Future Farming

2 days ago | futurefarming.com | Geert Hekkert

The Agra-Trac hybrid tool carrier, developed by Dutch manufacturer Graafstra Machinebouw, has made its first rounds in the field. This tool carrier is highly versatile, thanks in part to its electric wheel motors and stepless track width adjustment. The Agra-Trac is primarily designed for sowing and crop care operations. It is powered by a 60 hp three-cylinder Perkins engine. This setup forms a hybrid drive system: the engine drives a generator, which in turn powers the electric wheel motors.

1 week ago | futurefarming.com | Geert Hekkert

Australian company Q-CTRL develops quantum-based positioning system that works without satellites – a potential breakthrough for farmers facing GPS disruptions. Australian company Q-CTRL has unveiled Ironstone Opal, a new positioning system that does not rely on GPS or satellites. The system uses quantum sensors to detect tiny variations in the Earth’s magnetic field—making it immune to common GPS issues like signal loss, jamming, or interference.

1 week ago | futurefarming.com | Geert Hekkert

German research team prepares to launch startup focused on autonomous crop harvesting and weeding. The team behind Polybot, a multifunctional AI-driven agricultural robot, has secured a €220,000 validation grant from Germany’s Federal Agency for Breakthrough Innovation (SPRIND). The funding supports the transition from research to commercialization, with the goal of launching a startup in the coming months.

1 week ago | futurefarming.com | Geert Hekkert

Danish agtech firm contributes safety software and showcases electric mower prototype as part of AgRibot initiativeAgriRobot, the Danish agritech startup developing autonomous safety software for farm robots, has joined AgRibot, a major new EU-funded project aimed at accelerating the adoption of robotics, AI, and XR/AR in European agriculture.

2 weeks ago | futurefarming.com | René Koerhuis

German machinery manufacturer Amazone now offers its ZA-TS fertilizer spreader with a hopper capacity of 5,000 litres. The maximum load capacity is 4,500 kg, meaning the hopper can only be completely filled with fertilizers of low specific weight. The technology in this largest model is identical to that of the smaller ZA-TS variants. That maximum load is somewhat like a maximum driving speed—more of a guideline than a constant.