situation. He is already doing this successfully in the different phases of the agricultural production cycle.
Sergio Campana is a passionate farmer and racing car driver who, inspired by the character and uniqueness of his homeland, and with his commitment, talent, and determination, has brought together two very different fields.
Swedish farmers have experienced a 25% increase in input costs over the past year, and while higher farmgate prices have helped offset some of the inflation, farm businesses are now re-evaulating earlier strategies and implementing new measures to combat costs.
John Deere tractors don't just cut a fine figure in the fields. The tractors can also be relied on as a snow clearing service - as is the case in the Bavarian market town of Nordhalben.
Climbing input costs and a desire to improve soil structure for long term farm productivity lies behind one Leicestershire mixed farmer’s decision to look at every aspect of his arable system.
When your John Deere dealer promotes The JDlink, it isn’t just marketing bluster. Through a modem in the cab, crucial data can be exchanged through mobile phone networks. Alsatian contractor ETA Diss shares this data with its dealer Haag, helping keep its fleet connected and running, often on difficult public sites more than 200km from home.
Gut Dalwitz is organic farming on a grand scale. Even though the Mecklenburg farm has already achieved partial energy autonomy, the current energy market fluctuations are having a lasting impact on operations.
With the multi-fuel tractor, John Deere is working on developing a machine which can operate with both fossil and renewable fuels. Dr Edgar Remmele from the Technology and Support Centre (TFZ) in Bavaria has worked on the prototypes and provides some insight into the project.
Boosting and securing rapeseed yields is the 'Secure Rapeseed' challenge being undertaken in the French Picardy Region. The ultimate goal of the programme is to improve gross margins and reduce pest damage.
Until now, crowdfunding has rarely been associated with agriculture, having generally been used for pre-financing in real estate, energy, and start-up sectors. However, funding projects in partnership with the community poses an interesting proposition for farmers. Kornelia and Lutz Engler from Brandenburg are seeking to finance a cider plant with their first crowdfunding campaign.
The John Deere 6R 150 tractor and the John Deere V461R round baler produced a mammoth 130 straw bales in a one-hour field test – beating the record from 2012.
Dairy cows’ behavioural characteristics and social needs are little changed from that of their ancestors. So, it is useful to keep in mind what is ‘normal’ for cows and understand their natural behaviour, to protect their health and psychological well-being.
For Sven Borchert, head of the Gross Germersleben agricultural company, documenting all farm and field procedures is a matter of course. He records important data during harvest with the HarvestLab 3000 – so what conclusions does he draw from it?
Monitoring the crop from above using drones is a unique opportunity for farmers to improve production and quality. In Sicily, the Bioagricola F.lli Solarino farm uses drones for plant protection and irrigation management of its citrus groves.
Use less fertiliser and achieve the same high yields? Contractor Christoph Hante has been using strip till application successfully for more than 10 years now. He is a pioneer in Germany when it comes to this type of in-soil fertilisation.
European agriculture faces a demographic challenge. This is a situation that requires holistic solutions to make farm succession successful.
John Deere’s self-propelled combines remain the reliable and indispensable assistant in grain harvesting. As this revolutionary piece of farm machinery reaches its 75th year milestone, farmers and contractors around the world use John Deere combines to harvest half the world’s grain.
In 1973, Alan Rose fired up his John Deere 970 combine for the first time on the Lockerley Estate in Hampshire. He didn’t know it at the time, but it was to be the start of extraordinary partnership which would see him drive John Deere combines for the next 50 years.
To reduce CO2 emissions from agricultural machinery, there are several possible approaches using alternative drive technologies. But all of them come with advantages as well as disadvantages. Functioning technology is already available for tractors adapted to use biofuels.
The Pearce family have entrepreneurial blood running through their veins – but passing that – and the farm – down the generations hasn’t always been a smooth process.
The government is increasingly restricting the use of agricultural inputs. In addition, prices have risen to unimagined heights. Many farmers are wondering how to use fertilisers, seeds, growth regulators and crop protection chemicals more efficiently. One possible answer is to implement precision farming: Those who work with application maps based on satellite images can achieve more uniform yields.
With just over 5,000 farms, Israel achieves a high degree of self-sufficiency in food. This requires innovative solutions, especially when it comes to irrigation. We present some of them in this article.
Bernd Bund no longer wants to combine crops without using the HarvestLab 3000 NIR sensor to directly measure the protein content of his wheat, because it is easier for him to market.
On the Faroe Islands, you might well see a sheep before you spot another human being. But with modern dairy farming and dinners served up by the farmers themselves, more and more people are starting to realise there is more to this remote corner of the world than first meets the eye.
Customers of agricultural contractor Flaskamp have been benefiting from the advantages of precision farming for over 10 years. The company supports simple entry level operations as well as complex precision farming tasks.
Galina Peycheva-Miteva's family owns land in Bulgaria. When she decided to step into the business, she had no formal agricultural education – which is something she used to her advantage. And she is convinced that regenerative agriculture is the way forward.
You read that right: Samuel Bertrand's John Deere V451R baler unfailingly gathers hay and makes more than 100 round bales per hour.
Make no bones about it, the future of farming and the environment depends on the youth of today – and tomorrow. And for one Cambridgeshire farmer that was a good enough reason to go back to school.
Sustainable business practices are often associated with higher costs. But a tool for optimising crop cultivation available through the John Deere Operations Center shows that it can also save farmers money.
In Germany trees in the fields have a reputation for negatively affecting crop yields. A recent study in the south-eastern German State of Bavaria has now shown this is true, but only in the immediate vicinity of the trees. Outside of this vicinity, oat, wheat, and clover grass yields actually increase because of the favourable microclimate the trees help to create.
Gunsmoke Farms in the USA is harvesting in a big way. Contracted combines do their rounds in wheat and pea fields as far as the eye can see. With his image, photographer George Steinmetz captures the expansive nature of South Dakotan food production.
This innovative technology is providing a "clean" solution for the protection of vines – and will soon do the same for other crops.
Even the most passionate of lobbyists wouldn't dream of claiming that biochar alone could save the world. But in interaction with other factors, aspects and agents, biochar may well contribute to long-term carbon sequestration and soil revitalisation in the future.
Digitalisation is crucial for agriculture and its sustainability ambitions, according to Stefan Stahlmecke, regional director of intelligent solutions at John Deere, speaking at the Digital Farming Conference in Berlin. But what does this mean for farmers? We questioned him to find out more.
In the heart of Calabria, in the Italian province of Catanzaro, there are still people who grow mulberry trees and breed silkworms to produce one of the world's finest yarns. The core values at play here? Tradition, an artisanal supply chain, an organic process, diversification, ethical action and sustainable land development.
A John Deere fan lives and works in the Canadian province of Québec. His love literally gets under your skin. Swiss-born Jean-Charles Reihle's tattoos tell a story all of their own.
Dismantling the environmental myths surrounding grass-based British dairy farms has become a passion for one wife and husband team in north Wiltshire.
For British farming to reach net zero by 2040 more carbon needs to be captured: But the topic of carbon sequestration has become too high level and farmers need to bring it back down to earth – quite literally.
A robotic revolution is upon us, bringing with it one of the most advanced developments of its kind: A lettuce harvesting robot.
Farm-produced hydrogen could provide a new revenue model for the agricultural entrepreneur. In the Netherlands, a prototype has already proven the feasibility of this technique. The next step will be to demonstrate its economic viability and its influence on the crop and the soil.
The Belmonte family has been using John Deere machinery on their farm for more than 40 years. Almost all of their tractors and combines have been of the green and yellow variety for a long time now. With their passion for agriculture, dedication, and commitment, they have become a well-established family business which primarily produces maize for animal feed.
Bees are important for the environment and for crop yields. But how important are they for the global food supply? Here we present an overview of the diversity of these insects and their role in crop production.
A vehicle that's well maintained and the right size for every task is a good start when it comes to regulating fuel consumption. "Telemetry allows us to further our good practices," reveals Jean-Noël Boissières, contractor in Cantal, France, and our primary interviewee for this article.
Bees are important for the environment and for crop production. However, agriculture is often blamed for a decline in bee numbers. But there are several initiatives in the agricultural sector to counteract the death of bees. We took a closer look at some of them.
A new "Precision Farming Free DLC" game for Farming Simulator 22 will be released on April 19. Benedikt Dahme and Markus Steinmüller from the John Deere gaming team have tested the free game expansion and reveal which new features make the sim even better.
Slovenia is a great example of why small farms should have their place within modern agriculture, next to bigger, more intensive operations. They can meet the challenge of reinforcing dialogue between farmers and non-farmers and, in so doing, create new revenue models for farming.
Prof Yves Reckleben is convinced that it is possible to replace mineral fertilisers to a large extent with farmyard manure. The Professor of agricultural and process engineering at Kiel University of Applied Sciences explains why this is the case in our interview.
The sooner insects are discovered in grain stock, the better. It increases the likelihood that only a small part of the stock is infested and that the farmer can successfully combat the pests. The Beetle Sound Tube System is designed to detect the greedy little animals by making them audible.
John Deere's new 6R Series tractor models stand out thanks to their design, performance and intelligence. In this interview, product marketing manager Philippe Steinmann provides an overview of the series and its advantages for users.
Variable rate seeding is not only about increasing yields and reducing costs. It is also about responding adequately to declining precipitation caused by climate change. A visit to French farmers and contractors who are implementing this technique provides some insights.
Digitisation creates new opportunities for farmer and contractor Rainer Eichhorn, supporting his work in the fields. Since last summer, he has been using the John Deere Operations Centre, organising fieldwork across 1,100ha of land better than ever before.
Adapting farming practices to boost insect life can have massively beneficial effects on farm productivity and chemical requirements. So how does it work?
What is the first Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) attributed to an agricultural product not intended for human consumption? It is the famous Crau Hay, which in 2021 remained the only such PDO. The irrigated meadows from which this hay, renowned beyond French borders, is produced has a history that dates back to the 16th century. This heritage is maintained with passion by Olivier Tommasi and his team.
Tinned tomatoes are not considered a big money business. But despite this, one Italian producer has managed to achieve success by focusing on quality and fair conditions for its farmers. So what has been Mutti's recipe for success?
Together with Saaten-Union, John Deere is looking for new ways to optimise drilling. To do this, technical expertise and agronomic knowledge must go hand in hand.
Soya imports are becoming more and more expensive and get increasingly criticised, especially for organic livestock farms. In Scandinavia, feed and seed manufacturers are about to commercialize a protein feed concentrate made from grass, clover, and alfalfa for non-ruminants such as pigs and poultry.
It makes sense to have equipment serviced in the off-season. To help, John Deere dealers have the Expert Check in place. For a controlled cost, this advanced inspection procedure can prevent costly downtime at the worst possible moment.
Carsten Behr and Ulrich Löhrs’ families have lived next to one another for generations. But being good neighbours means more than just that. One of these farm managers uses conventional means, the other organic. Last autumn, both farmers entered into a farm partnership for the FINKA biodiversity project. Will it succeed?
The newest generation of tractors from the 9 series promises enormous productivity along with excellent comfort and a plethora of intuitive precision farming tools. Simon Schowalter, product marketing manager for large tractors, spoke to us about developing the tractors and what the features really bring to the field.
A chef and a team of scientists are the first to have domesticated the plant Zostera marina with the intention of using it for food products because of its high nutritional benefits. The growth of this plant is associated with great subaqueous biodiversity and a decrease in ocean acidification.
One hundred years ago, Heinrich Lanz unveiled the first Bulldog, laying the foundation for tractor production at the Mannheim factory. The Bulldog was an important pioneer in the mechanisation of agriculture. Its name became synonymous with the tractor.
In eastern Croatia, between the rivers Sava and Drava, 80% of the country's agricultural products are produced. Welcome to Croatia's agricultural heartland – Slavonia.
The conversation around environmentally friendly tractors is gaining momentum in the agricultural industry. However, it's difficult to move away from heavy dependency on the traditional fuel, diesel. In the meantime, ideas which could help reduce CO2 emissions from agricultural machinery have been put forward.
Farmer Thomas Björklund in Sköldinge, Sweden, previously pioneered farm practices which have become established trends. Now, he has teamed up with medical doctor Kerstin Fredlund to turn indigenous grain varieties into superfood via a hydrothermal process.
A passion for soils has seen one farmer achieve net zero without sacrificing yields, using techniques which could cut input use drastically.
Agricultural has a stake in climate change, and at the same time the soil is a powerful tool against warming. This will lead to new regulations for farms - and hopefully new opportunities.
A good content of organic matter not only helps the environment, but also the fertility of the soil - for Henning and Arne Beecken, the two aspects cannot be separated from each other. Following this principle, the young farmers have completely converted the family farm's cultivation system.
The job of contractor Martin Georgs is to make his customers happy. With his John Deere machines, he presses and wraps bales in one step. He works quickly, reliably and is always accommodating.
Field crops are gaining recognition because of the important climate benefit they offer: Storing carbon in the soil by increasing its organic matter content. This creates new expectations of agriculture, but also new opportunities. Visit to a French farmer who markets his CO₂ storage.
In his guest article, Markwart von Pentz, president of John Deere's agricultural machinery division, outlines the biggest challenges facing agriculture and shares his outlook on how to overcome them.
Nowadays, when it comes to weed control, farmers have a number of new, sustainable and efficient agricultural technologies at their disposal. Apply the agtech correctly, and farmers can strike the perfect balance between meeting their legal requirements and economic targets as well as improving agricultural sustainability.
Wastewater minus water and contaminants equals a very potent, and more importantly, recycled, fertiliser. The Swedish company EkoBalans aims to capitalise on this as it develops a more sustainable NPK fertiliser.
The HarvestLab 3000 Near Infra-Red (NIR) sensor tells the farmer exactly what their slurry consists of. Alexander Berges, productions systems manager at John Deere, explains how this facilitates better fertiliser planning and reduced diesel consumption.
It supplies biomass, promotes soil fertility and biodiversity and helps with water protection – the perennial cup plant has quite a few aces up its sleeve. According to recent studies, it is an alternative to maize for biogas energy production. Dr Siegfried Schittenhelm from the Julius Kühn Institute tells us what this plant is all about.
What started as a hobby has turned into a bustling business for Dutch John Deere fan Guus van Daele and his son Stanny: The two collect and trade in old spare parts and in so doing ensure that a piece of history is preserved.
The cattle industry is under increasing scrutiny for its contribution to climate change, but with adversity comes innovation and agriculture has risen to the challenge by developing methane inhibiting supplements.
Twins Tom and Will Carlisle were pleased to have an addition to their fleet during harvest season - the S790i Hillmaster.
Humus loss, erosion, nitrates, pesticides in flowing waters and groundwater, as well as the desire for greening and the onset of climate change are giving broad support to intercropping. We present a portrait of twelve important types of catch crops.
The Agraset agricultural co-operative in Saxony farms over 5000ha. This spring, it equipped a Jaguar SPFH and five John Deere tractors with Data Connect for the first time.
UK growers are investing to produce food in the most sustainable way, using technology to save energy, water and carbon emissions. Natalie Noble visits a world-first low carbon greenhouse project in East Anglia to find out how they are putting ‘home’ back into ‘homegrown’.
The strict legislation on fertilising with slurry is causing quite a stink for many farmers. Farmer Stefan Vogelsang explains why it's still useful and how it can be done without stress.
In Italy, Europe's leading rice producer and exporter, farmers are searching for more stable prices and better crop rotation planning. On top of the challenges from international competition, they face restrictions on pesticide use and an almost total lack of industry contracts.
Heavy does not always mean high pressure on the ground. Simon Schowalter, product marketing manager of large tractors at John Deere, explains why this is the case and how the 8RX tracked tractor makes use of it.
If you always fight weeds with the same herbicide, you will probably soon be faced with a resistant population. Arable farmer Wilhelm Heine from Baden-Württemberg knows that this is not fun. Four types of sustainable herbicide resistance management helped him to get blackgrass, which had become resistant on some of his farmland, under control again.
Soil compaction can reduce yields by up to 20%. Mathias Stettler and Roger Stirnimann from the University of Applied Sciences for Agriculture, Forestry and Food Economics explain what happens during this process and how it can be mitigated.
Pollinating bees could provide an effective way to apply fungicide to strawberries.
Prof. Peter Pickel, responsible for future technologies at John Deere's European Technology Center in Kaiserslautern, explains new ways of combining efficient agriculture and environmental protection.
Swedish vineyards are growing in number and in quality, despite unfavourable climatic and commercial conditions. With warming climes, winegrowers intend to put the Scandinavian country on the map of European vineyards within a few years.
Catch crops expand crop rotation, enrich soil life and ensure sufficient nutrient supply. After several decades of neglect, arable farming has rediscovered them. Their selection, whether as a monocrop or a mixture, depends on many factors.
The European Bee Award aims to protect pollinators through technical innovation and the implementation of new agricultural practices. The award is based on a joint initiative by John Deere and the European Association of Professional Beekeepers. Gilles Dryancour, one of the founders of the award, shares his thoughts about the importance of bees and showcases some of the winning ideas.
Geothermal, solar and wind energy, methane extracted from manure to produce high-quality natural gas and electricity - there is plenty of green energy in a valley in the middle of the US desert.
Targeted N fertiliser application in wheat using NIRS technology on slurry can boost yields by up to 5%, with additional yield after just one application. Holger Huffelmann attended a practical test at Haus Düsse and explains the setup and possibilities offered by NIRS technology.
This is life at Moellerup Estate: Hemp in the field and in a variety of foods, and the development of proprietary technology for the use of hemp and other raw materials. The estate was run as an ordinary farm for almost 800 years, until the owners discovered the possibilities of hemp as a crop.
Agriculture is generating more and more data, and more and more farmers are engaging in precision farming. Insightful facts and figures on the topic of digitalisation.
Working grapevines on steep slopes is as traditional as it is demanding. Three students are looking to simplify the process, and to save winemakers time and effort with the help of "Bacchus" software.
Introducing precision technologies into day to day farming practice can be a challenge. However, no one needs to start out alone. We place the spotlight on two stakeholders in the green sector, who are playing a central role in the adoption of digital agriculture: Dealerships and agricultural contractors.
They often occur without warning and tear life apart at the seams: Major crises. The Hübl family – a farming family from the Black Forest in Germany – had such an experience when a fire destroyed most of their property. Strong commitment and unexpected help carried them through the catastrophe.
Agricultural contractor AIS Schier has been focusing on core fertiliser and lime applications for many years. General manager Holger Schier describes how they even out the pH value of a field and why this approach is a good starting point for precision agriculture.
In France, on the island of Noirmoutier, the tradition of harvesting early potatoes stretches back over two centuries. We meet with the producers of tubers which have a sophisticated taste and high added-value.
Through its support of the Rayuwa initiative, John Deere is helping farmers in Nigeria improve their profitability to better weather the times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lick the salt, take a shot, bite the lime. Tequila! This might be a more typical association with the alcoholic derivative of the agave plant, but in the continuing search for alternatives to fossil fuels, one research project has grown it to produce bioethanol.
Jørgen Audenaert is an expert in spraying technology. For almost 25 years he has contributed to many technological breakthroughs like data collection, artificial intelligence, sensor technology and pulsing nozzles. He expects spraying technology to further advance in the future, "but regulations will be decisive."
Agriculture is a contributor to greenhouse gas emissions worldwide, but the adoption of low carbon practices can turn this around.
The right food makes both animal and farmer happy Contractor Andreas Feil knows this well. Thanks to the HarvestLab™ 3000, he can analyze the corn harvest down to the last fiber while still in the field, thus harvesting only the best silage.
Biostimulants are growing in popularity, with increasing scientific evidence to prove that they work. But for many farmers, the concept remains myth and magic - so what are they really all about?
Buying a tractor can be a challenge - keeping sight of operational requirements and budget while being wowed by shiny new kit. But with farms shelling out on average £83,300 on a new tractor (Defra, 2019), how can farmers be sure nothing runs like a Deere?
Technology has boomed in popularity over recent decades – its advancement hailed as the making of a fourth agricultural revolution. But while precision technology has a sleekness in design it is far from vanity gadgetry and offers producers an insight into sustainable data.
While conducting his field doctorate research, Dr Mohammad H A Ibrahim came across an interesting bacterium at a poultry farm in Egypt. Now it is part of a process producing high-grade feed protein and bio-degradable plastics from waste organic matter.
Controlled traffic farming and minimum tillage are increasing crop yields and profitability in Ukraine.
Some plants absorb the metal in impressive quantities. In certain cases, this phytoextraction can be put to good use.
At John Deere's site in Kaiserslautern in Germany, Torsten Kreutzer works on developing mobile apps for modern agriculture and precision farming. At the family business based in his hometown, he personally tests the applications in the field.
How to get started with precision farming, and how quickly does it spread in practice? An interview with Peer Leithold, the managing director of Agricon, a consulting firm he founded in 1997.
The cloud-based Operations Centre offers solid base functionalities plus more than 180 third-party software products to serve special requirements. In the South West of France, one farmer has put this feature to the test.
Variable rate application can now be used in almost all work areas. However, the focus is not on tools, but on the agricultural goal. Here is a current overview of data sources and their practical use.
Precision farming can make farms more efficient, sustainable and economic. But with the multitude of possibilities, the question often arises: "Where to start? We show examples of three farmers who have dared to take this step and tell you how they did.
Heliotropic sunflowers (which follow the sun’s movements) are resilient to scorching summer weather. And high yielding varieties which are rich in oleic acid are the prime material in healthy and sustainable vegetable oils.
The US firm Ocean Reef is experimenting with underwater cultivation in the Italian Riviera. The goal of the project is to develop a technique for using the ocean for irrigation in arid regions.
Cameras, algorithms, drones, and other new ideas: Intelligent technology can make plant protection much more efficient. We explain how it works, what John Deere is working on and why the farmer still plays the decisive role.
Zambian farmer Stephen Chinyama depends on several means to make a good living. We offer a sneak peek into a day in the life of a man running his family business with acumen, good risk management and a talent for improvisation.
There are few places in the British Isles as remote as the Outer Hebrides; 24 miles off the west coast of Scotland with little between them and Newfoundland, these islands are truly unique. Breathtakingly beautiful but with notoriously volatile weather, farming here is challenging – yet these resilient people are not only surviving but thriving.
A lot has happened on farms in recent years in terms of digital modernisation. Although it is difficult to predict where all these complex developments will lead, new options are emerging for many farms to meet future challenges.
Brazil is known for its soya cultivation and rainforest, however agriculture in this economic superpower involves more than that. A lot of Brazilian farmers also look at the longer term and work on ensuring healthy soil.
Water is one of the essential foundations of agriculture. How will its availability in Europe develop in the future? Our infographics provide an overview.
Being interviewed for a job by the Prince of Wales would set anyone’s nerves on edge – so when he asked David Wilson whether he would be prepared to try some biologically sustainable farming, Mr Wilson did what anyone else would do - say yes and find out what it is later.
The European LIFE "AgriAdapt" project has been working on the topic of climate adaptation for four years. Patrick Trötschler from the German project partner “Bodensee-Stiftung” speaks about the prospects in the cultivation sector and efficient drought prevention.
Farmers in Sweden, France and Germany are striving to retain water when there is plenty available so they can use it during dry summer months. Water is stored in ponds, marshes, or in the ground. The Furrow reports.
During the corona crisis, farmers are seizing the opportunity to open up new business areas. We have collected three examples from three countries.
The family-run organic farm Bio Alberti combines traditional farming with modern processing techniques – and produces goods both for the nearby village and the global marketplace.
With Connected Support, John Deere sales partners can actively support their customers from afar. Matthias Steiner, responsible for customer support at John Deere, explains how exactly it works and what benefits it offers during the corona crisis.
On a test site at the University of Halle, crop cultivation endurance tests have been running for more than 140 years. Created by Julius Kühn in 1878, several plots of the 'eternal rye crop' have been grown in a field ever since, providing guidance for future agricultural practice.
What would an electric tractor look like if we didn't have to think about the power supply anymore? Simon Pfaffmann from John Deere's ETIC invites us to take part in a thought experiment – and explains how real this idea is.
Søren and Helle Svennesen run the only farm on Barsø in the southern part of the Little Belt, Denmark. Summers are busy here with lots of activity and visitors, and there are challenges all year round, both inescapable and self-imposed.
Kakheti in Eastern Georgia is one of the oldest wine-growing regions in the world. The peculiar geographical region on the border between East and West has always enjoyed ample water supplies, fertile soil and bright, warm summers - a God-send for wine-growers, fruit-growers and farmers
Merve Wollweber, biophysicist at Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. (Hanover Laser Centre) is developing a laser-based weeding system.
The traditional freehold is no longer the only form of ownership in Danish agriculture. One alternative consists of the Go-Gris I/S partnership in eastern Jutland, which is owned in equal shares by three young and two senior farmers.
In Egypt’s traditional farming regions on the alluvial soil of the Nile, there is hardly any good farmland left. Multiple projects are therefore trying to transform the desert into arable land. Can that work, and is it sustainable?
Lavender and einkorn wheat are a dream team. This pairing makes the farmers of Provence happy, as well as their customers all over the world.
In southern Mexico, researchers have discovered giant maize with astonishing properties. Other varieties can benefit from this.
Deep below the suburban streets of London, beneath the feet of hurried commuters, lies something unexpected – a farm, in a converted World War Two air raid bunker.
The sound is both exhilarating and deafening. This is Switzerland at its traditional best: Hundreds of brown cows – complete with cow bells - returning from the alpine pasture to their winter homes, creating a festival for tens of thousands of people. Welcome to the Alpabfahrt - the Alp Descent.
A technological revolution is changing the face of modern dairy farming in the form of a bolus that can detect temperature, activity and pH, sending early alerts of heats, calvings and illness to the producer.
The autonomy level of European animal husbandry varies depending on the protein group. Fact is: Europe will remain dependent on imports. However, in the long term, breeding and technical advances will increase independence. See our interactive graphics to find out what is happening where.
Alexander Döring, secretary general of FEFAC (the European Feed Manufacturers’ Federation), on reducing the protein gap.
Making Europe less dependent on imports of protein raw materials is a challenge for the future. We meet two producers who are doing their bit to improve Europe’s protein production.
Only a small fraction of farmers, gardeners and winemakers use the rainwater falling on their farm and roof surfaces to irrigate their crops or as drinking water. The mindset plays a greater role here than economic calculations.
Halters, twine and rope: Farmers from across the world rely on products spun from the natural fibre, sisal. Until the late 1960s, Tanzania was the leading producer of sisal worldwide. But then the successful advent of synthetic fibres resulted in a prolonged slump. Now this versatile natural fibre, and thus northern Tanzania, is experiencing a new boom.
A modern farm is no place for children, it’s often said. So how will they discover and understand the joys and challenges of rural life? Peter Grimshaw met some farming champions who are dedicated to inspiring the rising generation.
Cuba is allowing more and more private enterprise and is seeking normality in its relations with the US. Agriculture is also changing as a result.
Antimicrobial resistance is a serious public health concern and livestock producers are increasingly under pressure to reduce antibiotic usage in animals. In the UK, the poultry industry is leading the way.
Turkish agriculture has lots to offer. With products such as hazelnuts, figs or sultanas, Turkey is a global leader in production. Looking at the whole industry shows an impressive variety of products, whereas many regions concentrate on growing only one specific crop.
Methane, biomass, solar panels: there is no shortage of resources on farms for producing energy locally. From Picardy to Provence, things are picking up steam.
When Russia is mentioned, most people think of chernozem soils and vast wheat fields. Few people are aware that buckwheat reveals a great deal about the Russian soul. This becomes clear at the very latest when you sit down to eat. Because Russian cuisine without buckwheat is unthinkable.
The countryside is a space to live and to work. And thus often an arena of conflicts of how to use that space. A challenge that needs to be tackled by farmers themselves.
What was previously only possible with different individual software tools, the John Deere Operations Centre is combining into one easy-to-use solution: All work operations in the palm of your hand – on your desktop, tablet, and smartphone.
John Deere has over 100 years of experience with harvesters – and the first combine is already over 90 years old. To date, we have produced over 750,000 combines, including over 120,000 single rotor machines. This is a short story about a long tradition.
Each spring truckloads of cattle from as far away as Mexico are brought to the Flint Hills, the last remnant of tallgrass prairie in North America to graze on the rich early-growth grass – a major logistics effort for farmers and forwarders.
It is particularly hard to assess the damage caused by compaction in deeper soil layers. But research data and statistics indicate a considerable impact on agricultural productivity.
Farmers are no strangers to challenges, but realising how it affects their mental health is not easy. With more than one person in UK agriculture committing suicide every week, it’s a subject that cannot be avoided.
The Columbia River is the largest river in North America in terms of the volume of water flowing into the Pacific. With over 26m tonnes of grain moving through it, it is the third largest transport corridor for grain.
With the Expert Check, service technicians like Thomas Merkel help to avoid expensive repairs and ensure peace of mind. The most important pre-requisitions for this: A lot of experience and structured work.
Researcher Andrew Leakey is simulating atmospheric conditions for the next half of the century. The data obtained is supposed to mitigate the consequences of climate change.
Albanian agriculture has plenty of challenges, but the sector still has great potential. It is one of the largest producers in the world of medicinal and spice plants. But while many farmers are hoping that the country joins the EU, if and when that will happen is still uncertain.
In 2016, Alexandru Haita started to use John Deere’s web-based farming platform MyJohnDeere.com and the associated tool “Operations Centre” to manage his farming operation. And he has not looked back since.
Soil compaction is a well-known problem, but its impact is often underestimated and difficult to assess. And it is a growing concern for farming stakeholders.
Fresh players in the market and new factors influencing pricing mean grain prices are fluctuating significantly more than in the past. When selling their grain, farmers therefore need to focus on good risk management.
High welfare pig production isn’t always about free-range systems. With growing demand for ethically produced but inexpensive pork, high welfare indoor systems could be the way forward for the industry.
Prof Rainer Horn qualified as a professor of soil science in 1981 and from 1998 to 2017 he held the chair for soil science at Kiel University, Germany. His scientific interests are soil physics and soil ecology with a particular focus on physical land degradation.
The Mekong Delta is one of the most fertile regions in the world. Its farmers produce for both the Vietnamese and the global market. However, climate change and intensive cultivation are threatening its future.
Milk producers are under pressure from persistently low producer prices. At the same time, demand for more natural foods is rising. One solution could be to focus more on grazing management. But just "opening the cowshed door and let the cows out" is not enough.
Jan Peters is the founder of the information service agrarfax.de (today owned by Landwirtschaftsverlag GmbH). He is a correspondent for the specialist publication Agrarzeitung and provides agricultural information on a daily basis to Reuters Hamburg, Dow Jones Newswire London, and VWD Frankfurt.
Many farmers consider contracting as an option to spread their overheads and generate additional income. It’s also a potential route into agriculture for new entrants. But it’s not easy, so what should prospective contractors know to make them top of their field?
There are many types of hunger. If we want to feed the world, we should not only pay attention to the quantity but also to the quality of food.
Charlie Morgan, Director of Grassmaster Ltd, a grassland consultancy in the UK, gives advice on how to optimise grassland management.
The pumpkin is a special crop that has a long-standing tradition in Styria. Now, the fruit with its seed oil is also making an international name for itself. Local farmers and also the region are benefiting from this.
Compaction is an issue that is often discussed in relation to arable land – but it can also be a problem in grassland. Olivia Cooper speaks to soil expert Philip Wright to find out more.
Do you drive a John Deere 6 series tractor from the Mannheim factory? Then you will be particularly interested in this article, because we are going to take you on a tour of the factory and show you how our tractors are built.
