ErgoSteer is a retrofit option that provides operators a second type of steering input and was recognized with a AE50 design award
A few years ago, Agco’s Fendt brand replaced the steering wheel on its Ideal combines with a joystick control. In 2024 it introduced a retrofit kit that can also bring joystick steering control to Fendt tractors. That system just won Agco an AE50 award for its design. It’s 100 per cent retrofittable,” says Daniel Smith, […] Read moreMachinery — page 8
Looking back on a career in machinery manufacturing
After 19 years near the top of the leadership chart at Agco, senior vice-president Bob Crain retired at the end of 2024. The Western Producer sat down with him to look back on his role in steering the company over the past two decades. “I was lucky in my career, being able to be a […] Read more
Western Producer’s ongoing coverage of Trump tariffs and their impact on Canadian farmers and agriculture
As of March 4, 2025 U.S. president Donald Trump’s threat of imposing a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods has become a reality. Canada has immediately applied retaliatory tariffs, but the true scope of the fallout from this action is yet to be determined. Most experts agree that Canadian agriculture will suffer. In 2023 […] Read more
TMR mixers no longer just for dairy
Beef producers are beginning to pay more attention to how total mix ration mixers can be put to work on their operations
Glacier FarmMedia – Although total mixed ration mixers have historically been popular on dairy farms, they are also becoming more common on beef operations. TMR mixers are used primarily for ruminant animals. For both dairy and beef, there are benefits and challenges to implementing them into an operation. TMR mixers usually combine hay, silage, straw […] Read more
Kubota displays agricultural robots at CES
Kubota made its second official appearance at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January, and it had a lot more technology to showcase, including one machine, the autonomous off-road KATR, which garnered the brand a Best of Innovation award at the show. “Last year was our first year at CES, really exposing what’s […] Read more
Deere introduces robotic systems
Four new products with second generation autonomy perception systems debuts at the Consumer Electronics Show
John Deere used January’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas to introduce a new, second generation perception system that will allow autonomous operation of more of its machines. “Today we’re going to take four giant leaps forward in John Deere’s autonomy journey,” Jahmy Hindman, senior vice-president and chief technology officer, said during a news conference […] Read more
Tariffs add to ‘perfect storm’ for ag equipment dealers
Commodity prices, high inventories and interest rates already pressuring sales as U.S. now threatens more disruption
The uncertainty surrounding the threat of substantial tariffs on key U.S. trading partners has North American businesses on edge. That is especially true for agricultural equipment manufacturers and the dealers that retail their products. “It’s been a long time since tariffs made up a piece of the puzzle between the U.S. and Canada,” says Eric […] Read more
Federal Trade Commission set to sue Deere over equipment repair practices
REUTERS — The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has prepared a lawsuit against Deere & Co., alleging the company’s agricultural equipment repair practices violate competition laws, Bloomberg News reported today, citing people familiar with the matter. The report also said the FTC was prepared to file the case as soon as this week, over concerns that […] Read more
Bayer introduces FieldView Drive 2.0 at Crop Production Show 2025
Bayer used the Western Canadian Crop Production Show in Saskatoon this week to introduce Prairie farmers to its new FieldView Drive 2.0 digital system. The system allows growers to monitor and record activities from different farm equipment types and brands. The updated version offers what the company says is “enhanced processing power, increased data storage […] Read more
Crop uniformity during growing season starts in the fall
A uniform grain crop can be far easier to discuss than achieve, but it’s still needed for optimum yields, crop quality, moisture conservation and a host of other agronomic advantages. Achieving a uniform crop actually starts at harvest the previous year, says a crop consultant from Kentucky. Phil Needham, owner of Needham Ag Technologies, told […] Read more
