Having recently attended the preview event for next year’s SIMA Show in Paris, the focus seems to be shifting from machine size and moving towards efficiency.

The developing technology is focusing on how to utilise electrical power to drive machine components, making them more efficient. We are probably a little bit away from the full electric tractor on the mainstream market.

John Deere received a special mention at SIMA for its all-electric high-powered tractor. Looking to the future, John Deere believes that electricity produced on the farm will power an entire fleet of machines. All of the new developments will be exhibited at SIMA. Anyone who has visited Agritechnica will feel right at home at SIMA, located 45 minutes outside of Paris by train. The show can easily be reached, with flights from Dublin daily.

Along with international innovation, we look at a Cork contractor who has set up a factory-like facility for handling maize on a budget. He bought a maize harvester for £4,000 eight years ago that is capable of harvesting 20 acres per day.

In motoring this week, Michael Moroney’s analysis of the market is a must-read, along with the cars that are moving and the offers available for next year’s car buyers.