Counting down to Agritechnica 2017

The biennial Agritechnica farm machinery trade show will make its return at the Hanover showgrounds in Hanover, Germany this year from November 12 to 18.

The event is the largest expo in the world for farm machinery and attracts over 2800 exhibitors and 450,000 visitors from all around the world.

Traditionally, manufacturers use the event as a launch pad to unveil their latest innovations, products and even concepts as the global agricultural industry becomes increasingly mechanised and advanced.

A number of products unveiled at the show eventually makes their way Down Under, albeit a few years later, such as Fendt’s 1000 series tractors which came to Australia in May this year after its official unveiling at the 2015 Agritechnica.

Exhibitors were also given the chance to submit their innovations for judging by an independent panel of machinery experts, from which a number of gold and silver medals will be awarded to innovations deemed to be game changers for the industry.

This year, 320 innovations were submitted. Two gold and 29 silver medal winners have been chosen and will be acknowledged at special ceremonies held during the expo.

Among the award winners are Fendt’s fully electric tractor which has won a silver medal, and CLAAS’ CEMOS Auto-Threshing system for its straw walkers and hybrid combine harvesters, which has bagged a coveted gold medal.

“That’s a key reason why so many farmers visit Agritechnica in Hanover, Germany, every two years,” says Agritechnica Project Manager, Marie Servais.

“Finding an innovation that suits your farm is almost guaranteed if the number of innovative product launches at Agritechnica is anything to go by.

“Whether you are looking for a specific new item to increase the efficiency of your farming business, or considering much larger-scale changes such as a move to minimum-tillage cropping, or a major farm diversification project, Agritechnica is the event that will present you with all the solutions in one location.”

At each event, Agritechnica will focus on a specific theme, and this year’s is ‘Green Future–Smart Technology’, which will shine a light on sustainable farming.

“To achieve this in today’s increasingly digitally networked world, farmers need efficient technology and know-how that they can put to good use,” Servais says.

“Agritechnica offers both, and under its guiding theme will present forward-looking technologies and development trends that will enable sustainable increases in agricultural productivity.

“And there is another important reason why farmers attend Agritechnica, and that is networking. Many visitors find it easier to exchange ideas with farmers from other countries than with those in their own communities. Sometimes talking to a farmer from halfway around the globe will give you a fresh and new perspective that helps you take your business forward.”

Over 23 pavilions covering an area of over 40 hectares will be filled with each pavilion offering a specific type of machinery or service, such as tractors, combine harvesters, systems and components and more.

Visitors can also attend conferences and seminars held throughout the event that will focus on a range of topics including careers in agriculture, global ag-machinery market trends and more.

Agritechnica 2017 event details:

Location: Hannover Fairgrounds, Hannover, GERMANY

Dates: November 12 to 18, 2017

Admission: Adult –about $A38, children (under 13)- free

Opening times: 9am to 6pm every day