10 Agricultural Innovations That Shaped Modern Farming
The world's largest agriculture technology (AgTech) trade fair - Agritechnica - was held from 12th to 18th November 2017. Agritechnica is a platform for companies in area of agriculture to showcase their product and research to the world. Organized every alternate year, Agritechnica saw a huge response with more than 2,803 exhibitors from 53 countries and 450,000 visitors from around the globe attending the event.
This year's theme was 'Green Future – Smart Technology' where companies presented their products and tried to bridge the gap between orthodox and modern day farming. Based on the visit or survey organized by Wissler & Partner Trade Fair Marketing, from Basel, showed more than two-thirds of the surveyed farmers, contractors and machinery rings were positive about replacing or expanding their current products with the better ones. Furthermore, with approximately 700 companies presenting component solutions in area of network connectivity proves that the world is heading to precision farming and technologically fenced farms. To appreciate and encourage Innovation, Agritechnica presents Gold and Silver awards. We give you a glimpse of ten such products from this year's winner.
Kemper’s –The Stalkbuster
In a corn cultivating farmland, corn borer a type of worm lays eggs beneath the plant. It develops and eats down the inside of stem of a corn plant. This causes a yearly damage of food, which could have reached to 60 million people. To overcome this problem without using insecticides or genetically modified corn, Kemper developed a machine that could bust the stalk with more efficiency and environmentally friendly.
A John Deere forage harvester, fitted with Kemper's StalkBuster attachment, efficiently processes a cornfield by busting stalks, an environmentally friendly method designed to disrupt pest habitats.
Based on the data available in Kemper’s website, around 84€ per hectare is saved compared to the current solutions in areas affected by the corn borer. No doubt that this environmentally and financially beneficial technology deserved the Gold Innovation Award at the Agritechnica 2017.
CEMOS Auto Threshing by CLAAS
From producing straw binders in 1913 to developing automatic threshing systems in 2017, CLAAS has truly been a model of change in agriculture. In Agritechnica, ‘CEMOS Auto threshing technology, by CLAAS’ was presented with Gold Innovation Award. ‘CEMOS Auto threshing’ is one of the unit under the ‘CEMOS Automatic system’.
The CEMOS Automatic system's interface, shown here, dynamically regulates threshing drum speed and concave distance for optimal performance.
The new automatic system is dynamic and continually regulates the concave distance as well as the threshing drum speed of tangential threshers for optimized performance. This system interacts with other systems such as Cruise Pilot, Auto separation and auto cleaning.
AXION 900 TERRA TRAC
It is the first fully suspended machine half-track tractor. This silver Innovation award winner tractor features a spring loaded TERRA TRAC drive.
This modern day drive allows maximum ground contact and is efficient on and off the field, with speeds up to 25 miles per hour.
SCDI-Smart Crop Damage Identification System
It is an efficient system developed by Agrocom for estimating damage to crops due to wildlife, weather or any other events. Silver Innovation award winner at Agritechnica 2017.
The system uses photography and LiDAR data from drones and automatically compiles and provides information for the damaged area.
John Deere's new EZ Ballast Wheel System
The conventional tractors are ballasted by attaching weights in front linkage and on rear axle. However, the rear axle is ballasted with weights of up to 1000 Kg, which are difficult to attach and remove, consuming more time and dangerous too. But, with John Deere's EZ Ballast Wheel system, there is a flexible weight distribution on all wheels for better traction.
Moreover, this system also allows operator to quickly change the front and rear wheel weights thereby redefining flexible ballasting in agriculture. This modern innovation grabbed a silver Award at Agritechnica 2017.
John Deere's AutoTrac Implement Guidance
With a silver Innovation award in Agritechnica, AutoTrac by John Deere is a remarkable product that combine camera with a GPS for steering both the tractor and row-crop cultivat or at high speed (up to 16 Kmph) and high output weed control.
Read more about autonomous tractors or visit official website of the company.
AGCO/Fendt e100 Vario
The Fendt e100 Vario is the first battery operated tractor that can operate for a full working day on one full recharge only. It is powered by a 650 V lithium-ion battery and can operate for up to 5 hours with kW power output.
Also, the battery can be recharged up to 80 % in just 40 minutes. Further,using an electric tractor decreases the CO2 emissions and it is energy efficient, quiet and requires low maintenance.
FARMDOK
Farmdok is software that can be used for operation related to farming such as:
- Plant protection
- Warehouse management
- Fertilization
- Works planning
- Cost accounting and evaluation
It automatically determines work and travel times and the processed area and helps in easy legal documentation for obtaining quality labels.
This smartphone application makes life easy for people on field and so this innovation was recognized at Agritechnica with a silver award.
MARS - Mobile Agricultural Robot Swarms
MARS- Mobile Agricultural robot swarms are focused on developing and using small robots for modern farming practices. The robots will focus on the seeding process and will be much lighter in weight compared to conventional farming equipment. Furthermore, MARS would use control algorithms, optimized processing and GPS- real time kinematic technology for its operation.
Moreover, This use of technology would reduce the on-board sensors and hence would make the robot cost effective. This marvel of swarm robots was awarded silver innovation medal at Agritechnica 2017.
IDEAL Combine Harvester by Massey Ferguson
It is the only high capacity combine that is under 3.3m width. It has AutoDock™ feature which enables safety and reduces operator's effort by automatic header identification and retrieval.
IDEALharvest™ regulates the machine motor, sieve arrangements and fan speed for better efficiency and optimum machine performance. IDEAL harvesters won the Silver Award for innovation at Agritechnica.
The Future of Agriculture is Here
Agritechnica 2017 showcased a remarkable shift in agricultural technology, demonstrating that the future of farming is not just about bigger machines, but smarter, more sustainable solutions. From Kemper's environmentally friendly Stalkbuster to AGCO's revolutionary electric tractor, these innovations represent a fundamental transformation in how we approach food production.
The event's theme, 'Green Future – Smart Technology,' proved to be more than just a slogan. With over 700 companies presenting connected technology solutions and the majority of surveyed farmers expressing enthusiasm for adopting new equipment, it's clear that precision farming and automation are no longer futuristic concepts—they're becoming the new standard.
What makes these innovations particularly exciting is their focus on solving real-world problems: reducing environmental impact, improving efficiency, lowering operational costs, and making farming safer and more accessible. Whether it's through autonomous robot swarms, intelligent threshing systems, or advanced guidance technology, each product represents a step toward a more sustainable and productive agricultural future.
As we look ahead, the innovations presented at Agritechnica 2017 serve as a reminder that agriculture is one of the most technologically advanced industries in the world. The question is no longer whether farmers will adopt these technologies, but how quickly they can integrate them to meet the growing global demand for food while protecting our planet for future generations.
- OEM Off-Highway (2017) - Details Gold and Silver Agritechnica Innovation Award winners, focusing on automation and digitization.
- Startseite | John Deere DE (2025) - Willkommen auf der offiziellen Webseite von John Deere Deutschland. Hier finden Sie mehr Informationen zu John Deere Produkten, Ersatzteile, Service & Support und Kaufen & Finanzieren.
Key Takeaways
- •Agritechnica 2017 showcased global AgTech innovations, attracting immense industry participation.
- •The event focused on 'Green Future – Smart Technology' and the shift to precision farming.
- •Farmers expressed strong interest in adopting new, advanced agricultural machinery and products.
- •Kemper's Stalkbuster won an award for its eco-friendly solution to corn borer pest control.
- •The Stalkbuster technology offers significant environmental benefits and €84/hectare savings.
- •AgTech is rapidly moving towards smart, connected solutions for sustainable and modern farming.
FAQs
What was the main theme of Agritechnica 2017?
Agritechnica 2017's theme was 'Green Future – Smart Technology.' This highlighted the industry's focus on innovative solutions that bridge traditional farming methods with modern technological advancements for a more sustainable and efficient agricultural future.
How large is Agritechnica, and who attends it?
Agritechnica is the world's largest agriculture technology trade fair. In 2017, it hosted over 2,803 exhibitors from 53 countries and attracted around 450,000 visitors globally, including farmers, contractors, and machinery rings.
What kind of innovations were highlighted at Agritechnica 2017?
The event showcased innovations aimed at improving efficiency and sustainability in farming. A significant focus was on precision farming and connected technologies, with around 700 companies presenting component solutions for network connectivity.
What awards does Agritechnica present to recognize innovation?
Agritechnica actively encourages and appreciates innovation by presenting prestigious Gold and Silver awards. These awards recognize outstanding new products and technologies developed by exhibitors.
Can you explain the purpose of Kemper's Stalkbuster?
Kemper's Stalkbuster is an innovative machine designed to combat corn borer damage in cornfields. It efficiently busts corn stalks, a method that helps prevent the spread of the pest without relying on insecticides or genetically modified crops.
How does Kemper's Stalkbuster work?
The Stalkbuster attaches to the base frame of a rotary crop handler. It features a swinging gearbox that allows for individual ground clearance adjustment for each row, ensuring effective stalk busting across different field conditions.
What was the general sentiment of farmers regarding new technology at Agritechnica 2017?
A survey conducted at Agritechnica 2017 revealed a positive outlook among farmers, contractors, and machinery rings. More than two-thirds of those surveyed indicated they were willing to replace or expand their current equipment with newer, better solutions.
Sources
- •https://www.agriculture.com/machinery/precision-farming/agritech-advancements-from-2017_236-sl66792 (2017) - Highlights 10 significant agricultural technology advancements introduced in 2017, including Agritechnica innovations.
- •https://www.oemoffhighway.com/drivetrains/article/20967000/agritechnica-2017-announces-innovation-award-winners (2017) - Details Gold and Silver Agritechnica Innovation Award winners, focusing on automation and digitization.
- •Startseite | John Deere DE (2025) - Willkommen auf der offiziellen Webseite von John Deere Deutschland. Hier finden Sie mehr Informationen zu John Deere Produkten, Ersatzteile, Service & Support und Kaufen & Finanzieren.
