Innovation in Farming Technology Critical for Feeding the Planet

Welcome once more to Orchard & Vine’s annual tractor issue!

Every year we survey our readers on what they’re looking for when shopping for the single most important tool on the farm, and we look at the latest technology trends. This year, we’re seeing major developments in the areas of autonomous tractors, more sustainable options to reduce environmental impacts, and also legislation that ensures farmers can repair their own equipment. In our specific sector for orchards and vineyards, there are also shifts to smaller tractors that punch above their weight class, such as the KIOTI CK2610, according to Dylan Wiebe, sales manager for the North Vernon dealer Timberstar.

“The biggest feature we see people moving to KIOTI for is the strength of the front end loader, our CK2610,” said Timberstar. “At only 25hp, it has enough front end loader strength to stack heaped apple bins. When it’s upgraded to the 40hp engine it also makes a great spraying machine. Orchard owners are finding they can do more with less when they switch to KIOTI. With the economic slowdown looming on the horizon, the great price points and capabilities of the KIOTI compact line make it a really attractive option.”

John Deere has once again been recognized at the Consumer Electronics Show for its advances in farming technology.

The tractor manufacturer was honored at CES in 2022 when it unveiled its fully autonomous, self-driving tractor. This year, John Deere announced the release of an electric-powered excavator and a robotic fertilizer systems.

Those two releases saw John Deere win the

2023 Tractor Survey - We Asked & You Answered

How many tractors do you operate?

Do you plan to purchase a tractor or implement this year?

We asked a dealer - Have you seen any changes in buyer behaviour in recent years?

We have seen a large shift from used equipment interest to new equipment interest in the last few years. With rising rates to finance a used piece of equipment and 0% financing on the new equipment, to say nothing of the 6 year warranty, it’s making new equipment become a no-brainer for a lot more consumers than we have seen in previous years.