Farm Equipment editors encounter a variety of articles, social media posts, podcasts and videos that offer a unique look at various aspects of our great farm machinery industry. Here is our favorite content from the past week from across the web:
- Tracing the ‘Robot Tractor’ Back to 1970
- Planting with Purpose: Kinzenbaw Planting 2025
- Is the Ag Economy Barometer a Sign of Optimism Among Farmers?
- John Deere CP770 Cotton Picker is the ‘Coolest Thing Made in Iowa’
- Electric Tractor Delivers Big ROI for Dairy Farmer
Tracing the ‘Robot Tractor’ Back to 1970
Check out this 1970 ad from John Deere for robot tractors, shared by Neil Dahlstrom on LinkedIn. “Once again, history shows us that technology is often evolutionary,” Dahlstrom says. “In John Deere’s case, the path to autonomy and electrification clearly has lineage back to 1970…”
Planting with Purpose: Kinzenbaw Planting 2025
When your name’s on the planter, you put it to the test. Join Founder Jon Kinzenbaw and President Susie Kinzenbaw-Veatch as they hit the fields for #Plant25.
Is the Ag Economy Barometer a Sign of Optimism Among Farmers?
Tractor Zoom’s Andy Campbell checks in with an analysis of the latest Purdue Ag Economy Barometer. While the Barometer jumped 10 points, the Farm Capital Index dropped 6 points. Campbell says, “Historically, this investment index goes up when equipment values go down. Why? More money buys more horsepower. But right now, we’re seeing rising optimism paired with falling investment intent.” Translation? It’s not 2018, but it sure rhymes. Farmers may be feeling better, but that doesn’t mean they’re ready to buy high-horsepower tractors without blinking.
John Deere CP770 Cotton Picker is the ‘Coolest Thing Made in Iowa’
The John Deere CP770 Cotton Picker, built in Ankeny, Iowa, is the winner of the 2025 Coolest Thing Made in Iowa! Presented by MidWestOne Bank, this competition celebrates Iowa innovation at its finest.
Electric Tractor Delivers Big ROI for Dairy Farmer
Kyle VanTilburg, co-owner MVP Dairy in Mercer County, Ohio, says he’s saving $9,500 on fuel with the all-electric Monarch MK-V. VanTilburg dives into the technology and explains how it’s paying off for his operation in this video from Monarch.
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