The latest in agricultural technology, plus machinery both big and small, was on display at the inaugural FutureAg expo
Powered by leading German event Agritechnica, the expo brought the world of farming to the inner city over three days between April 17-19 at Melbourne Showgrounds.
FutureAg brought a variety of businesses and ideas into the spotlight, with the expo being run in conjunction with a conference and Expert Stage.
“The FutureAg team want to thank everyone that made this inaugural event happen and that we are looking forward to growing on this success next year,” the organisers say.
Next year’s event is scheduled slightly later in the year, between May 28-30.
Here is a selection of the technologies and machines being showcased during FutureAg:
Zetifi
Wagga-based communications technology developer Zetifi showcased its smart antenna to FutureAg visitors, which has been developed after raising $12 million through a funding round led by Telstra and GrainCorp.
The smart antenna is fitted with GPS technology that automatically switches between high and low gain modes depending on whether the vehicle is in flat or hilly terrain.
The in-built gyroscope detects the antenna’s tilt to adjust the gain for road gradient.
By automatically adapting to its surroundings and eliminating the need to manually switch between antennas, Zetifi’s smart antenna promises peak performance in all conditions.
Precision Technology
The Queensland-based company showcased its LevelGuide land levelling and contour generation system.
Integrated within the comprehensive AgGuide mapping and guidance software, it enables operators to create an accurate picture of their land and areas which require levelling.
It is designed for both the agricultural and earthmoving sectors, with features such as recording terrain heights plus the ability to mark runlines for visual guidance or auto-steer capability.
All relevant information is shown in one straightforward format, with cut-fill colouring making it easy to assess the terrain.
JSG
The SKF Lincoln AECP (Automatic Electric Cartridge Pump) formed part of JSG Industrial Systems’ stand.
Designed for small tractors and telehandlers, this compact and automatic pump lubricates progressively throughout the day.
Designed for simplicity and no-fuss operation, a farmer’s only ongoing requirement is to replace the grease cartridge when empty.
Other products such as Muster fire suppression systems were also displayed by JSG at FutureAg.
Hardi
The sprayer manufacturer’s showpiece Saritor 7000 Mallee edition took centre stage at FutureAg.
First introduced in 2022, the Saritor was described as being equipped with “everything we’ve learned” during its launch.
The 7000L sprayer is packed with technology such as the HIVE (Hardi Integrated Vehicle Experience) concept and a range of nozzle options including its GeoSelect selective spraying system.
Hardi manufactures the Saritor – along with its other sprayers – at its Adelaide facility which is also becoming an international Centre of Excellence for the brand.
Case IH
While the introduction of AFS Connect to its Puma tractor grabbed the headlines at FutureAg, it was far from the only machine being shown off by Case IH.
AFS Connect has already featured on its larger Optum series, and an example of this tractor’s versatility was on display.
It was paired with a 2110 Early Riser planter on the manufacturer’s stand, an implement which made its local debut at last year’s FarmFest in Toowoomba.
The 2110 expanded Case’s existing Early Riser range, offering six-row and eight-row configurations to complement the previously existing 12 and 16 row versions.
New Holland
Fellow CNH Industrial brand New Holland also showed off its latest tractor – the T9.700 SmartTrax with PLM Intelligence.
The T9.700 is the largest of five models in the series, with 620hp (462kW) rated horsepower plus multiple track belt and width options.
It features tracks for less ground compaction, along with the precision land management technology which has been introduced to enhance the operator experience.
The T9 series was first shown to Australian dealers at a preview in March, with orders now open for model year 2025 units.
Muck Runner
The Pichon SV16 effluent tanker was one machine being displayed by Muck Runner.
The South Australian-based business imports Pichon products from France which specialise in effluent handling.
The SV16 is a fully galvanised heavy-duty tanker with 16,000L capacity and an integrated chassis.
Muck Runner also imports the likes of solid manure spreaders, slurry stirrers and tanker attachments from Pichon.
Colac Ag
The Baertschi Rotor-Strip-Till Oekosem 8R750-30 was one of many machines at Colac Ag’s stand.
It combines several tasks into one machine for efficiency, with the soil in the tilled strip being mixed with the applied fertiliser, finely crumbled and prepared for seeding.
The 8R750 features eight rows spaced 75cm apart, giving operators a working width of 600cm.
The model on display was the largest, and the Oekosem is available in four, six and eight row configurations with a variety of row spacings between 37.5cm and 75cm.