In The Spotlight
The BBL2-2 maize is set to herald a new era of crop innovation. (Image Source: Adobe Stock)
Leading Chinese agricultural technology company, Origin Agritech Ltd., has announced a milestone achievement with the issuance of a GMO safety certificate for its transgenic maize BBL2-2, heralding a new era for crop innovation
The newly-certified BBL2-2 maize contains two insect-resistant genes, Cry1AB and Cry3Bb, and one herbicide-tolerance gene, Cp4-epsps, making this maize type resistant to various lepidopteran pests such as corn borer, cotton bollworm and armyworm.
Paving the way
The certification of BBL2-2 confirms its adherence to stringent safety standards and paves the way for its commercial launch. The introduction of the maize crop is expected to significantly enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability, providing a powerful tool for farmers to manage pests effectively and significantly reduce the environmental impact of agriculture.
Dr. Gengchen Han, chairman and CEO of Origin Agritech, said, “Receiving this GMO safety certificate is a transformative moment for Origin Agritech and agricultural biotechnology in China. BBL2-2 exemplifies our capabilities in genetic innovation and sets a new standard in sustainable agriculture.
“We are eager to lead the commercialisation of this technology, which promises significant improvements in crop resilience and yield.”
The CHRONOS OMP-2090 B delivers maximum productivity through reliable, fully automatic operation, outstanding bagging accuracy and high product and operational safety. (Image source: Bühler)
Swiss technology group, Bühler recently announced its partnership with Canadian packaging equipment manufacturer, Premier Tech to launch the CHRONOS OMP-2090 B, a fully automatic bagging station
Developed for a wide range of powdery and other non-free-flowing products, the new bagging station delivers maximum productivity through reliable, fully automatic operation, outstanding bagging accuracy and high product and operational safety.
The CHRONOS OMP-2090 B features an innovative bag opening system that delivers maximum efficiency with highly reliable operation. Its innovation in bagging accuracy of approximately 25 kg is made possible through the incorporation of dosing and weighing technology and intelligent controls. Its uniquely robust bag handling concept delivers optimal uptime and has a capacity of up to 900 bags per hour and its hygienic design coupled with comprehensive safety features demonstrates Bühler's and Premier Tech’s dedication to high food and human safety standards. These features significantly optimise the profitability of millers without compromising the efficiency of their operations.
“At Premier Tech, we leverage our decades of expertise to deliver high-performing, food-safe, and cost-effective automated packaging solutions," said Partner Relations director at Premier Tech Systems and Automation, Alexis Michaud. "This dedication to quality and innovation ensures that businesses in emerging markets have access to the automation level they need to compete. Our solutions empower them to enhance their operational efficiency and product quality, ultimately contributing to their long-term success.”
The product will be available in all markets, apart from the US, Canada and the European member states.
For more information, visit: https://www.buhlergroup.com/ and https://www.premiertech.com/
VUELA sets new standards for efficiency, durability and ease of use in ventilation technology. (Image source: TPI-Polytechniek)
Global innovator and field ventilation solutions and components provider, TPI-Polytechniek recently introduced VUELA, an innovative ventilation inlet, designed to optimise airflow within facilities like never before
With its unique V-shaped valve, VUELA sets new standards for efficiency, durability and ease of use in ventilation technology. The device is equipped with an innovative V-shaped inner valve that guides air optimally under all conditions. This unique shape ensures that air jets penetrate deep into the facility, guaranteeing even and effective distribution of cool air.
Comparing this technology with traditional systems VUELA's performance really stands out. VUELA ensures unmatched control over the facility's ventilation. From a minimum capacity of 55 cfm at 0.05 SP at the minimum opening to an impressive maximum capacity of 1887 cfm at 0.15 SP at full opening, VUELA perfectly aligns with customers’ requirements.
These capacity ranges highlight not just VUELA’s versatility but also its commitment to delivering optimal performance under any circumstance. Moreover, the device comes equipped with the latest accessories and seals, including a new pulley unit made from durable ABS. This makes the system resistant to chemical and high-pressure cleaning while also being easy to maintain and assemble - a true revolution in the ease of ventilation maintenance.
Future potential
VUELA is specifically designed to easily replace the 145-VFG, making the transition to more efficient ventilation effortless. Without the need for extensive adjustments, VUELA offers a perfect fit. This puts efficient ventilation within reach. With this device, TPI-Polytechniek embraces the future of indoor air management, where efficiency, durability, and ease of use are essential.
“After 25 years of producing our 145-VFG inlet series it’s time to set a new standard," said managing director TPI-Polytechniek, Loic van der Heijden. "We recognised the need for a ventilation solution that goes beyond conventional systems. We took all features found useful over the years and combined these in a whole new design. With identical dimensions to the original 145 series, VUELA can also easily replace 145 inlets.”
For more information, visit:
The ZHKA 350 tipper semi-trailer is based on a lightweight, high-performance design for maximum transport efficiency. (Image source: Fliegl)
The innovative ZHKA 350 2-axle rear tipping semi-trailer has an aluminium body, offering a range of features designed for optimum performance and versatility
With a gross vehicle weight of approximately 31 tonnes and an unladen weight of approximately 6 tonnes, depending on the equipment, the ZHKA 350 offers an impressive payload. Thanks to the nova-grey curved frame front, which saves weight in favour of the payload and stabilises the frame, as vertically acting forces are optimally bundled and transferred to the fifth wheel coupling plate.
Moreover, the presence of a steel guide on the underside of the curved chassis has a rounded shape, which makes manoeuvring easier, as there is more freedom of movement for the tractor unit without corner surfaces. In addition, 9,300 mm long aluminium body, being conical in shape, allows even moist materials like manure and silage to slide off easily, thus favouring the unloading of any agricultural transport goods.
The rear wall with rubber seal and turnbuckles as well as the 400x400 mm grain hatch make the ZHKA 350 versatile for a wide range of transport goods, including grain and even rapeseed as well as moist loads such as manure. No liquid escapes, as the body is completely sealed. Particularly noteworthy is the pendulum rear wall with double-jointed hinges and double hook locking, which enables lateral levelling of up to 300 mm and fast unloading.
The air suspension with tilt lowering results in a very smooth ride on the road. This feature is optional and can also be deactivated if required. To secure the load, the ZHKA 350 is supplied with a roller tarpaulin with platform as standard. The standing platform at the front of the Fliegl tipper semi-trailer is bolted directly to the sleeve of the tipping cylinder, allowing the platform to swivel backwards over the fifth-wheel plate when tipped up, reducing the overhang forwards over the kingpin.
The compressed air supply and electrical connections are installed on the platform, allowing the driver to couple the connections while standing. Another optional feature is the hydraulic TopLift Light folding roof which provides a simple and quick cover for silage and wood chips and, depending on the equipment variant, can be conveniently controlled from the driver's seat through a radio remote control.
With this semi-trailer, Fliegl Agrartechnik GmbH is further expanding its product range in the agro-truck sector and offering a more cost-effective alternative to the push-off semitrailer.
For more information, visit: www.fliegl.com
Bishnu Tamang, along with his family, who reported positive results from using the biogas plant. (Image source: Farnek)
Top executives from the ESG (Environment, Social & Governance) team of leading UAE-based smart and green facilities management (FM) company Farnek, revisited Nepalese families that received Farnek biogas plants
In 2015, the plants were installed by Farnek technicians to provide a renewable energy solution, allowing villagers to produce methane by fermenting animal waste.
Upon speaking with local residents, it was concluded that the installation of these plants saved a considerable amount of their time, effort and money, that would earlier be spent in collecting wood, and buying gas and fertiliser from local markets. One of the farmers also added that he recycled the slurry from the cow dung and used it as fertiliser for his corn fields.
Plant construction
To construct these plants, a pit was dug close to the house, within which an enclosed dome-shaped digester was built underground out of clay and bricks, which was then covered by soil.
There is an inlet for cow dung and other organic waste and liquids, which during the decaying process, produce methane. An outlet pipe then carries the gas direct to the kitchen for cooking and lighting. Even the slurry of the remaining manure serves as a high-quality fertiliser replacing chemicals and any excess can also be sold on to other farmers.
The dung from two or three cows each day produces enough methane gas for five hours of cooking or lighting. Each biogas plant saves the equivalent of 7.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year for up to 20 years, thus contributing to a reduction in the impact of fossil fuel usage.
The villagers agreed that with regular cleaning over the past eight years, maintenance had been minimal, and minor pipeline leaks were easily fixed.
For more information, visit: www.farnek.com
Since installing a TOMRA 5B sorting machine in February 2023, there have been clear improvements in product sorting and volumes. (Image source: TOMRA)
Industrial director at De Marchi, Carlos Alberto De Marchi highlights the importance of his business partnership with TOMRA, explaining that the TOMRA 5B's installation has brought great progress, both in terms of resource management and economics
The main benefits of using the TOMRA 5B optical sorter are maximum food safety, higher quality product sorting, optimized production line throughput, and ease of operation. Product quality becomes more consistent, and employees who previously worked on sorting can be redirected to other important parts of the production line. Thanks to optical technology, the food selection process is now automated, thereby increasing the quality and productivity of the production line. By maintaining constant inspection quality, the machine increases the safety of the food reaching the customer's table.
Six months after installation, the TOMRA machine yielded positive feedback. "With the automation of the line, we have a 30% increase in productivity and much greater safety in the products we produce, which would have been impossible with the manual process," commented Carlos. "Moreover, we are bringing together profitability, reliability, and agility in our processes to reach higher levels. We have exceptional personalised support from TOMRA through various channels, which makes all the difference."
João Medeiros, area sales manager of TOMRA Food Brazil highlights the importance of this partnership for TOMRA in the minimally processed fruit and vegetable segment and looks forward to TOMRA's cooperation with De Marchi. "We are sure that this is just the beginning of a great and long-lasting partnership, because De Marchi is constantly looking for innovations, whether in the industrial area or in the field. Our mission is to serve them with the utmost excellence, contributing our experience to future projects to automate new lines, always supporting De Marchi's success."
For more information, visit: www.tomra.com
Field-ready connectivity option for hard-to-reach locations brings the power of precision agriculture to more CNH customers. (Image source: CNH))
CNH along with Intelsat, one of the world's largest integrated satellite and terrestrial communication networks, has announced a collaboration that will be the first to provide farmers ubiquitous access to the internet through a ruggedised satellite communications (SATCOM) service
According to a new memorandum of understandng (MoU), Intelsat will provide multi-orbit internet access to connect CNH equipment working in remote locations and easy-to-use satellite terminals ready to handle the challenging environment on a farm. Intelsat's long term experience in SATCOM, highlights its capabilities spanning geosynchronous and low-Earth orbits. This offers Case IH, Steyr and New Holland customers SATCOM coverage that is unparalleled in the market. Case IH, Steyr and New Holland customers will use a rigorously tested terminal that connects easily and is proven to withstand extreme weather conditions and the vibration and shock produced by farming equipment and activity.
Internet connectivity is key to realising gains in productivity and yield through precision agriculture. While many customers fulfill this need for internet connectivity with CNH’s market-leading global mobile virtual network, existing cellular towers do not enable pervasive connection. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), less than 33% of the world’s surface has mobile network coverage. Case IH, STEYR and New Holland farmers’ intelligent machines connect and coordinate with one another while they work. They also communicate with the farmer through the cloud, exchanging data securely and receiving the farmer’s highly specified directions for the jobs they execute.
“As the first satellite communications company to provide multi-orbit connectivity to farmers around the world, Intelsat’s collaboration with CNH will unlock new capabilities in the most remote locations through our global communications platform,” said CEO of Intelsat, Dave Wajsgras. “We’ve proven that ruggedised, built-for-purpose terminals that can access multiple satellite orbits from anywhere on Earth offer the highest network reliability, greater throughput and the best user experience.”
For more information, visit: https://www.cnh.com/
The BBL2-2 maize is set to herald a new era of crop innovation. (Image Source: Adobe Stock)
Leading Chinese agricultural technology company, Origin Agritech Ltd., has announced a milestone achievement with the issuance of a GMO safety certificate for its transgenic maize BBL2-2, heralding a new era for crop innovation
The newly-certified BBL2-2 maize contains two insect-resistant genes, Cry1AB and Cry3Bb, and one herbicide-tolerance gene, Cp4-epsps, making this maize type resistant to various lepidopteran pests such as corn borer, cotton bollworm and armyworm.
Paving the way
The certification of BBL2-2 confirms its adherence to stringent safety standards and paves the way for its commercial launch. The introduction of the maize crop is expected to significantly enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability, providing a powerful tool for farmers to manage pests effectively and significantly reduce the environmental impact of agriculture.
Dr. Gengchen Han, chairman and CEO of Origin Agritech, said, “Receiving this GMO safety certificate is a transformative moment for Origin Agritech and agricultural biotechnology in China. BBL2-2 exemplifies our capabilities in genetic innovation and sets a new standard in sustainable agriculture.
“We are eager to lead the commercialisation of this technology, which promises significant improvements in crop resilience and yield.”
The CHRONOS OMP-2090 B delivers maximum productivity through reliable, fully automatic operation, outstanding bagging accuracy and high product and operational safety. (Image source: Bühler)
Hydronix sensors are used to measure the moisture of the material entering and exiting the dryer. (Image source: Hydronix)
Dr Jason Wargent, BioLumic founder and Chief Science Officer, observing rice seedlings under UV light. (Image source: AgriZero)
Public-private partnership AgriZero has announced its investment of around US$3mn in agriculture biotechnology company, BioLumic to utilise ultraviolet (UV) light to develop a low emissions farm pasture with increased productivity gains
AgriZero’s funding will enable BioLumic to apply its technology to ryegrass, the most common forage pasture on New Zealand farms. The goal is to increase fat content and subsequently reduce methane emissions from animals that consume it.
BioLumic’s founder and Chief Science Officer, Dr Jason Wargent said that the company was targeting wide scale use from 2027, with reduced regulatory barriers expected from the light treatment approach which will support a faster speed to market. Moreover, with this being AgriZero’s sixth major investment, McNee said the joint venture was aiming to have two to three emissions reduction tools in widespread use by 2030.
“Pasture is the foundation of the business for Kiwi farmers, so a pasture solution to curb methane and boost productivity will be an important option in their toolkit to reduce emissions,” said AgriZero chief executive, Wayne McNee. “BioLumic’s work is an exciting prospect to help secure the future of farming in New Zealand with the very thing that makes our agricultural sector unique and drives our competitive edge today - high quality grass.”
For more information, visit: https://www.agrizero.nz and https://www.biolumic.com
The researchers built a reaction chamber and devised a method that simulates and greatly accelerates methane's natural degradation process. (Image source: Michael Skov Jensen, SCIENCE/KU)
The implementation of this system across its poultry farms has greatly helped in raising Thai poultry standards. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Monarch MK-V tractor demonstrating V2G through Borg Warner DCFC and Gridtractor CMS. (Image source: Gridtractor)
Gridtractor, Monarch Tractor, and Borg Warner have achieved a significant milestone by successfully demonstrating Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capabilities utilising a Monarch MK-V tractor, a Borg Warner 60 kW DC fast charger, and Gridtractor’s cloud-based charge management system employing the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP)
The platform is slated for launch later this year and focuses on both domestic and international markets. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The LightWeeder is an agri-robot that can kill weeds using a unique concentrated light method. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
VUELA sets new standards for efficiency, durability and ease of use in ventilation technology. (Image source: TPI-Polytechniek)
Global innovator and field ventilation solutions and components provider, TPI-Polytechniek recently introduced VUELA, an innovative ventilation inlet, designed to optimise airflow within facilities like never before
With its unique V-shaped valve, VUELA sets new standards for efficiency, durability and ease of use in ventilation technology. The device is equipped with an innovative V-shaped inner valve that guides air optimally under all conditions. This unique shape ensures that air jets penetrate deep into the facility, guaranteeing even and effective distribution of cool air.
Comparing this technology with traditional systems VUELA's performance really stands out. VUELA ensures unmatched control over the facility's ventilation. From a minimum capacity of 55 cfm at 0.05 SP at the minimum opening to an impressive maximum capacity of 1887 cfm at 0.15 SP at full opening, VUELA perfectly aligns with customers’ requirements.
These capacity ranges highlight not just VUELA’s versatility but also its commitment to delivering optimal performance under any circumstance. Moreover, the device comes equipped with the latest accessories and seals, including a new pulley unit made from durable ABS. This makes the system resistant to chemical and high-pressure cleaning while also being easy to maintain and assemble - a true revolution in the ease of ventilation maintenance.
Future potential
VUELA is specifically designed to easily replace the 145-VFG, making the transition to more efficient ventilation effortless. Without the need for extensive adjustments, VUELA offers a perfect fit. This puts efficient ventilation within reach. With this device, TPI-Polytechniek embraces the future of indoor air management, where efficiency, durability, and ease of use are essential.
“After 25 years of producing our 145-VFG inlet series it’s time to set a new standard," said managing director TPI-Polytechniek, Loic van der Heijden. "We recognised the need for a ventilation solution that goes beyond conventional systems. We took all features found useful over the years and combined these in a whole new design. With identical dimensions to the original 145 series, VUELA can also easily replace 145 inlets.”
For more information, visit:
The ZHKA 350 tipper semi-trailer is based on a lightweight, high-performance design for maximum transport efficiency. (Image source: Fliegl)
Bishnu Tamang, along with his family, who reported positive results from using the biogas plant. (Image source: Farnek)
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The BBL2-2 maize is set to herald a new era of crop innovation. (Image Source: Adobe Stock)
The CHRONOS OMP-2090 B delivers maximum productivity through reliable, fully automatic operation, outstanding bagging accuracy and high product and operational safety. (Image source: Bühler)
VUELA sets new standards for efficiency, durability and ease of use in ventilation technology. (Image source: TPI-Polytechniek)
The ZHKA 350 tipper semi-trailer is based on a lightweight, high-performance design for maximum transport efficiency. (Image source: Fliegl)
Bishnu Tamang, along with his family, who reported positive results from using the biogas plant. (Image source: Farnek)
Since installing a TOMRA 5B sorting machine in February 2023, there have been clear improvements in product sorting and volumes. (Image source: TOMRA)
Field-ready connectivity option for hard-to-reach locations brings the power of precision agriculture to more CNH customers. (Image source: CNH))
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VUELA sets new standards for efficiency, durability and ease of use in ventilation technology. (Image source: TPI-Polytechniek)
The ZHKA 350 tipper semi-trailer is based on a lightweight, high-performance design for maximum transport efficiency. (Image source: Fliegl)
Bishnu Tamang, along with his family, who reported positive results from using the biogas plant. (Image source: Farnek)
Since installing a TOMRA 5B sorting machine in February 2023, there have been clear improvements in product sorting and volumes. (Image source: TOMRA)
Field-ready connectivity option for hard-to-reach locations brings the power of precision agriculture to more CNH customers. (Image source: CNH))
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