5 TECHNOLOGIES CHANGING GLOBAL AGRICULTURE

In Russia right now, there is a huge shortfall in volumes of cutting-edge, up-to-date farming and agriculture technologies. It’s time the nation’s crop farmers start investing in some 21st equipment

YugAgro, Russia’s only international crop farming and agricultural machinery exhibition, presents the latest solutions on the market. Let’s take a look at the kinds of technologies shaking up agricultural worldwide – and what you can expected to see at this year’s event.

5 agricultural & crop farming technologies to watch

These devices, machines and bits of tech are helping farmers increase harvests across the globe.

Internet of Things & Sensors in crop farming equipment

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a worldwide movement to set up great inter-device connectivity. Everything from refrigerators to air conditioners is now able to connect to the internet. The same trend is happening in farming machinery.

Sensors are being placed in equipment, like tractors and harvesters, to allow for better device maintenance, crop data collection, and even self-navigation. Some sensors are built for mapping difficult ground via GPS; others are for harvest documentation direct from the cab itself.

By collecting this data, farmers have a better understand of their machines’ performance, and are able to detect any reliability issues so they can be prevented before real breakdowns occur. Additionally, they are able to better gauge yields during the planting stage.

Drones & crop monitoring

Russian farm land covers a total area of 2.2 million kilometres. Monitoring this huge expanse is difficult. Effectively, it can really only be done with a bird’s eye view. While crop spraying aircraft are useful, the invention of the drone has had a big impact on how acreages can be kept under careful scrutiny.

Following on from farmers’ experiences in the US and Australia, where prairies and farmsteads are simply enormous, more and more Russian firms are turning to drones. Why? They allow for unmanned, remote crop surveillance, freeing up farmers’ time.

Drones can serve many functions. They are being used to take 3D images of farmland for soil quality analysis and optimal seeding patterns. Studies have also found that crop spraying can be up to five times faster with the use of agricultural drones.

Automation & robotics

Automation of tractors, combines and other heavy machinery is quickly becoming the norm. For instance, YugAgro exhibitors CLAAS has upgraded its Lexion range of harvesters to include automated slope, crop flow and cleaning systems to boost output and streamline these processes.

Unmanned harvesters and tractors are already being developed. In Russia’s Republic of Tartastan, holding company Agropolis has begun developing its own range of self-driven robotic harvesters at a price increase of just 20% more than man-driven options. The first unit is expected for delivery in 2018.

Again, the theory is such agricultural equipment will boost productivity. Many Russian farms still rely on migrant workers come harvest season.

Robotic machinery would eliminate the need for them. It also would not get tired, get ill, or go on holiday either. From a cost perspective, the onetime machinery investment versus seasonal employment makes perfect sense.

Spraying and weeding done by robots can also reduce agroechemical use by 90%, according to John Deere, so organic farmers have a lot to gain from letting the machines take over.

Compact agricultral machinery

Despite Russia’s vast acreages of wheat, corn and other cereals, it grows plenty of crops that require close plantation. For instance, Krasnodar is the centre of viniculture in Russia. Anyone who has been to a vineyard will know there isn’t much space between the vines.

Many companies are making their ranges of their compact farming machines more sophisticated to improve harvesting in confined spaces. For instance, CLAAS’ Nexos 200 series tractors smallest model is just one metre wide.

Kubota has also applied the same logics to its BX collection of small tractors. Its upgraded the range for 2018 with a number of implements. A Swift-Tach loader can be added/removed in just 45 seconds, as well as better hydraulic connectivity for implement attachment.

Importantly, the BX series can squeeze into confined spaces with ease, making them an essential tool for close farming operations.

Automation in greenhouses

Greenhouse construction and farming is booming in Russia right now. It stands to get even more efficient with the introduction of automation technology. This is an industry-wide trend which greenhouses are embracing with open arms.

For instance, temperature control, spraying and climate adjustment is being controlled by computer systems to improve greenhouse cultivation. This will aid Russian efforts to improve it supplies of vegetables.

In particular, computer-controlled heat exchangers are being installed in greenhouses across the world. This way, they can keep temperatures at a constant level, even at night.

This is particularly important in Russia, where many hot houses are being built in the Arctic Circle.

Using Japanese technologies Russia agroholdings are able to beat back the permafrost and ensure steady, year-round, production of in demand products like tomatoes and cucumbers, as well as fruits like strawberries.

Find these technologies & more at YugAgro: Russia’s no.1 agricultural & crop farming exhibition

YugAgro is the largest international agricultural machinery and equipment exhibition. It is Russian agriculture’s meeting place – and the place to meet Russia’s top buyers.

From private farmers to heads of major agroholdings, YugAgro puts exhibiting companies directly in touch with the buyers who matter most.

What’s more, the exhibition is the only event of its kind in Russia’s chief agrarian province of Krasnodar, positioning machinery and equipment suppliers in Russia.

Click here to reserve your stand.

You can become a visitor by registering here.

For further info, please contact the YugAgro team with any questions or queries you have.