Farmer's Weekly (South Africa)
Futuristic concept tractor wins design award
Employing an advanced diesel-electric drivetrain and in-cab display projection, the Steyr Konzept hybrid tractor breaks the conventional mould of tractor technology. It also rewrites the rules on what a farm tractor should look like.
Steyr, a brand owned by CNH Industrial, received the prestigious Platinum Award in the Concept Design category at the recent 2020 MUSE Design Awards Competition. The awards, which attracted about 3 000 entrants this year, recognise the achievements of design professionals worldwide across a range of disciplines.
According to a statement by CNH Industrial, the Steyr Konzept tractor represents a “distinct departure from conventional tractor design” and combines “innovative technologies in a unique, sustainable and potentially zero emission package”.
In addition, each element in the concept tractor is designed to be “functional yet stylish”.
The design draws on Steyr’s traditional styling cues, but these have been reinterpreted with a futuristic slant. The asymmetrical grille is a striking example.
‘ the tractor is environmentally friendly, efficient and fully functional’
This vision of how a tractor might look and function in the future is also evident in the cab’s minimalist design style, which is complemented by advanced display projection technology.
“Key operating parameters are projected onto the front
Passports
You do not need to have a veterinarian vaccinate (and certify) AHS vaccinations, unless the horse is being moved into the controlled area in the Western Cape, or if it is a competition horse with a South African Equestrian Federation (SAEF) or racing passport competing in SAEF shows or running in races. Animal health technicians are allowed to vaccinate horses, but not to certify vaccinations in an SAEF or racing passport.
It remains essential to control midges. Fortunately, two new diethyltoluamide-containing (DEET) repellents were registered for horses in 2019. Using midge repellents is essential at shows or endurance rides, when riding early in the morning or at sunset. The rule of thumb is, spray your horse as soon as its tail starts flicking if you are competing between November and June. Horses that do not compete must also be sprayed; ideally, they should be sprayed twice a day. • Dr Mac is an academic, a practising equine veterinarian and a stud owner. Email her at farmersweekly@caxton. co.za. Subject line: Horses.