Last week, the Dutch trade fair for agricultural machinery, ATH, showcased a plethora of innovations that signal a shift towards more efficient, sustainable farming practices. This year’s event not only highlighted new machinery but also the increasing collaboration between companies to enhance agricultural technology.
One of the most talked-about partnerships was between Garford, a renowned hoe manufacturer, and British brand Rootwave. Starting in 2025, Garford will offer weeders with an impressive working width of up to 6 meters, integrated with Rootwave’s cutting-edge electric weed-killing system. This system can be retrofitted onto existing Garford frames, which are easily recognizable by their diamond-shaped openings. By employing a 60 kW generator attached to the front linkage, farmers will be able to electrically eliminate even the most stubborn weeds in row crops. Plans are also in place to release more powerful 120 kW and 180 kW variants in the future, illustrating a promising trend toward electrification in agriculture.
Another notable exhibit was a drip tape laying machine from Dutch ODV Techniek, part of the Vredo family. This innovative machine utilizes a double-disc system to create trenches in the soil, where drip tape is laid and secured by soil compacted by spring-loaded press wheels. The machine’s design includes a spring-loaded parallelogram that ensures smooth ground following, making it suitable for both arable farming and horticulture. The focus on electrifying irrigation was further emphasized by Irrimec’s prototype of an electrically operated reel. This new design replaces the traditional turbine drive with an electric motor, powered by a battery pack charged via adjustable solar panels. While the technology is still in testing phases, the potential for sustainable irrigation solutions is evident.
The fair also highlighted the growing market for electric tractors, with Holland Utrecht BV rebranding their previously marketed Fendt-E as the Hue-Trac. This updated model features new LFP batteries and a more powerful DC permanent magnet electric motor, achieving an impressive efficiency of up to 97%. The new setup allows for 15% more working hours and can fast-charge at up to 100 kW, fully charging in just 3.5 hours. Despite only three units sold so far, the demand for electric tractors is likely to increase as farmers seek more sustainable options.
ConceptAgri showcased their 3-meter-wide 4-row inter-row cultivator, the ConceptAgri SFT, which is designed to preserve turf while preparing the soil for sowing. This cultivator reflects a growing interest in sustainable farming practices, particularly in wet conditions. Alongside this, the electrically remote-controlled McConnel robot mower caught attention for its ability to navigate slopes and difficult terrain, further pushing the boundaries of automation in agriculture.
Van Der Sluis Agri introduced a new line of hoes, previously branded as Rosko, featuring trailing elements designed to enhance performance on uneven terrain. The innovative design aims to minimize the hoe’s sensitivity to uneven loads, allowing for faster operation speeds. Meanwhile, Treffler unveiled the prototype of their new hoe, the THE model, which boasts tool-free depth and width adjustments, showcasing advancements in user-friendly agricultural machinery.
Saphir’s latest innovation, the Grindstar, designed for shallow tillage, was another highlight. With a maximum operating speed of 18 kilometers per hour, it can perform a variety of tasks, from creating a false seedbed to destroying light cover crops. The early success of the Grindstar, with 50 units sold globally, underscores the demand for efficient tillage solutions.
The ATH trade fair underscored the agricultural sector’s ongoing transformation, driven by technological advancements and a collective push towards sustainability. With innovations like electric weeders, drip tape layers, and robot mowers, the future of farming appears poised for significant change, offering farmers new tools to enhance productivity while minimizing environmental impact.