The UK's premier agricultural event, LAMMA, is once again unveiling its Innovation Award winners. The LAMMA Innovation Awards, sponsored by Rural Asset Finance, were created to recognise and reward innovation and advances within the agricultural industry. As agricultural productivity depends on ongoing innovation, the LAMMA Innovation Awards aim to spotlight breakthroughs that move the industry ahead, celebrating new technologies and providing exposure for agricultural manufacturers through eight categories. In addition to these, the Innovation of the Year award will be presented to the best overall winner at the 2026 show. 

Introducing the 2026 LAMMA Innovation Awards winners:

Machine of the Year:

GOLD: JCB Fastrac 6000 Series

Two models of JCB's Fastrac 6000 are available; the 6260 and 6300, with power outputs of 284hp and 335hp respectively. Both are equipped with a 6.7-litre, six-cylinder FPT engine and a ZF continuously variable transmission, capable of reaching a top speed of 66km/h.

The Fastrac 6000 features a high-output variable flow hydraulics package, with a standard 205-litre/minute pump and an optional 410-litre/minute twin pump on the 6300 model.

The 6000 includes an optional, fully integrated central tyre inflation system - which is adjustable via the iCON touchscreen - and JCB's new GPS with dual satellite receivers. Suspension is an all-around self-levelling system, with the mid-mounted cab and forward-mounted engine meaning a near 50:50 static weight distribution with disc brakes on all wheels.

SILVER: Garford Electric Weeder

Designed for high-value and high-intensity crops, as well as broadacre arable applications, Garford's Electric Weeder uses electronics, imaging and artificial intelligence to eliminate weeds between crop rows. Developed with RootWave, it employs high-frequency alternating-current electrical weeding technology, which is capable of killing weeds above and below the ground without the use of chemical control.

BRONZE: Spread-a-Bale Combi-Bale

Combining feeding and straw spreading in one machine, Spread-a-Bale's Combi-Bale has dual-function capability. Using a diverter valve and dual-speed motor to control rotor direction, the machine's clockwise rotation spreads straw eight to 15m. When run anticlockwise, this utilises the bladed edge of the tines to chop and feed haylage or silage. 

The Combi-Bale is compatible with both round and square bales and is fully self-loading, using only one loader and operator. It takes about one minute to load and de-twine/unwrap, and less than a minute to discharge or spread.

Arable Crop Care Innovation of the Year:

GOLD: Tri-Plex (Agro-Vital)

The new system from Agro-Vital uses up-to-date soil and sap analysis, alongside farm-specific data to produce a complete macro- and micro-nutrient package for all crops. The liquid and foliar fertilisers produced allow farmers and growers to apply nutrition based on need rather than standardised recommendations.

SILVER: DSX-W Geospread TIM spreader (Kubota UK)

Using the firm's RotaFlow Dosing system, Kubota's DSX-W Geospread TIM spreader optimally distributes fertiliser.

To achieve this, the spreader takes control of the tractor via the Tractor Implement Management (TIM) technology, two height sensors and a specially designed hydraulic top link. This monitors the tractor's functionalities to ensure that the spreader is always 75cm from the target, at the right inclination and with the disc rotating at the set rpm.

The spreader is equipped with two actuators on each dosing unit, with one controlling the setting of the discharge point of the dosing cup onto the disc (letter setting) and the other controlling the application rate. The letter settings can be adjusted via IsoBus.

BRONZE: Ullmanna Ai Inter Plant Weeder (J F Hudson)

The J F Hudson Ullmanna Ai Inter Plant Weeder is a robotic, tractor-mounted cultivator that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to identify weeds between crops before mechanically removing them. AI detects plant roots rather than leaves, using a digital camera positioned on the underside of the machine above the plant knives. The camera captures multiple images of the plants, and the AI then identifies which are crops and which are weeds. Once the weeds are identified, the knives open and remove them by the roots.

Grassland Innovation of the Year

GOLD: CombiPack HDP CV165 XC (Krone)

The Krone CombiPack HDP is a high-density Combiwrapper with a hydraulically adjustable drawbar to improve ground clearance and to adapt easily to different towing vehicles. The camless pickup with plastic scraper bands boosts durability and reduces power demand. Hydraulic tine control ensures uniform crop flow, improving forage quality and lowering fuel use.

At its core is a high-capacity cutting unit featuring a 530mm Hardox rotor feeding a 41-knife bank for a 27mm chop length, with side-slide access for servicing. A shaft- and gearbox-driven system enhances longevity, and a full-width single belt prevents slippage while delivering high bale density. The twin film/net binding system allows in-cab switching, and fast bale transfer and twin 40rpm wrapping arms support outputs of around 90 bales/hour.

SILVER: TerraDrive Axle (McHale)

The TerraDrive is a newly developed hydraulic axle available as an optional extra on McHale Fusion 4 Plus machines. It is aimed at providing additional traction using hydraulic motors in the axle, therefore helping to distribute workload more efficiently, improving mobility and reducing strain on tractor. It is suited to customers with soft, wet or hilly terrain as the baler can travel in difficult conditions.

Compatible with IsoBus tractors, it intuitively pauses during the bale binding process. TerraDrive will automatically engage and disengage during the various stages of the baling cycle, automatically matches tractor speed and engaging and disengaging when working on slopes.

BRONZE: HarvestPro Automatic Acid Applicator (Profitable Farming Company)

The HarvestPro Automatic Acid Applicator is a system that tests the moisture of hay/haylage/straw/silage and then applies a precise amount of acid preservative on to the crop in order to guarantee zero wastage due to mould, heating and caramelisation.

It also helps prevent barn fires and avoids using plastic to wrap bales. It is aimed at farmers that bale conventional, round and large square bales.

Future Innovation for Environmental Benefit

GOLD: CowToilet (Hanskamp)

Designed to tackle the environmental impact of livestock manure, Hanskamp's CowToilet aims to improve animal welfare and sustainability. To avoid urine and solid manure mixing in the barn and leading to harmful chemical reactions, the CowToilet collects urine under the cow's tail. A robotic arm attached to a feeding cubicle descends at the rear of the cow, massaging it to encourage urination into a bucket which transports the urine to a storage tank.

This reduces ammonia emissions, and the nitrogen-rich urine can be used as an alternative to synthetic fertiliser. Solid manure retains its phosphate and organic matter, meaning it can still be used as a fertiliser.

SILVER: Electric Weeder (Garford Farm Machinery)

Also silver winner of the Machine of the Year award. For further details on the Garford Electric Weeder, please see this award section.

BRONZE: Novo – Low-Carbon Fertilisers for a Cleaner Future (OCI Nitrogen B.V.)

A new range of low-carbon fertiliser range from OCI Nitrogen B.V. aims to significantly lower the environmental footprint and deliver the same agronomic performance of conventional fertilisers. Novo replaces fossil gas with biomethane sourced from renewable biogenic residues.

The first product introduced was Nutramon Novo, a calcium ammonium nitrate fertiliser offering reliable nitrogen nutrition with a much lower production footprint. And with the recent introduction of Dynamax Novo (NS 27+4), the range now also includes a nitrogen-sulphur formulation with the ideal N:S ratio for UK conditions.

Digital Technology of the Year

GOLD: VisionSteer and VisionPro (FieldBee)

FieldBee's Vision is first retrofit system to integrate centimetre-level RTK guidance, visual odometry, and artificial intelligence (AI) crop sensing into one compact platform. VisionSteer combines RGB and near-infrared cameras with RTK positioning to provide reliable, fully automatic steering even where GPS alone struggles, such as under canopy cover or on uneven tramlines.

VisionPro builds on the same multispectral camera setup, adding real-time crop analysis using an Enhanced Vegetation Index algorithm and AI-driven decision-making. This allows automatic adjustment of spraying or fertilisation rates based on crop needs, all in a single pass.

SILVER: Herdi (Herdwatch)

Providing instant access to questions around animal health, compliance, breeding, pasture management, and more, Herdi by Herdwatch is an AI assistant built specifically for livestock farmers in the UK and Ireland.

Herdi uses a combination of farm records, external context (like weather and market price data) and specialist AI models, building on foundational data of the Herdwatch account. Herdi was created to close the gap between data collection and actionable insight.

BRONZE: Virtual Fences (Monil)

Using GPS collars and an app to contain and control livestock without physical fences, Monil Virtual Fences enables farmers to manage herds remotely. When cattle approach the set field boundaries, an increasing sound signal indicates proximity.

If ignored, they will receive a mild e-pulse, around 10% the strength of a traditional electric fence. Should an animal escape (after three sound/pulse notifications), the farmer is notified immediately and can always monitor the exact GPS location of the animal via the app.

British and Irish Manufacturer of the Year

GOLD: Albutt Attachments

Over the past five years, Albutt Attachments has continued to lead attachment innovation, delivering practical engineering solutions that have reshaped silage and material-handling practices worldwide. The launch of the 4.3m (14ft) folding push-off buckrake in 2021 marked a breakthrough, combining the capacity of a folding fork with the control of a push-off gate to improve stability, safety and clamp management. This was followed by the 4.9m (16ft) fixed push-off for the North American market - designed to handle immense loads while maintaining a lightweight, high-strength frame.

Further safety-focused designs such as bag filler arms, along with the Shear King ejector system for robotic feeding, have strengthened the company's reputation for problem-solving engineering. Albutt Attachments now exports to nearly 40 countries, with strong growth in North America and continued expansion through its UK dealer network.

Environmental responsibility underpins operations, with major investments in water-based paint, high-efficiency filtration, solar generation, LED lighting and waste-reduction measures. The company also maintains a long-standing commitment to employing and developing young people, supporting apprenticeships, rural skills and community initiatives.

SILVER: McHale Farm Machinery

Despite global economic uncertainty, McHale has delivered five years of product development, launching major new balers, wrappers, tedders and IsoBus systems. Over 90% of production is exported to more than 55 countries, with strong growth in Poland, France, North America and emerging Asian markets.

McHale continues to prioritise sustainability, maintaining ISO9001 certification and recently achieving ISO14000 to reduce waste, emissions and resource use. With 300 employees (many local and many farming part-time) the company invests heavily in apprenticeships, graduates and student placements. Founders Padraic and Martin McHale remain hands-on, guiding production, research and development, sales and marketing.

BRONZE: Taylor Attachments

Since 2020, Taylor Attachments has expanded rapidly with a product range focused on safety, durability and practical innovation. Key launches include the Fortis Silage Compactor, Viper Buckrake, new bucket and muck-grab ranges, man cages and lifting jibs - each engineered to improve efficiency and reduce on-farm risks.

Sales have risen sharply, with exports tripling in the past year and total turnover forecast to double by 2025/26. The business combines sustainable production with investment in young staff, hands-on training and rural employment, building a strong foundation for long-term British manufacturing.

Livestock and Dairy Innovation of the Year

GOLD: CowRecovery System (CowRecovery)

Aimed at improving cow and human welfare, the CowRecovery System is a purpose-designed bucket that can safely rescue down cows.

Using a hand-operated reeling mechanism, designed to eliminate the uncontrolled force often associated with hydraulics, it allows a stockperson to gradually load the cow in a controlled, stress-free way. The rounded front edge of the system reduces abrasions and impact injuries, while wide leg straps and a secure halter reduce the risk of injury associated with a head flail and leg kick. The unit includes integrated storage for all required accessories: ropes, straps, halter, and clips. The result is a self-contained, ready-to-use welfare tool that is easily operated by two people, or one in an emergency.

SILVER: Triomatic WP 2 600 (Trioliet BV)

The Triomatic WP 2 600 automatic feeding system is designed to improve feed efficiency and reduce labour requirements. The feed robot has a capacity of 6m³ and a loading capacity of approximately 2,000kg. Its mixing tub is equipped with two vertical augers made of wear-resistant stainless steel. Counter blades in the mixing tub and knives on each auger ensures feed is chopped. Discharge is done via a cross conveyor belt. All settings can be entered directly via the large touchscreen on the robot, but also via a computer, smartphone, or tablet.

BRONZE: CowToilet (Hanskamp)

Also gold winner of the Future Innovation for Environmental Benefit of the Year award. For further details on the Hanskamp CowToilet, please see this award section.

Arable Establishment of the Year

GOLD: Electro-Hydraulic Seed Drill Control (Dale Drills)

The Dale Drills Electro-Hydraulic Seed Drill Control is a controller that allows for the hydraulic functions of the firm's range of Eco seed drills from the tractor cab. Downward pressure can be adjusted on the move to accommodate for different soil types within the field. An accumulator can be used to maintain a consistent pressure.

SILVER: Espro 1002 (Kuhn Farm Machinery)

Replacing Kuhn's Espro 1000 range of the seed drills, the new Espro 1002 series features three models: one rigid three-metre (3002) and two folding 4m and 6m models (4002 R and 6002R). The 3002 model features a 2,500-litre hopper, while the larger models have 3,500-litre hoppers.

As with the previous range, the 1002 range has six independent working parts; levelling, tillage, tamping, seeding, pressing down the seed row and covering. The 900mm press wheels are staggered in two rows and spaced 200mm apart. The Crossflex seeding bar is equipped with double discs, bevelled and offset by 41mm. Pressure and working-depth adjustment plus automated headland turn management are all managed via an IsoBus terminal.

BRONZE: 3400 B Variomat Shear-bolt plough (Kverneland)

The new design of Kverneland's 3400 B Variomat Shear-bolt plough enables a shear cut of the bolts under pressure up to 5,000kg. There is no stretching of the bolt which could lead to a possible deformation of the leg under pressure. The new design means that the shear-bolt can be replaced in easily. Spare bolts are stored on the headstock, providing smart, easy access.

"Congratulations to all LAMMA Innovation Award winners from everyone at Rural Asset Finance. We are delighted and proud to sponsor these because we feel the industry deserves recognition for just how unbelievably resourceful it is. The winners – and all the nominees – show how brilliant the whole sector is, individually and collectively, at thinking outside the box to work more efficiently, or simply finding solutions to the day-to-day challenges every farm faces. These awards are really important to showcase what a modern, high-tech, ground-breaking industry we are. As our winners prove, so many game-changing innovations start with one idea, from high-tech inventions to simply a new way of working that's never been done before, and everything in between. We wish all our winners every future success." - Matthew Smart - Founder & Director, Rural Asset Finance.

Register Now: To secure your place at the UK's premier agricultural event, register for your free ticket HERE. Don't miss the chance to explore the future of farming at LAMMA 2026. 

For more information, visit https://www.lammashow.com/ or contact our press office at annie.fair@agriconnect.com