Innovation Award Winners 2026

CowRecovery System

CowRecovery was created by Dorset farmer James Yeatman to provide a safer, more humane solution for handling downer cows — a major welfare, labour, and reputational challenge in the dairy sector. Traditional methods are often makeshift, risky, and publicly unacceptable, and many farms lack a practical alternative. CowRecovery offers a purpose-built, affordable system that allows calm, controlled movement of a recumbent cow into a recovery pen using a hand-operated reeling mechanism, rounded edges, and secure straps to minimise injury. Designed for farms of any size, it is easy to use, fully equipped, and demonstrates a clear commitment to modern animal welfare standards

TRIOMATIC WP 2 -600 

Farmers are increasingly seeking better, more frequent feeding for their herds, which research shows improves feed efficiency, cow health, and longevity. With labor shortages rising, many are turning to automated solutions like Trioliet’s Triomatic systems, which can cut feeding labor by up to 80% and support on-farm energy efficiency. To meet the needs of larger farms, Trioliet has introduced the new WP 2-600 feed robot, offering a 6m³ capacity, advanced dual-auger mixing, energy-efficient operation, and full remote control. Designed for farms from about 600 to 800 livestock units—and scalable to much larger operations—it combines high capacity, durable components, and seamless integration with herd-management systems

CowToilet

The CowToilet is an innovative, animal-friendly system that reduces the environmental impact of dairy farming by separating urine from solid manure before ammonia can form. Using cows’ natural behaviour, it collects urine directly under the tail, preventing harmful emissions and significantly cutting nitrogen losses—research shows reductions of up to around 30–40%. The separated urine becomes a valuable fertilizer, while solid manure remains nutrient-rich, improving soil health and offering economic benefits. Developed by Hanskamp with farmers and researchers, the CowToilet supports stricter environmental rules without disrupting routines, turning manure management into a sustainable, practical, and profitable solution for modern agriculture

KRONE CombiPack HDP CV165 XC 

The KRONE CombiPack HDP CV165 XC is a high-performance baler-wrapper designed for farmers and contractors needing reliable, efficient silage, hay, and straw baling within tight weather windows. Developed with user input, it prioritises throughput, serviceability, and operator comfort. Key features include hydraulic drawbar adjustment, a camless pickup with adaptive hydraulic tine control, and an integral cutting rotor that delivers clean, consistent chopping with reduced power demand. Its robust Hardox rotor, 41-knife system, and high-density single-belt baling ensure excellent forage quality. With fast twin-arm wrapping, large film storage capacity, and durable driveline components, the machine can achieve around 90 bales per hour with high, uniform bale density.

TerraDrive Axle

The TerraDrive Axle is a new hydraulic drive system available as an option on McHale Fusion 4 Plus balers, designed to provide extra traction in soft, wet, or hilly conditions. By using hydraulic motors in the axle, it helps share the workload with the tractor, improves mobility, and reduces strain on the towing machine. Developed in response to increasingly unpredictable, wetter climates—particularly relevant to McHale’s Irish customer base—TerraDrive enhances performance and yield in challenging terrain. Compatible with ISOBUS tractors, it automatically engages, disengages, adjusts to tractor speed, and pauses during bale binding, delivering seamless traction support throughout the baling cycle.

HarvestPro Automatic Acid Applicator 

The HarvestPro Automatic Acid Applicator measures the moisture of hay, haylage, straw, or silage and applies the exact amount of preservative needed to prevent mold, heating, and caramelisation. This stops barn fires, eliminates bale wastage, and removes the need for plastic bale wrap. Designed for all types of balers, it is the first system of its kind produced in the UK or Europe, offering a more advanced design at roughly 40% lower cost than the only comparable North American product. By preventing feed losses and health issues like silage eye and listeria, HarvestPro supports farmers, improves safety, and strengthens the rural economy through British engineering and local supply chains

Electro-Hydraulic Seed Drill Control 

The Electro-Hydraulic Seed Drill Control system allows operators to adjust all key hydraulic functions of Dale Drills’ Eco seed drills directly from the tractor cab and while working. Using an ergonomic control screen and joystick, operators can fine-tune tine down-pressure on the move to match changing soil conditions, improving penetration, seed depth accuracy, and soil packing. The system uses the tractor’s load-sensing and power-beyond hydraulics, reducing hoses, simplifying coupling, and lowering fuel use. It also manages folding, unfolding, and fan control, with a road-safe mode for transport. Developed in response to customer demand, the project was delivered in collaboration with UK suppliers and led by Tom Crosbie.

Espro 1002

The ESPRO 1002 (R) seed drill range, replacing the ESPRO 1000 (R), includes three models with 3–6 m working widths and large hopper capacities of 2,500–3,500 litres. Designed for versatility, they combine six independent working elements - levelling, tillage, tamping, seeding, pressing, and covering - for excellent performance on ploughed or min-till land. Features include large-diameter press wheels to reduce power needs, the CROSSFLEX seeding bar for precise depth at high speeds, and ISOBUS control for easy adjustment and automation. Updates include lighter weight, easier hopper access, straight discs for min-till, durable DURAKARB scrapers, and DURASTEEL covering tines, enhancing efficiency, longevity, and operator convenience.

Kverneland 3400 B Variomat Shear-bolt plough

The Kverneland 3400 B Variomat shear-bolt plough is designed for professional use, building on the strengths of previous Kverneland models while introducing enhanced features. Its newly engineered shear-bolt legs are stronger and capable of cutting under pressures up to 5,000 kg without stretching, preventing deformation of the leg. The shear bolts can be replaced quickly and easily, ensuring consistent ploughing performance. Spare bolts are conveniently stored on the headstock for easy access. This combination of durability, reliability, and user-friendly maintenance makes the 3400 B Variomat a practical and efficient choice for demanding ploughing operations.

Albutt has demonstrated innovation, growth, and sustainability, earning he Gold Award for British and Irish Manufacturer of the Year. Over the past five years, they’ve developed groundbreaking attachments such as the 14 ft folding Buckrake, large-capacity push-off models, bag filler arms, and Shear King ejectors, combining versatility, safety, and efficiency. Their products are exported to 39 countries, while strategic UK dealer partnerships and factory improvements have driven profitability. Albutt leads in environmental responsibility, using water-based paints, solar power, LED lighting, and fume extraction. They also champion young people and rural employment through apprenticeships and community support, building a skilled, sustainable workforce.

McHale has consistently demonstrated innovation, growth, and sustainability, earning Silver recognition as a British and Irish Manufacturer. Over the past five years, they launched numerous advanced products, including variable and fixed chamber balers, the Fusion 4 Plus, ProPel tedders, the R80-90 rake, and the TerraDrive axle, combining high capacity, precision, and efficiency. With over 90% of machines exported to 55 countries, McHale has expanded global reach while maintaining strong dealer networks. Committed to sustainability, ISO14001 accreditation, low-emission manufacturing, and durable, repairable machinery underpin their environmental efforts. The company also champions rural employment and young talent through apprenticeships, graduate roles, and community engagement.

Taylor Attachments has earned Bronze recognition for consistently delivering innovative, durable, and practical machinery for British farmers. Over the past five years, they introduced the Fortis Silage Compactor, Viper Buckrake, muck grabs, buckets, lifting jibs, and compliant man cages, improving efficiency, safety, and forage quality. The company has seen rapid growth, with exports tripling and total sales set to double in 2025/26. Sustainability is embedded through waste reduction, energy efficiency, and long-lasting product design, while young people and rural employment are championed via apprenticeships and hands-on training. Taylor’s focus on reliability and innovation has solidified their reputation as a trusted British manufacturer.

TRIPLEX is an advanced nutrient system that combines up-to-date soil and sap analysis with farm-specific data to produce fully tailored liquid and foliar fertilisers. By matching nutrient applications to actual crop needs, it maximises nutrient use efficiency, enhances plant performance, and reduces environmental impact. TRIPLEX integrates macro- and micronutrients into bespoke formulations that can be quickly adjusted during the season based on sap or soil analysis. Each batch can be produced in 20 minutes and delivered within 1–2 days, ensuring timely application. Its scientifically engineered nutrient complexes minimise leaching and volatilisation, improving yields while supporting soil health, clean water, and sustainable farming.

Kubota DSX-W GEOSPREAD TIM spreader 

The Kubota DSX-W GEOSPREAD TIM spreader combines precision technology and automated control to optimise fertiliser distribution, boost crop growth, and enhance machine efficiency. Its GEOSPREAD system, with RotaFlow dosing and one-metre section control, ensures the right amount of fertiliser is applied precisely where needed, avoiding overlaps. Integrated Kubota Tractor Implement Management (TIM) technology, along with two height sensors and a hydraulic top link, automatically maintains the spreader at 75 cm, at the correct angle, and disc speed, removing the need for manual adjustments. This allows operators to focus on productivity while achieving consistent, accurate, and efficient nutrient application across the field.

Ullmanna AI Inter Plant Weeder 

The Ullmanna Ai Inter Plant Weeder is an innovative machine that uses artificial intelligence to remove weeds by targeting plant roots rather than leaves. Designed in the Czech Republic and manufactured in Austria, it works across a wide range of vegetable and horticultural crops, including corn, onions, garlic, and pumpkins. A camera beneath the machine captures images, and the AI identifies crops versus weeds, activating knives to remove the weeds at the root. The system continuously learns globally, improving accuracy over time. Benefits include high speed, efficiency, early-stage weeding, reduced labour, minimal herbicide use, lower costs, and simple setup with multi-row capability, even at day or night.

Fastrac 6000 Series

The all-new JCB 6000 Series Fastrac targets the 250–330 hp sector, bridging the gap between the 4000 and 8000 Series. Available in two models (6260 & 6300), it combines high-speed capability (road legal at 66 kph) with exceptional ride comfort thanks to all-round suspension and near 50:50 weight distribution. Features include four-wheel steering with five modes, truck-standard all-round disc brakes with ABS, a versatile full-length chassis for multiple implements, and a rear deck supporting 5,000 kg. Designed for professional farmers and contractors, the 6000 Series delivers agility, versatility, reduced soil compaction, lower emissions, and enhanced productivity, making it ideal for year-round field and transport operations.

Combi-Bale

The Combi-Bale from Spread-a-Bale is a dual-function machine that combines feeding and straw spreading into a single, efficient system, designed to save farmers time, labour, and machinery costs. Compatible with round and square bales, it is fully self-loading and features a dual-speed rotor: clockwise for bedding straw 8–15 m while maintaining quality, and anti-clockwise for chopping and feeding haylage or silage. Its compact, side-mounted design allows precise operation in tight spaces. By performing two essential tasks in one robust machine, the Combi-Bale improves efficiency, reduces fuel and straw use, enhances animal welfare, and delivers reliable, cost-effective performance for livestock farms.

FieldBee Vision - VisionSteer and VisionPro 

FieldBee Vision is a retrofit precision agriculture system combining centimetre-level RTK guidance, AI-powered crop sensing, and visual odometry. Aimed at small to medium farmers and contractors, it provides VisionSteer for automatic, accurate steering in challenging conditions like orchards, vineyards, or uneven fields, and VisionPro for real-time crop analysis to adjust fertiliser and pesticide rates. By integrating multispectral cameras, AI, and RTK in a single, modular platform, it reduces operator fatigue, improves input efficiency, boosts yields, and supports sustainable farming. Developed with farmer feedback and agronomy expertise, FieldBee Vision makes advanced precision farming accessible, efficient, and affordable.

Herdi

Herdi is an AI-powered, context-aware assistant designed for livestock farmers in the UK and Ireland, integrated into the Herdwatch app for over 22,000 dairy, beef, and sheep farms. It provides instant, accurate guidance on animal health, compliance, breeding, and pasture management by combining farm records, external data such as weather and market prices, and specialist AI modules. By leveraging existing Herdwatch data from sensors, parlour software, and statutory databases, Herdi eliminates the need for duplicate data entry. Developed from direct farmer feedback, it transforms complex data into actionable insights, saving time, reducing errors, and supporting smarter, more efficient farm management.

Monil Virtual Fences  

Monil is a digital livestock management system that replaces physical fences with GPS-enabled collars and a cloud-based app, allowing farmers to create, adjust, and monitor grazing zones remotely. Cattle receive escalating sound alerts and mild e-pulses if they approach boundaries, and farmers are instantly notified of escapes. The collars, solar-powered and top-mounted for precise GPS positioning, gather real-time activity and behaviour data, including heat detection, enabling smarter herd management. Monil saves farmers significant time, opens previously inaccessible grazing areas, and enhances animal welfare, while its infrastructure-free design and NB-IoT connectivity make it easy to deploy and scale across extensive farming operations.

CowToilet 

The CowToilet is an innovative, animal-friendly system that reduces the environmental impact of dairy farming by separating urine from solid manure before ammonia can form. Using cows’ natural behaviour, it collects urine directly under the tail, preventing harmful emissions and significantly cutting nitrogen losses—research shows reductions of up to around 30–40%. The separated urine becomes a valuable fertilizer, while solid manure remains nutrient-rich, improving soil health and offering economic benefits. Developed by Hanskamp with farmers and researchers, the CowToilet supports stricter environmental rules without disrupting routines, turning manure management into a sustainable, practical, and profitable solution for modern agriculture.

Garford Electric Weeder

The Garford Electric Weeder delivers advanced, chemical-free weed control for row crops, high-value horticulture, and broadacre arable applications. Developed collaboratively by Garford Farm Machinery and RootWave, it combines precision mechanical guidance, imaging, artificial intelligence, and high-frequency electrical weeding technology to target weeds between crop rows for a complete systemic kill. The system improves crop quality, reduces competition from weeds, and provides both financial and environmental benefits. By integrating cutting-edge eWeeding technology into sustainable weed management, it offers growers a highly effective, cost-efficient solution that supports high-performance crops while reducing reliance on herbicides and promoting long-term agricultural sustainability.

Novo – Low-Carbon Fertilisers for a Cleaner Future

Novo is OCI’s low-carbon fertiliser range, designed to deliver the same agronomic performance as conventional fertilisers while reducing the carbon footprint. By replacing fossil natural gas with renewable biomethane, Novo cuts Scope 1 CO₂ emissions by 50–60%, verified under ISCC PLUS certification. The range includes Nutramon Novo (calcium ammonium nitrate) and Dynamax Novo (nitrogen-sulphur), providing complete low-carbon solutions for UK arable and livestock farmers. Both maintain nutrient quality, spreading characteristics, and crop yield, while supporting sustainability targets. Developed with farmers and supply-chain partners, Novo is a scalable, practical, and verifiable solution that reduces fertiliser-related emissions and enables climate-smart agriculture.