Web service reveals second-hand kit's past

Farmers buying second-hand tractors can be assured they are not buying stolen kit thanks to a new online service which aims to uncover the hidden history of agricultural machinery.

The Cesar provenance check provides instant information on a machine’s past by identifying any inconsistencies in its identifying data, revealing if it has been stolen or is actually on finance.
Developed by security company Datatag in conjunction with vehicle history-checking company HPI, the service makes use of the existing Cesar scheme - a system which sees tractors, quadbikes and other farm machinery given unique “fingerprints” using high-tech security devices.

Farm mechanization to increase production in Philipine

To catch up with other Asian Countries’ farm mechanization level and make farms more profitable, the Department of Agriculture (DA) plans to raise the mechanization level of farms in the country to more than two horsepower per hectare (hp/ha) in the next three years. The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), DA’s attached agency tasked to lead the development of the post-harvest industry, said that the need to promote farm mechanization is very vital since the level of mechanization in the Philippines is at 1.2 hp/ha, which is way behind other Asian countries which have mechanization level of 2.7 hp/ha.

For that purpose, the DA is replicating the agricultural machinery road shows dubbed “Makina Saka 2013” in major island clusters for Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao aimed at gathering the latest agricultural machinery in the market to raise the level of mechanization in the country in support of the food self-sufficiency program, particularly the National Rice Program which has a Rice Mechanization component.

About 2,000 farmer leaders and advocates from Regions I, II, III, IV-A, IV-B, V, and CAR participated in the recent five-day Luzon-wide “Makina-Saka” or Agri-Machinery Roadshow hosted by the province of Pangasinan. Farm machines like tractors, rice transplanters, mechanical harvesters, multi-pass rice mills, and other production and post-production technologies were displayed and demonstrated by members of the Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers and Distributors Association, Inc. (AMMDA), other local farm equipment manufacturers, government institutions and other DA agencies.

The event helped farmers decide on which machines to adopt for their farming activities. It included discussions on the government’s farm mechanization program such as land preparation technologies, state of mechanization in the Philippines, machinery manufacturing distribution and regulation efforts, and programs and financial analysis of various mechanization and post-harvest facilities. Machines were introduced so that farmers can see that production using modern equipment is higher than when farmers use traditional farming modes.

We congratulate the Department of Agriculture headed by Secretary Proceso J. Alcala and its Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization headed by its Executive Director Rex L. Bingabing in their continued efforts to empower the agriculture and fishery sector by increasing resource-use efficiency and productivity adding value to the produce through research, development, and extension in our Republic of the Philippines. CONGRATULATIONS AND MABUHAY!

source: tempo

Agritechnica 2013: AGRAGEX to present best Spanish farm machinery producers

Agricultural technology has been improved in Spain and Spanish companies are able to produce advanced machinery with added features. Some of them show in Agritechnica exclusive worlwide patents and innovations

 

AGRAGEX, the Spanish Exporters Association of Agricultural Machinery and its components, Greenhouses and Crop Protection, Irrigation Systems, Livestock Equipment, Nutrition and Animal Health, Forestry Machinery, Biomass and Post- Harvesting Equipment, organizes the participation of an outstanding group of Spanish exhibitors in Agritechnica 2013 ( 10-16-th Novemner, Hannover, Germany).

Agricultural technology has been improved in Spain and Spanish companies are able to produce advanced machinery with added features. Some of them show in Agritechnica exclusive worlwide patents and innovations. New tillage solutions, wether with or without plough; bigger implements to save time with each task, maintaining high quality results; combined machines for drilling and fertilize at the same time, state of the art irrigation solutions (Spain is worldwide leader in this technologies, due to its usual lack of rain), global storage solutions... A wide range of products for agriculture, livestock, storage or irrigation.

Spanish agricultural and livestock equipment industry is something to consider in your visit to Agritechnica. AGRAGEX (booth 06E38) will give detailed information about how this industry can help european and international farmers to reach their targets with the Spanish innovations. “The world meets at Agritechnica in Hanover” is Agritechnica’s slogan and Spain is prepared to show worldwide its main assets that fit tomorrow’s agriculture best than ever.

Spain is one of the countries with the largest number of exhibitors at Agritechnica, positioned in the 12th place of 47 represented in Hanover. This companies want to be part of the evolution of farming with their advanced and accesible products.

Spanish manufacturers of AGRAGEX in Agritechnica 2013:
AGRAGEX - 06E38
AGRATOR - 11E03
AGRINAVA - 02B39
ARCUSIN S.A. - 27A40
ASPLA - Armando Alvarez Group - 13B64
BELLOTA Agrisolutions S.L.U. - 11A12
BMH Palas S.A. - 06A18
CASAMAYOR LIBRADA S.A. - 01B306
CICROSA - Cilindros y Cromados Palentinos S.L. - 01A116
ESPIROFLEX S.A. - 01B313
GRUPO CHAMARTÍN S.A. - 21G15
HERTELL S. Coop. - 17D09
ILPERSA - Industrias Luis Peris S.A. - 06D50
LA MAGDALENA, S.L. - 03B26
LA PIÑA Industrias Angel Martinez Lopez, S.L. - 11D46
MAQUINARIA A. TRIGINER S.L. - 26B33
MORESIL S.L.  - 13A51
OVLAC Fabricacion Maquinaria Agricola SA - 12A05
PEDRO ROQUET S.A. 01E115
RAESA - RIEGOS AGRÍCOLAS ESPAÑOLES - 21D07
RKD Irrigación, S.L. - 21E15
SILOS CÓRDOBA S.L. - 07B24
Maquinaria Agrícola SOLÁ S.L. - 12A04
SOLPLAST S.A. - 13B64c
SPS - Storage Project Solutions, S.L. - 06E48
SYMAGA - 06D19
TENIAS S.A. - 06B19
TORNILLERA ARAGONESA -  01B308

source: agri

Art Exhibit to Showcase Agriculture of Central Valley

The beauty of agriculture will once again be on display as the Madera County Arts Council once again Celebrates Ag with the Arts.
“2013 marks our 20th year highlighting the agricultural heritage of Central California through the works of California artists,” said Dr. Diane Rich with the council.
Numerous works of art depicting the agricultural way of life for many San Joaquin Valley Residents will be on display at Madera’s Circle Gallery from October 2 through November 16.

First Asean Meeting Of Agricultural Engineers To Be Held In Philippines

The Philippines will host this week the first-ever gathering of Southeast Asian agricultural engineers, which will be also participated by representatives from China, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and the United States, China's Xinhua news agency reported quoting the organiser as saying on Monday.

About 1,000 people are expected to join in the Asean Conference on Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ACABE 2013) from Sept 24 to 27, said Ariodear Rico, chair of the organising committee.

Farm production costs could drop in 2014

Purdue University’s Chris Hurt and fellow agricultural economist Alan Miller said they anticipate farm production costs will be cheaper overall in 2014.

Farmers likely will see a 3 percent dip in the cost of growing soybeans and a 5 percent drop in corn costs, the two specialists said. That includes expenses such as fertilizer, seed, pesticides, fuel, machinery repairs and other miscellaneous items.

The cost of seed and pesticides are likely to rise the most, Hurt and Miller said, but fertilizer costs are projected to drop by 21 percent next year, providing farmers some relief.

Tribute: Don Macmillan hailed as a leading expert in the field of farm machinery

For millions of John Deere farm machinery enthusiasts world-wide Don Macmillan, of Devizes, who has died, aged 93, was a walking encyclopaedia.
The American firm appointed Mr Macmillan its first UK dealer in 1958, and in retirement he wrote a number of books on the company’s history and products, becoming recognised as the world’s foremost authority.
In his home town he is remembered for his community service, especially in helping to set up The Crown Centre, a meeting place for adults which serves meals. The centre was established in 1971, and Mr Macmillan had continued to be involved. At the time of his death he was the centre’s president.
Sam Wilson, manager of The Crown Centre, said: "Don was a wonderful man and a proper gentleman. He took a keen interest in The Crown Centre and was a fantastic boss.

Ferguson in tractor driving seat

MOST people attending the three-day ploughing championships, which begin in Ratheniska, Co Laois, tomorrow, will be interested primarily in the machinery.
They will marvel at the hi-tech tractors, look with awe at the combine harvesters and enjoy sitting on the driving seats,

Some will ask questions about satellite guidance systems. Others will collect colourful brochures for study at home.

Research and Markets: European Agricultural Machinery Dealers Report 2013

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/pk3rrd/agricultural) has announced the addition of the "Agricultural Machinery Dealers (European)" report to their offering.
This report includes a wealth of information on the financial trends over the past four years. This, the latest agricultural machinery dealers analysis is ideal for anyone wanting to:

• See the market leaders
• Identify companies heading for failure
• Seek out the most attractive acquisition
• Analyse industry trends
• Benchmark their own financial performance

Making it safer to move farm equipment on roads

 Dust-covered signage and lights make farm machinery less visible to motorists and dust-covered machinery causes poor visibility for the operator, who may not ...

See all stories on this topic »

Machinery Industry Stock Outlook - Sept 2013

Recovery – or the extent of recovery – from the 2008 global crisis is still fairly modest. Achievement on this front, as witnessed from the equity market improvements, has been quite remarkable but the pursuit to reach the pre-crisis level is still on.

According to the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) World Economic Outlook published in Jul 2013, the world economy will likely grow by 3.1% in 2013 and 3.8% in 2014. Growth in advanced economies and emerging and developing countries are projected at 1.2% and 5.0% in 2013 while the same for 2014 are estimated at 2.1% and 5.4%, respectively.

MSHP: Stay alert during harvest time

“We encourage everyone traveling in Missouri's farming communities to stay alert and drive courteously,” said Col. Ron Replogle, superintendent of MSHP. “Farmers and motorists can share the road. Please obey all traffic laws and remain vigilant, no matter what you're driving.”

There were a total of 173 Missouri traffic crashes involving farm equipment in 2012. In those crashes one driver was killed and 21 were injured. In addition, two farm tractor passengers were injured.

Following are reminders for safe travel during this busy time of year:

Cool Cat targets ag market

Arctic Cat dealer manager for Queensland and the Northern Territory, Shane Ladynski, with the Arctic Cat 1000XT ATV.

THE new kid on the ATV/UTV block, Arctic Cat Australia, is making a concerted effort to build product share in the agricultural sector of the market.
Arctic Cat is an American company that specialised in ATVs, side-by-sides, Wildcat race buggies and snow mobiles.

US is Kelly country

Kelly Engineering managing director Shane Kelly.

AMERICA'S farm machinery industry is so big there are few places around the world where its all-conquering brands are not at work - which makes the achievements of South Australia's Kelly family all the more remarkable.
Rural America has become a premium marketplace for Kelly Engineering's disc mulch chain rig, made and exported from rural Booleroo Centre (population 600) in SA's southern Flinders Ranges.
In six years Kelly Engineering has generated more than $47 million from its exports to the US, and more recently has also expanded sales to Canada and Central America.

The great reservoir of knowledge

T was a big day for landmarks at Henty yesterday. The opening of the town’s machinery field days marked the 50th anniversary of the event — and the 100th for the iconic Akubra hat.
Visitors donned their best country attire to tackle the mud, up to their ankles in parts, but the rain was not enough to keep the crowd away.
Former deputy prime minister Tim Fischer pointed out the changes in agriculture over five decades when he opened the event, saying it was only a dream in the 1960s.

Tractor business cultivating growth with Yorkshire Bank

A leading North West agricultural machinery business which counts Manchester United among its customers is expanding with support from Yorkshire Bank.
Clarke and Pulman Ltd, which is based in Burscough, Lancashire, has recruited two new trainee engineers, including a 16-year-old apprentice, and extended its sales team after a period of rapid growth. It is also planning to move to larger premises to accommodate its burgeoning number of staff and services.

AGCO Publishes 2012 Sustainability Report

AGCO, Your Agriculture Company (NYSE: AGCO), a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and solutions, announced the release of its 2012 global Sustainability Report -- Food for Thought. The report details AGCO's global goals for sustainable operations and products, and tracks progress to-date. "Overall, our business fundamentals are in great shape, and we are in a very strong financial and competitive position to realize progress on the sustainability front," said Martin Richenhagen, Chairman, President and CEO of AGCO.

AGCO and Russian Machines Create Joint Venture

AGCO, Your Agriculture Company (NYSE: AGCO), a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of agricultural equipment, and Russian Machines, part of the Basic Element group and one of the leaders in the Russian machinery sector, today announced the creation of a new joint venture in order to manufacture and distribute agricultural equipment and replacement parts in Russia. AGCO and Russian Machines plan to make a total investment of approximately US$ 100 million in the joint venture over the next three years.
The joint venture is expected to begin operations in early 2014, with AGCO and Russian Machines each having an equal ownership. The manufacturing facility will be located in Golitsyno, near Moscow, with a total area of nearly 12.5 hectares including 27,000 square meters of production facilities. The site will include a product show room, a training center and will feature state of the art manufacturing processes. The training center will offer courses designed to educate customers and dealers on the latest agri machinery technologies. Additional plans include the creation of a Model Farm, based on the agricultural business of Basic Element, to develop and disseminate modern full-cycle agricultural solutions that help to improve efficiency of Russian farmers.

Be watchful at harvest

Hoosier farmers harvested 5.75 million acres of corn and 5.29 million acres of soybeans in 2011, the National Agricultural Statistics Service reports.
That’s a lot of grain. And it requires a lot of equipment to take it out of the ground.
Harvesting of tomatoes already has begun. Perhaps you’ve seen truckfuls on local roads. Motorists can expect increased traffic of farm machinery on county roads within the coming weeks. They should watch for heavy equipment entering and exiting farm fields.

Farmers warn on mechanisation

Investments in agricultural machinery prompted by rising labour costs and farm consolidation will put vast numbers of South Africa’s rural workforce out of jobs, the annual congress of Potatoes South Africa heard on Wednesday.

Faced with the spiralling costs of fuel, electricity, seed, fertiliser and other agricultural inputs, farmers are looking to cut back on the expenses they can control. With machines available to do a great deal of the work required on farms, the cost of labour is seen as one item that can be cut. Fuel, electricity and imported inputs such as fertiliser are largely seen as beyond farmers’ control.

Africa's emerging agricultural class's courtship with foreign manufacturers

Greater political stability and a push by countries for food self-sufficiency has made the continent attractive for international equipment makers.

The world’s largest makers of agricultural equipment are looking for more people like Levy Sinyimba in Africa.
The businessperson bought his first tractor, a 60-horsepower model, about three months ago after becoming fed up with paying others to plow his 405 hectares in Zambia. Sinyimba says he knows other farmers who want to do the same.

AGCO Appoints Roger Batkin as General Counsel

AGCO, Your Agriculture Company (NYSE:AGCO), a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of agricultural equipment and infrastructure, announced today that it has appointed Roger Batkin as Vice President, General Counsel, effective immediately. Mr. Batkin joined the Company in 2000.
“I am pleased to announce Roger’s appointment as our General Counsel,” said Martin Richenhagen, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of AGCO Corporation. “Roger has gained significant Company and Industry experience during his time with AGCO and will be of tremendous value as we work to deliver quality products to our customers and improved growth, profitability, and value for our shareholders. I have great respect for Roger's legal counsel and confidence that his responsive approach will serve our company well.”

Potato farmers warn on mechanisation

Picture: THINKSTOCK

INVESTMENTS in agricultural machinery prompted by rising labour costs and farm consolidation will put vast numbers of South Africa’s rural workforce out of jobs, the annual congress of Potatoes South Africa heard on Wednesday.
Faced with the spiralling costs of fuel, electricity, seed, fertiliser and other agricultural inputs, farmers are looking to cut back on the expenses they can control. With machines available to do a great deal of the work required on farms, the cost of labour is seen as one item that can be cut. Fuel, electricity and imported inputs such as fertiliser are largely seen as beyond farmers’ control.

Escorts enters Cambodia, launches its premium tractor range - Farmtr

Escorts Limited has announced its entry into Cambodia with the launch of its premium tractor range - Farmtrac. For the launch, Escorts has collaborated with TATA International which will operate as the distributor (TATA South East Asia (Cambodia) Ltd.) of the brand. With world-class technologies, impressive features, and stunning looks – these new tractors are set to revolutionize the Cambodian tractor market.

The Farmtrac tractor series is aimed to take the agriculture in Cambodia to the next level. With a range from 25 HP to 110 HP and their four wheeled drive, the models are best suited for paddy, sugarcane, palm and rubber plantations in the country. These tractors come with standard 12x12 synchromesh transmission for suitable speeds and easier loader work.

Centenary for a Claas business

THE world's largest family-owned ag machinery business, Claas, will celebrate a milestone at the 50th Henty Machinery Field Days. 

The Claas Harvest Centre network in Australia and New Zealand will mark the company's centenary with a number of special functions to be held at dealerships and field days throughout the year.
Claas global exports manager for Australia, Elke Hoyermann, said 2013 was a great year for both the Henty Machinery Field Days and Claas.
"Claas has been represented in the Riverina area for over 50 years, and we have developed key relationships with local farmers that now span their second and third generations," Mr Hoyermann said.

Road tax bombshell set to hit 100,000 tractor owners

Machinery dealers are 'inundated' with queries about the start of a new road tax regime that has implications for up to 100,000 tractor owners.

Gardai have already started to take a much tougher stance on farmers that drive untaxed machines on public roads in recent weeks, with everything from tractors to combines being stopped and, in some cases, impounded for not being properly taxed.
In addition, from October 1, farmers will no longer be able to retrospectively declare their machines off the road.

Agricultural exports booming

he nation’s agricultural businesses set a new record for exports during the first six months of the year, according to data released by lobby group Landbrug & Fødevarer.
Exports grew 9.4 percent to 78 billion kroner, and the organisation expects exports to surpass a record 160 billion kroner for the year.
The growth comes on the back of expanding exports of agriculture-related products – which also include agricultural machinery – to Asia. Among the most significant exports were dairy products, meat and luxury items, such as fur. Exports to Europe were also strong.

source: cphpost

Man injured after hand trapped in machine in Wormegay

The man, believed to be in his late teens or early twenties, was injured after his hand got stuck in a piece of agricultural machinery at a farm in Wormegay, near King’s Lynn.
The Air Ambulance along with a land ambulance and two fire crews attended the scene at around 3pm and were able to remove the man’s hand from the machine.
The man was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, in Lynn, where he was treated for minor hand injuries.
A spokesperson for Norfolk Police added that they had been asked to investigate on behalf of Health and Safety Executive.

source: edp24

Iran liberalises importing second-hand agricultural and mining machinery

source : trend

From pickups to iPads, Big Iron embraces the new

WEST FARGO – If you’re one of those people who like to kick the tires before buying something, there are lots of tires to kick at Big Iron. And not all of them are attached to mammoth-sized farm machinery.
And not all of them are attached to mammoth-sized farm machinery.
As Big Iron 2013 officially got underway Tuesday morning at the Red River Valley Fairgrounds, Audrey Grant sat in the largely empty grandstand area while her husband, Chad, test drove a new pickup around the fairgrounds racetrack.

Worldwide party as agriculture firm with UK base in Saxham marks its 100th anniversary

One of the largest companies in Suffolk joined a day of celebrations around the World to mark its parent firm’s 100th anniversary.
Agricultural machinery specialist CLAAS UK in Saxham joined other businesses in the CLAAS Group for a satelite link up on Saturday.
Trevor Tyrrell who has been with CLAAS 24 years and is CLAAS UK chief executive said: “The Claas family, although German, have strong links to this area.

Research and Markets: Asian Agricultural Machinery and Equipment Manufacturers Report 2013

DUBLIN — Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/g4w7d7/agricultural) has announced the addition of the "Agricultural Machinery and Equipment Manufacturers (Asia)" report to their offering.
This report includes a wealth of information on the financial trends over the past four years. This, the latest Agricultural Machinery and Equipment Manufacturers (Asia) analysis, is ideal for anyone wanting to:

GEDEB ENGINEERING PLC (GEP) Profile

GEDEB ENGINEERING PLC (GEP) is a main distributor of John Deere agricultural machinery, TATU implements of Brazil and provides after sales services for John Deere agricultural machinery. GEP is registered in  Ethiopia in October 2005 at the Ministry of Trade and Industry with License No 5229/98 arid with a registered capital of one million/birr.

Machine of the Year award draws record number

A record 23 entries at the cutting edge of agricultural technology will line up before the judges in the prestigious Henty Machine of the Year Award.
Announced on the opening day, this “farmers’ choice’’ award is presented to the most outstanding new piece of agricultural machinery exhibited at the Henty Machinery Field Days.