Equipment
USDA, MSU develop dual-arm fruit picking robot to drive harvest efficiency
USDA-ARS researchers, in collaboration with Michigan State University, are testing a dual-arm fruit harvesting robot to enhance harvest efficiency. According to a post on aglab.ars.usda.gov, the new robot demonstrated up to a 34% improvement in... more »
California pear growers seek trade relief as Argentine imports surge
California pear growers say a surge of low-priced pear imports from Argentina is threatening the survival of the state’s historic pear industry. According to a press release from California Pears, industry leaders are in discussions... more »
FIRA USA: Robots redefine specialty crop farming
The future of specialty agriculture is increasingly automated and driverless. As equipment manufacturers and tech startups are developing more autonomous field robots and machines than ever before, these driverless bots are making the leap from... more »
Spray drones: best practices for specialty crop use
Seeking to improve efficiencies, growers are turning to county Extension agents and university researchers to learn more about using drones for spraying and other chores in fields, orchards and vineyards. While drones can supply aerial... more »
Chinese drones and the FCC ban: What growers need to know
While many farmers in the U.S. were taking a break from the farm life grind and getting ready for holiday festivities, the long-rumored ban on foreign drone technology was quietly implemented by the Federal Communications... more »
Robotics Plus highlights autonomous vehicle for orchards, vineyard
New Zealand-based agritech company Robotics Plus returned to FIRA USA and highlighted Prospr, its autonomous hybrid vehicle designed to assist orchard and vineyard operations. Robotics Plus founders Dr Alistair Scarfe (Chief... more »
Oxbo joins grape group in equipment manufacturing partnership
Specialty crop harvesting and controlled application equipment manufacturer Oxbo has struck a partnership with National Grape Research Alliance (NGRA). The Madera, California-based Oxbo has been selected to join the inaugural class of affiliate members of... more »
AGCO introduces new tractor
A new generation of tractors is being released by agtech and tractor provider AGCO Corp. The AE50 award-winning Fendt 600 Vario Series tractor offers maneuverability and a completely new generation of Fendt's VarioDrive continuously variable... more »
Oxbo partners with Fresno State on harvesting equipment
Specialty crop harvesting equipment manufacturer Oxbo is introducing nut harvesting machinery. Oxbo's partnership with Fresno State University will make Oxbo the official pistachio equipment partner for Fresno State’s 2024 pistachio harvest season. Oxbo designs and... more »
FIRA USA releases details on event live demonstrations
FIRA USA 2024 is returning to California. The agtech show is scheduled for Oct. 22-24. The event is designed to provide live demonstrations of the lasted technological innovations for strawberries, orchards, vineyards, vegetables and other... more »
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