Last Wednesday, 25 June, over 4,000 people attended Crops and Technology 2025 at the Teagasc research centre in Oak Park, Co Carlow. The event marked a 10-year partnership between the Irish Farmers Journal and Teagasc in hosting a dedicated tillage demonstration.
Throughout the day, three live demonstrations were held. The main element of the machinery demonstration was centred around sprayers and the technology available for more accurate applications.
Here we discussed practical advice and showcased everything from basic sprayers through to TAMS grant-eligible machines, to the latest high-tech machines with features such as individual nozzle control, curve control and automated valve control.
In addition, we showcased green-on-brown and green-on-green spot spraying technology.
Around the demo arena there were over 42 trade stands showing the latest products and technologies on offer to Irish tillage farmers.
Over the next four pages, we look at some of the machinery highlights from the day.
SKAi Spot sprayer
Making its debut at Crops and Technology was the SKAi spot sprayer, developed by Scottish company SoilEssentials and exhibited by Grasstec Group, the recently appointed Irish distributor.
The SKAi sprayer is a joint project between Team Sprayers and SoilEssentials and is offered as a complete spot spraying solution or retrofit to suitable existing sprayers.
Across the 15m working width there are five RGB cameras, four on the boom and one on the tractor’s weight block, each with a 3m field of view. Through the use of artificial intelligence, the target weeds are detected and sprayed in real time by turning on the required nozzle(s).
Grasstec Group has partnered with SoilEssentials to distribute the SKAi sprayer in Ireland. \ Philip Doyle
The sprayer includes a 1,000l clean water tank and a 200l chemical tank for efficient mixing and application at speeds up to 10km/h.
Inside the cab there is a cloud connected tablet-based interface. Real-time on-screen camera feeds show target weed detection and the spray control shows target areas and nozzle activation.
Operators can set parameters such as the percentage certainty needed to initiate spray application. For example, if the system is 80% sure that a dock is present but 90% certainty is the target then it will not be sprayed.
The algorithm is currently commercially available for the detection of docks while thistles are currently at a ‘beta’ stage.
Meanwhile, a data set for detecting docks and ragwort is currently in development.
Hardi Mega gets Pro Force boom
IAM Agricultural Machinery Ltd, the Irish Hardi distributor, showcased three sprayers in the live demonstration, one of which was the mounted Mega model fitted with the new Pro Force boom.
With rear tank sizes available up to 2,200l and new Prof Force boom options, Hardi continues to develop its higher-end mounted sprayer offerings in response to a growing market demand.
Boosting similar spec to the Aeon trailed range, Mega models now feature similar styling.
Although demonstrated in a 27m configuration, the vertical folding Pro Force boom is available from 15m to 28m.
It features a pendulum-suspended centre section and optional hydraulic anti-yaw dampers for improved ground following on hills and side slopes. There is also a single side fold function.
The 27m Mega model demoed was the first of its kind in the country with the new Pro Force boom. \ Philip Doyle
A new modular boom wing design gives improved protection to spray lines and is compatible with precision solutions such as Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) or the PrimeFlow system with auto nozzle control of individual nozzles.
Through the Hardi SmartCom electronic platform the system integrates solutions such as ActiveSlant and Auto Terrain positive and negative boom geometry. These are all possible features with the Pro Force boom.
Kverneland shows real time green-on-green spot solution
Kverneland Group Ireland conveniently used last week’s event as the Irish launch of Kverneland’s latest partnership for spot spraying in real-time.
By partnering with Dimensions Agri technologies (DAT), Kverneland can now offer a bolt-on solution for the real-time detection of green weeds in a growing crop. Aside from demonstrating its iXtrack T4 trailed sprayer in the green-on-brown spot spraying category, where weeds were mapped with the use of drone imaging, the DAT solution was showcased on the Kverneland Group Ireland stand.
The weed detection system works by fitting DAT EcoPatch sensors directly to a compatible sprayers boom. Divided evenly, these sensors scan the crop before such data is processed in real-time by the central processing computer. Through the use of artificial intelligence, any green weeds within a growing crop or stubble can be detected along with a decision on whether or not it is beneficial to spray.
The system can be adjusted to spray at different thresholds based on the crop selected. Parameters such as nozzle-on and off-time can all be adjusted.
Ireland is one of the selected European markets where the DAT Ecopatch solution is currently available and supported through the Kverneland dealer network.
Carlow firm launches machine rodent protection system
Carlow firm Cheetah Electronics launched a new product called the Rodent Shield System to prevent farm machinery and vehicle damage caused by rodents.
It has been designed based on customer requests to protect machinery that is in storage for prolonged periods of time, such as combines, which are often targeted by rodents who chew through wires and insulation, often leading to costly repairs.
The system essentially creates a conductive barrier in which current passes through to deters rodents.
After three years of development, the Rodent Shield System solves this problem by creating a protective barrier around the machine.
The system is sold in 1m long lengths, which are 250mm high and have seven built in conductive strips. The system is priced at €45/m plus VAT.
The system is powered by a dedicated 5J 230v mains powered electric fence energiser (€250 plus VAT). Cheetah notes this produces a high-voltage pulse of 7,000 volts for 0.1ms with a pulse frequency of 0.9 secs.
As with all conductors, it will emit an electromagnetic magnetic field once a current passes through it.
The pattern of the conductors was designed to maximise this magnetic field. The power of the energiser combined with the design of the shield results in an extremely effective barrier to deter rodents. Cheetah explained that it has a patent application in process.
Crop.Zone’s crop control tech
The Crop.Zone electric haulm desiccator made its first public demonstration in Ireland at the event in Oak Park.
The German-developed system attracted huge attention from potato growers and crop enthusiasts, where punters were shown the machine in operation on potato plots during our demonstration looking at haulm desiccation methods.
The Crop.Zone technology provides a non-chemical method for desiccating crops by applying a conductive spray and a controlled electric current directly to the plant. The electric current disrupts the plant’s internal water transport systems, bursting plant cells, leading to rapid foliage drying.
The Crop.Zone electric haulm desiccator made its first public demonstration at the event. \ Philip Doyle
The machine is available in 9m or 12m widths. The machine consists of three separate components. First up is the conductive liquid, which lowers the electrical resistance of the plant tissue, ensuring that the electric current can travel evenly through the foliage.
Next up is the power supply – the electrical energy required for the process is generated by the a high-voltage generator mounted on the tractor. A 190hp tractor is required to drive the generator for the 9m version.
Finally, the applicator boom delivers the electric current directly to the crop. Fitted with specialised electrodes, the boom makes contact with the treated foliage, allowing the current to pass through the plant’s vascular system.
The manufacturer says the machine has proven effective in desiccating plants such as cover crops, oats, cereals, oilseed rape, sunflowers, potatoes and other annual crops. Crop.Zone’s system is already in use across parts of mainland Europe and the UK and is now being introduced to Ireland by Meath Farm Machinery.
Last Wednesday, 25 June, over 4,000 people attended Crops and Technology 2025 at the Teagasc research centre in Oak Park, Co Carlow. The event marked a 10-year partnership between the Irish Farmers Journal and Teagasc in hosting a dedicated tillage demonstration.
Throughout the day, three live demonstrations were held. The main element of the machinery demonstration was centred around sprayers and the technology available for more accurate applications.
Here we discussed practical advice and showcased everything from basic sprayers through to TAMS grant-eligible machines, to the latest high-tech machines with features such as individual nozzle control, curve control and automated valve control.
In addition, we showcased green-on-brown and green-on-green spot spraying technology.
Around the demo arena there were over 42 trade stands showing the latest products and technologies on offer to Irish tillage farmers.
Over the next four pages, we look at some of the machinery highlights from the day.
SKAi Spot sprayer
Making its debut at Crops and Technology was the SKAi spot sprayer, developed by Scottish company SoilEssentials and exhibited by Grasstec Group, the recently appointed Irish distributor.
The SKAi sprayer is a joint project between Team Sprayers and SoilEssentials and is offered as a complete spot spraying solution or retrofit to suitable existing sprayers.
Across the 15m working width there are five RGB cameras, four on the boom and one on the tractor’s weight block, each with a 3m field of view. Through the use of artificial intelligence, the target weeds are detected and sprayed in real time by turning on the required nozzle(s).
Grasstec Group has partnered with SoilEssentials to distribute the SKAi sprayer in Ireland. \ Philip Doyle
The sprayer includes a 1,000l clean water tank and a 200l chemical tank for efficient mixing and application at speeds up to 10km/h.
Inside the cab there is a cloud connected tablet-based interface. Real-time on-screen camera feeds show target weed detection and the spray control shows target areas and nozzle activation.
Operators can set parameters such as the percentage certainty needed to initiate spray application. For example, if the system is 80% sure that a dock is present but 90% certainty is the target then it will not be sprayed.
The algorithm is currently commercially available for the detection of docks while thistles are currently at a ‘beta’ stage.
Meanwhile, a data set for detecting docks and ragwort is currently in development.
Hardi Mega gets Pro Force boom
IAM Agricultural Machinery Ltd, the Irish Hardi distributor, showcased three sprayers in the live demonstration, one of which was the mounted Mega model fitted with the new Pro Force boom.
With rear tank sizes available up to 2,200l and new Prof Force boom options, Hardi continues to develop its higher-end mounted sprayer offerings in response to a growing market demand.
Boosting similar spec to the Aeon trailed range, Mega models now feature similar styling.
Although demonstrated in a 27m configuration, the vertical folding Pro Force boom is available from 15m to 28m.
It features a pendulum-suspended centre section and optional hydraulic anti-yaw dampers for improved ground following on hills and side slopes. There is also a single side fold function.
The 27m Mega model demoed was the first of its kind in the country with the new Pro Force boom. \ Philip Doyle
A new modular boom wing design gives improved protection to spray lines and is compatible with precision solutions such as Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) or the PrimeFlow system with auto nozzle control of individual nozzles.
Through the Hardi SmartCom electronic platform the system integrates solutions such as ActiveSlant and Auto Terrain positive and negative boom geometry. These are all possible features with the Pro Force boom.
Kverneland shows real time green-on-green spot solution
Kverneland Group Ireland conveniently used last week’s event as the Irish launch of Kverneland’s latest partnership for spot spraying in real-time.
By partnering with Dimensions Agri technologies (DAT), Kverneland can now offer a bolt-on solution for the real-time detection of green weeds in a growing crop. Aside from demonstrating its iXtrack T4 trailed sprayer in the green-on-brown spot spraying category, where weeds were mapped with the use of drone imaging, the DAT solution was showcased on the Kverneland Group Ireland stand.
The weed detection system works by fitting DAT EcoPatch sensors directly to a compatible sprayers boom. Divided evenly, these sensors scan the crop before such data is processed in real-time by the central processing computer. Through the use of artificial intelligence, any green weeds within a growing crop or stubble can be detected along with a decision on whether or not it is beneficial to spray.
The system can be adjusted to spray at different thresholds based on the crop selected. Parameters such as nozzle-on and off-time can all be adjusted.
Ireland is one of the selected European markets where the DAT Ecopatch solution is currently available and supported through the Kverneland dealer network.
Carlow firm launches machine rodent protection system
Carlow firm Cheetah Electronics launched a new product called the Rodent Shield System to prevent farm machinery and vehicle damage caused by rodents.
It has been designed based on customer requests to protect machinery that is in storage for prolonged periods of time, such as combines, which are often targeted by rodents who chew through wires and insulation, often leading to costly repairs.
The system essentially creates a conductive barrier in which current passes through to deters rodents.
After three years of development, the Rodent Shield System solves this problem by creating a protective barrier around the machine.
The system is sold in 1m long lengths, which are 250mm high and have seven built in conductive strips. The system is priced at €45/m plus VAT.
The system is powered by a dedicated 5J 230v mains powered electric fence energiser (€250 plus VAT). Cheetah notes this produces a high-voltage pulse of 7,000 volts for 0.1ms with a pulse frequency of 0.9 secs.
As with all conductors, it will emit an electromagnetic magnetic field once a current passes through it.
The pattern of the conductors was designed to maximise this magnetic field. The power of the energiser combined with the design of the shield results in an extremely effective barrier to deter rodents. Cheetah explained that it has a patent application in process.
Crop.Zone’s crop control tech
The Crop.Zone electric haulm desiccator made its first public demonstration in Ireland at the event in Oak Park.
The German-developed system attracted huge attention from potato growers and crop enthusiasts, where punters were shown the machine in operation on potato plots during our demonstration looking at haulm desiccation methods.
The Crop.Zone technology provides a non-chemical method for desiccating crops by applying a conductive spray and a controlled electric current directly to the plant. The electric current disrupts the plant’s internal water transport systems, bursting plant cells, leading to rapid foliage drying.
The Crop.Zone electric haulm desiccator made its first public demonstration at the event. \ Philip Doyle
The machine is available in 9m or 12m widths. The machine consists of three separate components. First up is the conductive liquid, which lowers the electrical resistance of the plant tissue, ensuring that the electric current can travel evenly through the foliage.
Next up is the power supply – the electrical energy required for the process is generated by the a high-voltage generator mounted on the tractor. A 190hp tractor is required to drive the generator for the 9m version.
Finally, the applicator boom delivers the electric current directly to the crop. Fitted with specialised electrodes, the boom makes contact with the treated foliage, allowing the current to pass through the plant’s vascular system.
The manufacturer says the machine has proven effective in desiccating plants such as cover crops, oats, cereals, oilseed rape, sunflowers, potatoes and other annual crops. Crop.Zone’s system is already in use across parts of mainland Europe and the UK and is now being introduced to Ireland by Meath Farm Machinery.
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