John Deere is blending traditional farm machinery with digital technology to develop autonomous tractors and cleaner power systems.

By Amelia Genis, senior journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad

This so-called “tech staple” approach aims to increase efficiency and provide lasting capacity for the shrinking number of farmers and farm workers who must meet the world’s growing food demand.

These developments could deliver greater precision, speed and quality, as well as more productive working hours, said Justin Rose, president of John Deere’s Worldwide Agriculture & Turf Division, Small Agriculture and Turf Care for Europe, Africa and Asia, speaking during the Agritechnica 2025 agricultural technology trade fair in Hannover, Germany.

This approach, he said, can also help develop customised solutions for farmers’ specific needs.

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Towards Cleaner, Smarter Power Options

John Deere continues to improve internal combustion engine technology but is also investing in renewable fuel and electric alternatives.

Company representatives say this will give farmers the freedom to choose the most suitable power option for their operations while complying with environmental standards and energy policies.

Renewable fuels include biofuels such as ethanol, biodiesel and renewable diesel options, all of which can help reduce carbon emissions.

John Deere is also unveiling an electric tractor prototype at Agritechnica this week. The tractor, powered by five Kreisel batteries, is designed for orchard and vineyard work. It can perform the same tasks as a conventional tractor but without releasing greenhouse gases.

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