Grain Handling

Machinery News: Sorbe To Lead PTx, Farmall Tractors And Case IH Round Baler, Claas Jaguar Forage Choppers

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 18:22:48 GMT

AGCO Names Brian Sorbe as New PTx Leader

Brian Sorbe joins AGCO as President of PTx, bringing precision ag leadership to accelerate the company’s offerings of smart farming solutions for almost any brand.

(AGCO Corporation)

AGCO appoints Brian Sorbe as president of PTx, effective Aug. 25, 2025.

Sorbe brings nearly three decades of experience in precision agriculture, global sales and product development to this pivotal role, AGCO says.

“I am confident under Brian’s leadership, PTx will achieve our goal of $2 billion in precision ag sales by 2029 and help us deliver our vision to be the trusted partner for smart farming solutions,” says Eric Hansotia, AGCO chairman, president and CEO.

Sorbe spent 14 years at Topcon Positioning Systems in leadership roles, including senior vice president and general manager. His career arc also spans construction and industrial automation, but agriculture has always been at the core. Raised on a farm in Iowa, Sorbe began his precision ag journey at Ag-Chem Equipment in Jackson, Minn.

He will be based in Tremont, Ill., which is a key PTx site. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Purdue University, and Sorbe’s postgraduate work includes certifications in AI and machine learning and agricultural autonomy and robotics as well as a Master of Business of Administration program.

You can read the full news release here.

Case IH Launches 3 Farmall Tractors, RB6 Round Baler

Case IH Farmall C utility tractor.

(Case IH )

Case IH is debuting new machinery solutions ranging from compact to utility tractors to upgraded round balers. This includes an enhanced line up of Farmall tractors, including the Farmall A, Farmall C and the return of the Farmall M.

Case IH is also unveiling a new RB6 series variable chamber round baler.

The new Farmall medium utility A series (90HP to 120HP) tractor features performance enhancements and a higher-horsepower model. Simple, factory-fit technology improves the operator experience, ensuring efficiency no matter the season or task.

The Farmall medium utility C series (90C, 100C, 110C, 120C) tractor (shown above) caters to a wide range of needs, offering both 12-speed PowerShuttle and 24-speed Hi-Lo transmissions. The Farmall C now offers subscription-free factory-installed telematics, including track-and-trace fleet management and optional ISOBUS compatible implement control.

Case IH Farmall M utility tractor

(Case IH)

And the Farmall utility M series (110M, 120 Super M) tractor (shown above) is making its return, promising farmers a premium experience with exceptional power and high-quality design. The M series is ideal for the needs of farms with both cash crops and livestock.

(Case IH)

The RB6 series variable chamber round baler (shown above) offers durability with triple seal bearings throughout the machine to ensure contaminants stay out while lubricants stay in. Round baler automation paired with the easy-to-use display interface ensures precise bale quality and in-field productivity.

Claas Intros New Jaguar 1000 Series Forage Harvesters

(Claas)

Claas is unveiling its new Jaguar 1000 series forage harvesters. The German outfit says its new self-propelled lineup features greater throughput, power and operator comfort.

The series encompasses four models — the Jaguar 1080, 1090, 1100 and 1200 — that range from 850HP to 1,110HP with throughput rates of up to 500 tons per hour.

Claas says it designed the machines in partnership with North American growers to deliver enhanced chop quality and efficiency.

Noteworthy features on these new machines include:

The widest crop flow channel on the market, according to Claas. A new precompression system and four precompression rollers guarantee uniform feeding of the V-FLEX knife drum.
A transversely mounted 24-liter V12 MAN engine, delivering torque and reliable power.
Intelligent engine load management via CEMOS Auto Performance and all-wheel drive.
The new Multi Crop Cracker XL, a 12.2" (310 mm) diameter roller conditioning system that ensures optimal grain and stover processing at high throughput rates. It’s available in both classic and shredlage configurations.
Claas connect Chop Quality Analysis, which uses artificial intelligence to deliver Corn Silage Processing Score (CSPS) feedback directly to a smartphone.

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All The Details: Inside John Deere’s New F8 and F9 Forage Harvesters

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 18:20:35 GMT

John Deere is rolling out two new forage harvesters for North American dairy producers and custom harvesting operations.

The brand new F8 and F9 Series feature three factory-installed operator cab options, a technology stack that will one day enable autonomous operation, and enhanced feed quality via an integrated inoculant dosing system.

How are F8 and F9 different?
The F8 Series (425PS to 645PS) is a narrow base model that takes the place of Deere’s 8000 Series forage harvester, while the F9 Series (700PS to 1020PS) replaces the 9000 Series. Within the F9 Series is the F9 1000, which is Deere’s largest forage harvest machine to date.

(Editor’s Note: “PS” stands for Pferdestärke, which is the German term for horsepower. PS to horsepower is not an apples-to-apples equal ratio. The F9 1000, for example, features 1020PS which equates to 1,006HP, according to the manufacturer.)

The F9 is available in two engine options:

John Deere 18X (no DEF required)
Liebherr V12 24L

It has five horsepower options, while the F8 comes with the JD14X engine and can be configured across six horsepower options.

The manufacturer last rolled out completely new forage harvesters in 2019.

How much will each new model cost?

The feed rolls on John Deere’s F8 and F9 forage harvesters have integrated metal detection to keep unwanted material out of your feed.

(Matthew J. Grassi)

John Deere is not sharing its pricing just yet, but the two new models are built at its Zweibrucken, Germany, factory. John Deere dealers will begin taking orders for the aggressively styled, technology-packed harvesters this fall, with final delivery in time for the 2026 forage harvesting season.

Deere representatives declined comment on what effect, if any, the still-developing U.S.and E.U. tariff situation could have on its launch plans.

Ahead of the launch, Farm Journal went to Madison, Wisc., to kick the tires and learn all about the new machines. The F8 and F9 harvesters we viewed and climbed into were the first finished production units off the factory line. Deere says several units will be field tested with U.S. customers ahead of the full fall launch.

“We’re really excited about the new cab and the technology we’ve added to these machines like central tire inflation, ground speed automation and the new kernel processing units,” says Bergen Nelson, go-to-market manager, combines and forage harvesters.

Here’s some of what we learned about the new forage harvesters:

(Matthew J. Grassi)

Cab Comforts: The same three operator cab options offered with Deere’s X and S Series combines — Select, Premium and Ultimate — are available on the F8 and F9 Series. A smoothly swiveling captain’s chair, as well as an all-new corner post display that shows real-time machine data, are among the additions. Operators who spend long hours in the cab will also appreciate integrated entertainment like SXM Radio and an optional mini fridge.

(Matthew J. Grassi )

Foundational Deere Tech Stack: Each new forage harvester in the series includes Deere’s baseline precision tech enablement stack — which consists of its G5 display, Starfire 7500 receiver and JDLink modem.

Central Tire Inflation System: A completely new feature (top left inset photo) within the G5 display allows the operator to adjust front tire PSI up or down from the cab.

John Deere Inoculant Dosing System 2.0

(Matthew J. Grassi)

Inoculant Dosing System 2.0: New on both the F8 and F9, a high-volume 85 gallon inoculant tank and integrated pump allow the user to accurately adjust silage inoculant dosage rates from the G5 display in the cab. The system is easy to pump and prime as well with the touch of a button located at the rear of the machine.

Ground Speed Automation: This cruise control-like option reads RPMs and throttles the harvester up or down based on crop conditions. For example, harvesting corn at higher moisture levels will increase power output, so the machine will automatically slow down to ensure it doesn’t plug up or do a sub-optimal job harvesting. This feature comes standard on all base models for both series and does not require a yearly subscription unlock or per-acre fee.

Pro Touch Harvest: Another new feature within the G5 display allows the operator to shift the machine from road transport mode to harvest mode in a single click. It can also be used to quickly engage AutoTrac and ground speed automation once the operator arrives at the edge of field.

This all-new XStream 305 Kernel Processing (KP) unit is built by Scherer in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

(Matthew J. Grassi)

New Kernal Processing (KP) Units: The new harvesters feature two completely redesigned KP units, the Ultimate 250 (also made in Germany) and the Scherer XStream 305, which is made in Sioux Falls, S.D. An integrated winch and internal rail mounting system makes switching the machine from corn forage to hay forage in the field quick and simple. The number signifies each KP unit’s roll diameter width in millimeters.

“Both KPs will go in both machines and have four different roll options depending on how aggressive the dairyman wants their end feed quality to be,” says Shane Campbell, product marketing manager, forage harvesters.

(Matthew J. Grassi)

Integrated Harvest Lab 3000: This on-demand constituent sensing module pulls over 4,000 samples per second with +/- 2% accuracy, and John Deere says it can save dairy operations time and money versus collecting and sending samples to a lab. The sensor tech (available as an add-on option) enables accurate measurement and documentation of dry matter, starch, protein, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber for both harvested forage and manure. The data can be stored, organized and shared via Deere’s Operations Center. Within Operations Center, users can take geo-referenced data and build out spatial starch content — as well as moisture and protein — maps for hybrid selection and fertility management. Because if you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it.

Active Fill Control 3.0: Using sensors and cameras on the grain spout, this tech feature automatically detects the trailer or grain cart next to the forage harvester and begins filling it with a preselected fill strategy. This reduces the number of times an operator has to adjust the spout manually and also lessens fatigue and neck strain, according to Deere.

(Matthew J. Grassi)

New Operating Modes: Several of the models within the F9 Series offer what Deere is calling its “Engine Power Plus” feature — which gives a sizeable horsepower boost when the machines senses it needs a little extra chopping power to the harvesting head. There is also an ECO mode that can be toggled on when the machines don’t need the extra torque.

Ease-Of-Access: Both models have side and rear panels that easily open to grant full access to the inner workings of the machines, making the new forage harvesters much easier to service and maintain without a lift or other heavy specialized equipment. The machine is setup so techs and mechanically-minded farmers will not have to climb underneath it to perform daily maintenance.

“At the end of the day, we know it’s all about the cow, and these machines will put out quality feed,” Nelson says. “We’ll have these out at the farm shows this summer, including Farm Progress Show, World Ag Expo, World Dairy Expo and the U.S. Custom Harvesters Convention.”

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Machinery News: John Deere Debuts Forage Harvesters, Ecorobotix Lettuce Algorithm, Kubota-Agtonomy Deal

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 15:10:19 GMT

John Deere has announced the launch of new F8 and F9 Series self-propelled forage harvesters, which the manufacturer says are built from the ground up with customer input to elevate forage performance and farm productivity.

Deere says the new F9 Series comes in two engine options — John Deere 18X and Liebherr V12 24L — with five horsepower options ranging from 700PS to 1020PS; the F8 Series comes with the JD14X engine bringing six horsepower options, ranging from 425PS to 645PS.

It also says the new machines offer improved automation with a higher level of comprehensive technology offerings compared with previous models.

The technology options include:

Ground speed automation — Deere also offers this feature on new S7 combines. The manufacturer says it helps maintain ideal load and prevent operator stress by adjusting ground speed in real time based on crop conditions.
ProTouch Harvest — A feature allowing operators to initiate multiple harvest-ready settings with the push of a button, while Active Fill Control ensures consistent truck fills even under the toughest harvesting conditions.

(John Deere)

“A higher-quality forage output with more power, more precision and more uptime, that’s the focus of the new forage harvesters for our customers,” said Bergen Nelson, John Deere go-to-market manager for harvesting equipment. “We’ve combined our strongest hardware with our newest and smartest precision ag technology to create higher-quality forage.”

More information on the new F8 and F9 Series SPFHs is available from a local John Deere dealer or deere.com.

Check out this test drive video from Farmworld_TV!

Specialty crop AI tech startup Ecorobtix unveils lettuce-thinning algorithm

Ecorobotix has announced the launch of its new lettuce-thinning algorithm, expanding the capabilities of its ARA Ultra High Precision (UHP) Sprayer to offer what it claims is one of the most advanced automated thinning solutions on the market.

The new functionality is available to ARA users via a software license.

“We’ve combined the power of AI with the reliability of ARA’s ultra-high precision spraying platform to eliminate one of the most time-consuming and labor-intensive tasks in the field: thinning,” said Katerina Lee, regional crop care manager for Ecorobotix.

Ecorobotix says its algorithm enables users to replace manual labor, grow crops with superior uniformity and cover fields faster than hand-labor crews.

Learn more here.

Kubota-Agtonomy join forces to develop autonomous specialty crop machinery

Kubota North America has announced a collaboration agreement with Agtonomy, an agricultural autonomy software provider, to commercialize autonomous operations on Kubota diesel tractors for spraying and mowing.

Kubota says the partnership reflects its commitment to pioneering solutions and equipping growers with smart technology.

“Our working relationship with Agtonomy represents a significant milestone toward commercializing our vision for autonomy by merging our expertise and technology with Agtonomy’s autonomous platform,” said Brett McMickell, chief technology officer for Kubota North America.

The initial phase of the partnership will focus on integrating Agtonomy’s capabilities with Kubota’s M5N specialty crop diesel tractor.

Learn more about Kubota’s vision for autonomous technology in farming here.

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From the Factory to Your Fields: Where Farm Equipment Is Made

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 17:25:58 GMT

The global agriculture equipment market is currently valued at $181 billion (USD) and is expected to grow by 4% over the next eight years. That’s according to a recent analysis from global consulting firm IMARC Group.

While IMARC Group pegs Asia-Pacific as the leading region for farm equipment manufacturing market share, it would stand to reason most of those machines are being sold to farmers in that region. The farm equipment U.S. farmers use is most commonly built in Europe, North America and South America.

Brand Breakdown
For example, John Deere’s manufacturing footprint is mainly based in North America. Of the 60 John Deere machines relevant to row-crop producers, 50 of them (83%) are manufactured in North America. Drilling down further, the three states with the largest John Deere manufacturing presence are:

Iowa at 61%
North Dakota at 17%
Illinois at 15%

Case IH builds 66% of its row-crop machines throughout North America, while 24% of them are manufactured in Europe.

Fellow CNH brand New Holland maintains a fairly balanced manufacturing presence between Europe (30%) and North America (43%).

AGCO’s Germany-based brand, Fendt, builds 57% of its row-crop machines in the European Union (EU) with North America hosting roughly 43% of its manufacturing. Claas has a large manufacturing presence in Europe, but it also manufactures its LEXION combine in Omaha, Neb., and has facilities in Columbus, Ind., and Regina, Saskatchewan.

McCormick and Landini machines are built entirely in EU factories. In contrast, Buhler Industries’ manufacturing footprint is fully based in North America.

Check out the data to see where your favorite tractor, planter, sprayer, combine and other farm machines are built in 2025.

Click here to download a printable version of the table above.

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John Deere Adds Versatile Midsize 6M Tractor to Model Year 2025 Machines

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 14:42:20 GMT

John Deere is launching a new 6M tractor to add to its Model Year 2025 class of machines , according to the company.

With 18 different models, engine options with 95 to 250 horsepower and five frame size options, the 6M tractor can be customized to fit the needs of farms and ranches. Deere says the 6M tractor is also fuel-efficient and easy to operate.

“The new 6M tractor is bigger, smarter, faster and more efficient and customizable, making it the go-to tractor for many farms, including dairy and beef operations,” said Dennis Ogle, marketing manager for the John Deere midsize tractor line.

Standards Remain

The 6M tractor provides numerous ways to configure yet still has the standard features that can make it the workhorse of any farm or ranch.

The new tractor features traditional mechanical transmission options or easy-to-use infinitely variable transmission options. The shortest wheelbase with sloped hood remains, providing excellent visibility and maneuverability. All 6M cabs also offer a full view around the tractor, making loader work, mowing and baling easier to complete.

In addition, the 6M still has the high front or rear hitch lift capacity that is important for various jobs.

“We know farmers and ranchers love simple and reliable tractors to get the important jobs done,” Ogle said. “The 6M delivers with a proven history along with more valuable options to cater to each owner’s needs.”

Options Abound

The Model Year 2025 6M tractor can be customized to provide farmers the opportunity to have large tractor features on a midsized machine.

With five frame sizes and 18 models, farmers can work with their John Deere dealer to build the tractor that’s right for their farm.

Configurations and options include:

Horsepower and chassis: 18 models with five chassis options and horsepower ranging from 95 to 250 hp.
Intelligent Power Management: Up to 20hp above a model’s rated horsepower in transport and nonstationary PTO applications. This allows the operator to conquer hills when transporting, thick windrows when baling, and more.
Dual-tire configurations: Rear bar axles and dual-tire configurations are now available for ease of wheel spacing or when needing more flotation and traction.
Infinitely variable transmission: Transmission option available across all models that allows for stepless driving.
Higher speed with 50K transmission: Available across the full portfolio of 6M tractors, this feature helps transport speeds, leading to increased efficiency.
Cab package options: New options available to increase operator comfort to improve productivity.
Scalable precision ag technology: More precision ag available on demand with updated cornerpost display and integrated connectivity.

“Whether you are putting up hay, moving bales, feeding, mowing roadsides, removing snow or any number of other tasks, the 6M is the workhorse that can help complete the job,” Ogle said.

To learn more about the John Deere 6M tractor, visit JohnDeere.com or contact your local John Deere dealer.

Fat Test Jumps After Dairy Changes Corn Processing

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 04:47:38 GMT

Dairy producers have seen the benefits of strong demand for higher-fat dairy products through better prices for butterfat in their milk checks. Even though milk prices are beginning to rebound, you can’t afford to have a herd with a low fat test. You need to do what it takes to help cows produce as much high-fat milk as possible. That’s why Soaring Eagle Dairy switched up their ration.

“Looking back, we had always struggled to get good fat tests,” says Kelly Goehring, who manages the nutrition program at her family’s 1,250-cow Soaring Eagle Dairy in eastern Wisconsin. “We used to look at the top dairies in the county and wonder how a dairy could get over a 4% fat test and 3% protein and still get all that milk.”

For cows to hit a fat test of 4% or higher, they first need to have the genetic ability to do so, which can be accomplished through genetics. But to meet that genetic potential, they need to have the right ingredients in the ration to support healthy rumen function. Making an ingredient change in the ration can have a significant impact on fat test.

When the herd was running a 3.5% fat and 2.8% protein tests, Goehring searched for solutions and decided to make a change. They were feeding a high amount of highly digestible ingredients, and decided to slow things down in the rumen by making a switch from high moisture shell corn to ground corn.

“It was like a light switch going off,” Goehring says. “Pretty shortly after we started feeding ground corn components started going up.” Today fat tests run about 4.1%, on average, and protein test is at about 3.1%.

Results were strong enough that Goehring and her family decided to build their own grain processing facility on the dairy, and are in the second year of its use.

The facility holds about 100,000 bushel, says Nick Fitzgerald, Kelly’s brother who is in charge of grain processing. Corn goes through a triple roller mill, similar to what feed mills use “but at a much smaller scale,” Fitzgerald says.

“We send in a sample every month to check for moisture and micron size of the ground feed,” he says. “We’re typically looking at a 450 to 475 micron level as our target. If it’s not there we can adjust the gap between the rolls accordingly.”

Corn goes directly from storage, through the rollers and gets augured into the feeding bins. It’s not exposed to the elements, Fitzgerald says, so it doesn’t get blown around which minimizes shrink. Grain gets stored in the feed bins for about three days.

“We had the extra land to utilize to fill the storage, and the facility takes out the extra steps of shipping it to the coop and then having it delivered back,” Fitzgerald says.

About 2,000 acres are farmed in total for the dairy, and about 550 feed the processing facility. About half of that 550 acres is their own corn, and the other half is purchased from local growers.

“We fill what we need for corn silage and put that away,” Goehring says. “Then whatever is left goes into the grain facility and we try to buy locally from neighbors that are selling anyway to top it off.”

It took about three months to build the facility, and the dairy supplied most of the labor with a general contractor there to offer direction. The investment was around $400,000, Fitzgerald says, from the bins to the drying equipment and roller mill. With the higher fat test, and higher butterfat prices in the milk check, they hope to pay off that investment relatively soon.