Fendt’s Ideal combines now offer AutoDock, an automated header attachment system.

AGCO introduces the AutoDock for Ideal combines

The Ideal can connect to a head in just five seconds

Harvest is that time of year when every minute counts, and there probably isn’t a grower who hasn’t cut corners in some way to save time and cover a few more acres while the weather holds. Taking a gamble by not removing a very wide header from a combine to move it down a public […] Read more



My first experience at Annaheim, Sask., was with the rotary MF 8570. It was a good combine but the cab was not that tight. After a few days, I was plugged up with dust. The door actually rattled and had to be slammed shut every so often. It had a spinning screen to keep off the chaff. However, it did not work all that well.

Les Henry: Combines I have known, Part 4: Masseys

This column is all about the red paint

This is Part 4 of a series about combines that occurs on no particular schedule. It seemed this was an appropriate time for something light and breezy. Part 2 (Grainews, September 26, 2017 issue) had a fair bit about Massey combines but this one is all about the red paint. I will take you back […] Read more

The system can prevent tired operators from missing an unexpected hazard during a long day of harvesting.

Cognitive Agro Pilot provides autonomous combine navigation

AI-based system eliminates the need for GPS

Recently, major machinery brands have introduced artificial intelligence (AI) features into their combines’ threshing systems allowing them to automatically self-adjust, which minimizes losses and improves grain quality without operator input. At a glance: Cognitive Agro Pilot’s system not only allows a combine to steer itself but also to understand and react to its surroundings. Instead […] Read more


Since machinery is a depreciating asset, the author recommends minimizing that investment and maximizing investment in appreciating assets.

Depreciation and farm machinery, a rule of thumb

Hidden profit robbers, Part 1

In my farm financial talks, I usually ask, “What’s the biggest cost in owning any piece of machinery?” In this case, I’ve already given you the answer but surprisingly some people don’t seem to be aware of that. In my 16 years of consulting farmers, I’ve noticed the old expression “guys (and gals) love their […] Read more

File photo of Rocky Mountain’s dealership at High River, Alta. (Country Guide photo by Scott Garvey)

Equipment dealer chain Rocky Mountain to go private

Publicly traded CNH dealer's top brass make offer

Canada’s biggest farm equipment dealership chain has made a deal to take itself private after almost 13 years on the TSX. Rocky Mountain Dealerships (RME) announced Monday it has an agreement in place with a numbered Alberta company controlled by CEO Garrett Ganden and board chairman Matthew Campbell, for 100 per cent of RME at […] Read more


New 6000 series straw-walker combines from CLAAS

New 6000 series straw-walker combines from CLAAS

The redesign offers higher capacity and improved straw quality

German ag equipment manufacturer Claas has been steadily growing its presence in Canada and the United States for several years now. The yellow paint scheme once used on its combines sold here was the result of a joint marketing partnership between Claas and Caterpillar. However, the companies parted ways a long time ago, and Claas […] Read more

Chris Plett of CPC Ag Repair points out a common failure point on the unloading system when harvesting wet grain.

Is your combine field ready?

There are common fail points and things to check on combines following a wet harvest

I can still hear it, the sound got louder and more prominent as we fought our way through the last days of the 2019 harvest season. One of the bearings on our straw chopper was nearing the end of its life, and luckily held together until the shards of the very last soybean stalk had […] Read more


Left: My father bought this 21A Massey in 1948.  Right: We purchased this 27 Massey in 1951. We attached a baler to the back. I used this machine for custom combining.

My Massey combines from 1948 to 1991

Massey combines served David Thompson well. Here is his story

Les Henry has written about the combines he’s operated. Les started with his Dad’s Oliver 30 pull type. I never operated a pull type. I started with a 21A Massey self-propelled. Les claims this combine was a Cadillac compared to his Dad’s Oliver. My Dad bought the 21A Massey combine in 1948. He paid $3,200 […] Read more

The IDEALDrive steering system in AGCO’s IDEAL combine that uses a joystick instead of a conventional steering wheel won a silver award.

Major machinery brands win engineer awards at Agritechnica

Deere, AGCO, CNH take home technology accolades

Agritechnica, the world’s largest farm machinery show, is held every two years in Hannover, Germany, and part of the event includes a competition that allows manufacturers to vie for some prestigious engineering awards. Gold and silver medals are awarded for new advancements in equipment design that are truly significant. How significant is what determines whether […] Read more