Features | Agricultural Engineering

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Agriculture Engineering

Technology assists agriculture sector

By: Anna Moross 13th May 2022 Agriculture input prices have risen by about 100%, but using technology provides farmers with an opportunity to save on costs, such as fuel and downtime issues, says agricultural equipment manufacturer and distributor AGCO Africa field service manager Zack Janse van Rensburg. →

Smart logistics required for efficient movement of goods

By: Anna Moross 13th May 2022 To ensure the efficient and effective movement of goods in the agriculture sector, the implementation of technology, such as SMART logistics, is imperative, says South African Association of Freight Forwarders CEO Dr Juanita Maree. →

The trusted manufacturing partner for the agricultural industry

13th May 2022 For the past 28 years, proudly South African manufacturer Fabrinox has been a trusted partner of choice for the agricultural industry. Our wide range of capabilities includes the manufacturing of metal components, sub-assemblies, batch and under-license manufacturing as well as project management... →

John Deere Construction

13th May 2022 John Deere Construction is here, and we are excited to help you in your quest to build Africa. We offer a wide range of easy to service machines, aftermarket solutions and finance options. Our nationwide dealers are well trained to support our customers throughout the region. Having started... →

Innovative greenhouse built

By: Anna Moross 13th May 2022 Building materials supplier Trumod has designed an innovative greenhouse, which has been constructed and developed as a light steel frame (LSF) indoor cultivating warehouse structure used for growing microgreens or hemp products, such as cannabis, in a controlled environment. →

Tech essential in agriculture sector

By: Anna Moross 13th May 2022 Water remains the key element in irrigation and agriculture, but rudimentary technologies, pollution and an ever-growing need for water across different sectors are a few of the current challenges facing South Africa, says fluid handling and steel products supplier Stewarts and Lloyds irrigation... →

Increased interest in temporary employment services

By: Darren Parker 6th August 2021 More of human capital solutions provider Workforce’s agricultural clients are agreeing to the value that Workforce Staffing – a temporary employment service provider subsidiary of Workforce – can bring to the table. Workforce Africa MD Darren Hollander tells Engineering News that compliance... →

A photograph of Workforce Africa MD Darren Hollander

DARREN HOLLANDER In the agriculture sector, which mostly requires unskilled labour, not enough is being done to upskill workers

Digital water-quality monitoring and reporting tool coming to market

By: Darren Parker 6th August 2021 Financial advisory firm Bosch Capital has been appointed by environmental and water governance, risk and compliance specialist Carin Bosman Sustainable Solutions (CBSS) to support the commercial development of the new Leguaan software-as-a-service (SaaS) water-quality monitoring, data... →

TESTING, TESTING Without the correct interpretation of testing results, it is impossible to make informed decisions about the management adjustments that are necessary

Alternative agricultural resources grow interest

By: Darren Parker 6th August 2021 There has been a surge of interest during the past six months in alternative agricultural resources, such as growbags and capillary mats, geotextiles manufacturer Fibertex South Africa commercial executive Sefton Fripp tells Engineering News. He says although the first half of the year has been... →

A photo of a woman tending plants in a nursery.

MUTUAL GROWTH Fibertex works closely with farmers and horticulturalists globally to develop and manufacture ecofriendly plant care products

New agriculture machinery on offer from OEM

By: Darren Parker 6th August 2021 Agriculture machinery manufacturer AGCO Corporation has introduced a number of high technology products into the market with its German-engineered Fendt brand. “With a demand for high technology solutions and confidence in the coming season, farmers are already showing interest in our Fendt... →

A photo of AGCO Africa sales head Felix Seitz

FELIX SEITZ Planning and supply lines give AGCO a competitive advantage in the market

Solutions manage water scarcity challenges

By: Nadine Ramdass 7th May 2021 With the agriculture sector heavily relying on water to ensure that it can continue to function, more strategies have to be adopted and solutions applied to manage the effects of water-related challenges in the industry. “Water will need to be looked at differently, especially since agriculture... →

Chetan Mistry Water sustainability needs to be prioritised

Company ensures up-to-date machinery trends reach industry

By: Nadine Ramdass 7th May 2021 Engineering solutions provider BMG’s agricultural specialists work closely with farmers, to ensure they benefit from constantly changing trends in agricultural machinery. “Through BMG’s Boer Slim/Smart Farming initiative, which was launched about eight years ago, the company offers farming... →

FAVOURED CHAIN Aboutt 70% of baler OEMS choose the Tsubaki RS100HT Agri Baler Chain

Local mulchers have much to offer

By: Nadine Ramdass 7th May 2021 Local heavy machinery provider and manufacturer Wuhlf Equipment believes that industries should take advantage of its locally manufactured mulchers, as they can be used in various applications. Mulchers are machines used to cut, grind and clear vegetation. Clearing vegetation can result in... →

920 Mulcher Wuhlf manufactures local muchlers to suit every need

Additives increase livestock health, farm profits

By: Nadine Ramdass 7th May 2021 Manufacturing and minerals producer Pratley’s clinoptilolite-based livestock feed additives, Clinomix and Clinoxin, can increase the health of livestock, resulting in increased cost savings and profit for farmers. Clinoptilolite is a type of zeolite, which, in turn, is a crystalline aluminium... →

ELDON KRUGER
Farmers are realising the additives benefits

Pratley marketing manager Eldon Kruger discusses its new feedstock additives.

Offering diversified with new crop input solution

By: Tracy Hancock 7th August 2020 Environmental management company I-CAT will soon launch agricultural and forestry input solution Cyflo, as part of its product offering, targeting existing and potential clients, says I-CAT Planting Business Unit head Rachelle Botha. The product was developed by diagnostic agronomist Charl Marais... →

ENHANCED EFFECT Cyflo effects cellular permeability of agricultural remedies and fertilisers, and significantly improves their efficacy

Sector welcomes bearing distributor’s new products

By: Tracy Hancock 7th August 2020 Demand for the agriculture-specific products offered by Southern Africa bearings and power transmission products distributor Bearings International (BI) is slowly picking up now that lockdown restriction have eased, says agriculture business development leader Gerhard Pienaar. In addition, there... →

HANDY RANGE Bearings International has seen a huge increase in demand for its range of Grippaz hand gloves and has increased its stockholding

Smart-Farming initiative supports food security

7th August 2020 Engineering solutions company BMG’s Boer Slim and/or Smart-Farming agricultural team works closely with farmers throughout Southern Africa, assisting them with the selection, installation and operation of new electromechanical systems. These projects are designed to improve efficiencies, reduce... →

SMART-FARMING INITIATIVE BMG’s agricultural team works closely with farmers throughout Southern Africa, assisting them with the selection, installation and operation of new electromechanical systems

‘Soil conditioner’ production keeps manufacturer bustling

By: Tracy Hancock 7th August 2020 The processing facility of manufacturer and minerals producer Pratley has been significantly busy producing Pratley Vulture Creek Clino during the national lockdown to curb the spread of Covid-19, as the product is mainly supplied to the agriculture sector and, therefore, classified as essential,... →

PRODUCTIVE PROPERTIES More farmers are experiencing improved crop yields when using Vulture Creek Clino, owing to its cation-exchange and slow-release fertiliser properties

Agricultural engineers are an endangered species

By: Tracy Hancock 7th August 2020 The agricultural industry remains key to the development of South Africa and addressing the country’s prevalent unemployment issues, but local agricultural engineers are a scarce breed, says South African Institute of Agricultural Engineers (SAIAE) VP Thabo Mavundza. “Despite the drought, water... →

DIRECTING DEVELOPMENTS The need to improve the efficiency of water and energy use, coupled with the introduction of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, are shaping agricultural engineering innovations in South Africa

New interface’s mobile version coming soon

By: Tracy Hancock 7th August 2020 Data-driven agricultural solutions provider SupPlant has launched a new user interface for its decision support system (DSS), with a mobile version to follow, enabling farmers to keep an eye on their crops wherever they are. The Israeli company first entered the South African market when it... →

ADVANCING AGRICULTURE The new platform makes all the data from SupPlant’s sensors, such as the first continuous measurement fruit sensor on Macadamia fruit in South Africa, easily accessible and understood

Pump rentals effective contingency plan to ensure food security

By: Tracy Hancock 7th August 2020 When a pump used for agricultural applications fails, it poses a significant risk to the food production cycle, revenue generation and, ultimately, the food supply chain during a time when South Africa is facing food-security pressure. The local agriculture industry cannot afford to lose crops... →

MEETING MARKET DEMANDS Rand-Air offer diesel-driven pumps for when power is not available at the source that meet the needs of the undersupplied market for high-head pumps

Universal Clips

4th August 2020 Founded in 1972, Universal Clips is a proudly South African manufacturer and distributor of a wide range of hose clamps. Based in Gauteng, Universal Clips’ products are distributed country-wide and internationally through specialist distributors. Universal Clips are valued suppliers to a variety... →

Mulcher developed for S African conditions

1st May 2020 Local original-equipment manufacturer (OEM) Bell Equipment has developed the Bell M350 Mulcher, which caters to the forestry industry and has been specially geared for South Africa’s hot and dusty climate. This niche solution was developed in consultation with the company’s customer base. →

MULCH ADO The Bell M350 Mulcher is a niche solution developed in consultation with customers from the South African forestry industry

Lockdown highlights food supply importance

By: Darren Parker 1st May 2020 The Covid-19 outbreak and consequent measures taken by government to combat its spread have highlighted the importance of food supply, says motors and drives company SEW Eurodrive MD Raymond Obermeyer. “We will ensure that we reconsider the areas that we believe will benefit the agriculture... →

RAYMOND OBERMEYER Throughout the lockdown, SEW Eurodrive has continued to assist the agriculture sector as crucial link in the food supply chain.

New tractor designed for African conditions

By: Darren Parker 1st May 2020 Original-equipment manufacturer John Deere received approval from the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications to market and sell its new 6B series of tractors in South Africa, following several years of extensive testing throughout Africa. “The 6B series was designed specifically with... →

TRACTORS FOR AFRICA The new 6B tractors were designed specifically with Africa in mind

Agri hub units remain focus for supplier

By: Darren Parker 1st May 2020 Power transmission products distributor Bearings International (BI) is maintaining its focus on promoting its bearing hub units for agricultural applications this year. The BAA0005 is the latest in the series of specially designed, self-lubricating bearing hub units. It is a completely modular... →

GERHARD PIENAAR Bearings International will continue to develop its special agri hub units in conjunction with its major original-equipment manufacturer clients

Scan offers predictive maintenance visibility

By: Natasha Odendaal 1st May 2020 Motors and controls manufacturer Zest WEG is expanding its WEG Motor Scan product in South Africa to incorporate Gateway – a game-changing solution that could help farmers further leverage the Fourth Industrial Revolution. WEG Motor Scan entered South Africa’s market late in 2018, equipping... →

Good agricultural sales expected post lockdown

By: Darren Parker 1st May 2020 The outbreak of Covid-19 and the consequent initial 21-day national lockdown in South Africa, which has since been extended by two weeks, caused a slowdown in sales for almost every sector in South Africa, including the agricultural sector. Despite the lull, Pratley marketing director Eldon... →

DON’T BLOW A GASKET The new room temperature vulcanising silicone gasket maker compound is temperature resistant from -50 ºC to 300 ºC for short periods

Farmers urged to de-silt dams before dry season

1st May 2020 As the dry season approaches in many parts of South Africa, farmers need to ensure that silt is not limiting the volume of water that they can store, says specialist pump rental company Integrated Pump Rental MD Lee Vine. He notes that the progressive build-up of silt means that dams and ponds in... →

SUCK JOB A fit-for-purpose dewatering solution from Integrated Pump Rental is successfully desilting farm dams

Accelerated business activity could follow lockdown slowdown

By: Darren Parker 1st May 2020 Following a “drastic” slowdown in sales, rentals and aftermarket support in the agriculture sector during the Covid-19 lockdown in South Africa, equipment supplier Goscor Earthmoving (GEM) national sales manager Kevin Purcell expects that business will either return to normal in the sector once... →

AN ALLY IN THE TRENCHES The SY210 has many applications in agriculture

Promising research progress on agrimats

By: Darren Parker 9th August 2019 Research is under way on new technology that aims to convert algae and any other biomass waste, such as bagasse, into organic fertiliser mats, or agrimats, Agricultural Research Council (ARC) senior researcher Dr Khumbulani Dhavu tells Engineering News. The agrimats are manufactured by pressing... →

MULCH PROGRESS BEING MADE The agrimats research project is testing the viability of sustainable organic mulch mat production for commercial use

Solar-powered irrigation requires greater subsidisation

By: Darren Parker 9th August 2019 The high initial capital expenditure required for solar-powered irrigation systems (SPISes) makes it mostly an unviable option for small-scale farmers in South Africa, unless they receive heavy subsidisation, according to International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage president Felix... →

POWER TO THE PEOPLE
Solar-powered irrigation could provide a low-running-cost solution for farmers who have no access to grid power

ICID president Felix Reinders discusses South Africa’s role in international irrigation concerns.

Ultrasonic dripline cleaner commercialised

By: Darren Parker 9th August 2019 Irrigation systems manufacturer Senter360 has partnered with local inventor and farmer Leon Lingnau to bring his proprietary ultrasonic dripline cleaning system Greendrum to the market on a commercial scale. The first co-manufactured unit was sold at this year’s NAMPO Harvest Day, in the Free... →

SOUND TECHNOLOGY The Greendrum device can effectively clean driplines without the need for chemicals

Agriculture sector driven to spend more upfront on innovation

By: Darren Parker 9th August 2019 Amid current economic pressure, high energy costs and power grid uncertainty, the agriculture sector in South Africa is starting to favour higher capital expenditure on advanced technology because of the resulting long-term reductions in operating costs, says drive engineering company... →

WILLEM STRYDOM
SEW-Eurodrive helps clients understand where they can save on energy efficiency

SEW-Eurodrive sales manager Willem Strydom discusses the motors supplied to the 100 t/h Free State feed mill.

App monitors spread of FAW in Africa

By: Erin Steenhoff-Snethlage 10th August 2018 The Fall Armyworm Monitoring and Early Warning System (FAMEWS) application (app) can save 300-million people in Africa from food insecurity and prevent significant economic losses in maize of up to $4.8-billion, caused by the infestation of the fall armyworm (FAW), says Food and Agriculture... →

Photo by Bloomberg
PEST ARMY The invasion of the fall armyworm is threatening the food security of 300-million people in Africa

OLI South Africa

10th August 2018 As the world’s top-selling electric and pneumatic vibrator manufacturer, OLI guarantees a high level of customer service through its 19 OLI trading subsidiaries, 36 warehouses and five manufacturing plants worldwide. OLI vibrator motors are distributed in South Africa by the company’s local... →

SBS Tanks

10th August 2018 A proudly South African company, SBS Tanks manufactures premium- quality water-storage solutions and water tanks from durable, long-lasting Zincalume. With over 20 years experience, SBS Tanks provides expert assistance to a multitude of industrial, municipal, fast-moving consumer goods and... →

Irrigation system reduces water use in orchards by 70%

By: Erin Steenhoff-Snethlage 10th August 2018 Louirrigate’s micro drip irrigation system, Tree Hog, can reduce farmers’ water use by up to 70% in orchards, and save up to 70% of energy costs, claims Tree Hog designer and Louirrigate owner Louis Loubser, who is a wine and fruit farmer in Robertson, Western Cape. The Tree Hog system is... →

WATER CONSERVATION The Tree Hog can reduce water consumption by up to 70%

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