Mountain View Seeds introduces climate-ready alfalfa varieties

Mountain View Seeds is announcing the addition of three new alfalfas – NuMex 501, NuMex 801 and NuMex 802 – to their portfolio of climate-ready alfalfas. These varieties were bred by New Mexico State University using advanced conventional plant breeding technology, which identified alfalfa genes influencing drought tolerance and a new genetic trait called “drought resilience.” These traits, combined with salinity tolerance, can buffer alfalfa production against the adverse effects of prolonged droughts due to climate change.

The drought-resilient trait allows NuMex varieties to recover from prolonged periods of drought stress while maintaining high yields when adequate irrigation is available. This technology, combined with selection of vigorous plants from multiple deficit-irrigated fields over seven years, was used in the plant breeding process to develop a new class of alfalfa varieties with drought resilience.

These varieties are bred to survive without irrigation for extended periods during the midsummer months by going into a “drought-induced dormancy.”

General characteristics of drought-resilient alfalfa include:

• Less sensitivity to drought stress
• Remain productive under reduced water allotments
• Have more extensive root systems
• Display mature plant vigor under deficit irrigation
• Able to extract soil moisture more thoroughly
• Competitive yield under normal water conditions
• Forage production under less-than-optimal moisture
• Saline tolerant

Forage yield under normal irrigation or water stress conditions:

• The new varieties achieved top yields in New Mexico, Colorado and California under full and deficit irrigation.
• After three years, NuMex 802 and NuMex 801 ranked No. 2 and No. 3 in the University of California alfalfa yield trials in central California under normal irrigation.
• NuMex 802 has the top yield after five cuts in the University of California deficit irrigation trial in central California.

For more information, email Mountain View Seeds.

Image courtesy of New Holland.

New Holland rolls out the future of baling, new Roll-Belt 1 Series

New for model year 2026, New Holland introduces the Roll-Belt 1 Series, a reengineered lineup of variable chamber round balers designed to help haymakers work smarter, bale faster and ensure producers stay connected. With three updated models, this new series integrates more durability, more feeding capacity and more technology into New Holland round balers than ever before.

Feeding performance gets a boost in the Roll-Belt 451, 461 and 561 models. A newly designed single-roller wind guard comes standard on overshot feeder pickup models. It boasts a larger 8.4-inch roller – 60% larger in diameter than its predecessor – that helps compress the crop mat and improve feeding into the chamber.

For those baling larger windrows, a new dual-roller wind guard is available as an option on the Roll-Belt 561 model. The front and rear rollers pivot independently, providing adaptive control in variable crop and ground conditions.

Roll-Belt 451 and 461 models offer rotor feeder and rotor cutter pickup options that feature Diamond drive chains, which are known for their strength and durability. All three models sport upgraded chain specs from RC80 to RC100 on the belt drive roll chain, further enhancing the machine’s capacity to handle high-volume feed capacity tasks with confidence.

Other improvements include redesigned pickup flares that improve edge feeding and additional bolt-in wind guard tines for better crop compression and even feeding. The number of tines has increased across its two pickup options, and bolt-in designs make them easier to adjust or remove to suit different crop types and reduce trash buildup.

For more information, visit the New Holland website.

Image courtesy of Claas.

Claas Jaguar 1000 Series forage harvesters offer unmatched efficiency

The new self-propelled forage harvester line features greater throughput, power and operator comfort. Four best-in-class models – the Jaguar 1080, 1090, 1100 and 1200 – range from 850 to 1,110 horsepower, with throughput rates of up to 500 tons per hour.

The Jaguar 1000 Series forage harvesters are the most capable in the market. Claas designed the machines in partnership with North American growers to deliver top-tier chop quality and unbeatable efficiency.

The Jaguar 1000 Series machines feature the widest crop flow channel. Its new precompression system and four precompression rollers guarantee uniform feeding of the V-Flex knife drum for maximum throughput with consistent chop quality and optimum overall machine efficiency.

The nearly 36-inch-wide V-Flex knife drum is wider than previous models, offering more space and inertia for maximum throughput. Growers can fit the knife drum with various knives for a wide range of cutting lengths.

At the heart of the Jaguar 1000 Series is a transversely mounted 24-liter V12 MAN engine, delivering immense torque and reliable power across all harvesting conditions. With intelligent engine load management via Cemos Auto Performance and all-wheel drive, the machine adapts in real time to changing field demands.

The Jaguar 1000 also features the new Multicrop Cracker XL, a 12.2-inch-diameter roller conditioning system that ensures optimal grain and stover processing, even at high throughput rates. It’s available in both Classic and Shredlage configurations, which respectively add 40% and 50% faster processing speeds.

For more information, visit the Claas website.

Image courtesy of CTIC.

CTIC launches Connector.ag

The Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) is proud to announce the launch of the Conservation Connector, available now at Connector.ag. This innovative online platform is the first and only tool that allows farmers, ranchers and farm advisers to easily evaluate conservation incentive programs and connect with technical support in one place.

The Conservation Connector was developed to uncover opportunities that farmers and farm advisers might be missing when evaluating the best incentive programs for their acres. Incentive programs are more abundant than ever as food companies, nongovernmental organizations, agribusinesses and foundations continue to invest in conservation agriculture, adding to traditional public sector programs at the county, state and federal levels.

Connector.ag is a clearinghouse that captures the patchwork of programs in a single database that is searchable by geography, commodity, incentive type or management practice. The platform furthers its local relevancy by including local crop advisers and other service providers and implementation consultants to help producers access the guidance they might need to evaluate and implement their opportunities and find the best fit for their operations.

The platform includes about 500 programs and service providers in the Midwest alone, and it is continually updated with the latest program offerings from trusted agencies, organizations and conservation partners. It is designed for ease of use across desktops, tablets and mobile devices.

CTIC invites farmers, ranchers, technical service providers and conservation partners across the country to explore the platform at Connector.ag.

For more information, visit the CTIC website.

Image courtesy of Fendt.

Fendt launches 1000 Vario Gen4 tractor and Optimum planter

Agco announced the launch of the Fendt 1000 Vario Gen4 tractor and the Fendt Optimum planter. The Fendt 1000 Series has long been recognized for delivering productivity and versatility in high-horsepower applications.

That legacy continues with the introduction of the Fendt 1000 Vario Gen4. With new styling, this next generation features a modern, commanding look that stands out in the field. New optional interior comforts include foot pegs, an added cool box and cabin dust extraction for an improved operator experience.

The updated line will be available in four models – 1040, 1044, 1048 and 1052 – ranging from 426 horsepower up to 550 horsepower for the most demanding tillage, heavy-duty seeding and transport work. All new models come standard with the latest 12.4L MAN engine, which includes the Fendt iD low-speed concept for increased torque at lower rpms and DynamicPerformance for optimized horsepower delivery and improved efficiency.

Equipped for the future, the 1000 Gen4 Series can be optionally unlocked from the factory for PTx OutRun grain cart and tillage automation solutions. OutRun, a pioneering automation system, delivers autonomous operation to increase efficiency, reduce operator fatigue and ensure crops can be harvested on time.

Alongside the Gen4 launch, Fendt is debuting its first stack-fold planting system, the Fendt Optimum planter. Designed to bring planting precision, capacity and flexibility to operations with stack-fold planters, the Optimum combines transport efficiency with the advanced agronomic features farmers have come to expect from Fendt’s Momentum line.

For more information, visit Fendt online.

Image courtesy of Massey Ferguson.

Massey Ferguson debuts MF 5M Series utility tractors

Agco has introduced the Massey Ferguson 5M Series utility tractors. The new lineup is designed to help producers increase productivity, reduce fatigue and meet the evolving demands of daily operations.

Built for livestock work, hay handling, roadside mowing and more, the MF 5M Series combines horsepower, operator comfort and simple precision tools in a dependable package. With a focus on real-world performance, the series helps operators manage tight work windows, rising input costs and extended work hours.

The MF 5M Series includes four models ranging from 105 to 145 horsepower. Operators can choose from cab or open-platform configurations, 12x12 or Dyna-4 transmissions and two chassis sizes. The larger frame on the 135- and 145-horsepower models delivers up to 11,500 pounds of lift capacity, ideal for heavier loads and improved stability.

Comfort and efficiency are prioritized throughout the design. Key features include a brake-to-neutral system for smoother loader operation, a mechanical joystick with a third-function button for handling attachments and a 52-gallon fuel tank to support longer shifts. The cab includes upgraded heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) capabilities, with options for an air-suspended swivel seat, LED work lights and a Visio roof to improve overhead visibility.

For operators looking to incorporate technology without complexity, the MF 5M Series offers practical, accessible solutions. ISOBUS light and autoguide-ready options are available, as well as Massey Ferguson’s TaskDoc basic to support better input tracking and field documentation.

For more information, visit Massey Ferguson.