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2026 Forage Power – John Deere F8 and F9 Series

2026 Forage Power – John Deere F8 and F9 Series
Sep 26, 2025
By Ryan Ridley
Assistant Editor, North American Content, Farms.com

Advanced Technology Boosts Comfort, Efficiency, and Easy Maintenance

John Deere has announced the launch of 11 new models in its F8 and F9 Series of self-propelled forage harvesters for 2026.  

These machines combine advanced technology, improved operator comfort, and simplified service to help farmers harvest efficiently and maintain high crop quality, Shaun Fritchey, product specialist at John Deere told Farms.com. 

The new harvesters feature an upgraded cab designed for long hours in the field. Operators benefit from greater visibility and enhanced comfort, with all technology integrated into the modern G5 display system.  

The display provides easy access to controls and data, ensuring precision and efficiency during harvest. 

Technology upgrades include expanded Predictive Ground Speed Automation and an improved Active Fuel Control system to optimize power and reduce fuel consumption. A completely redesigned inoculant dosing system increases the nutrient value of harvested crops, giving livestock producers higher quality feed. 

Serviceability is also a priority. All major controllers are now located in one central area, making maintenance faster and easier for both owners and technicians. This design helps reduce downtime and simplifies regular servicing. 

Another major highlight is the new Extreme kernel processor. It features a 12-inch diameter roll and offers three configurations: a straight cut roll, an X cut roll, and a new small grain roll.  

The small grain option is especially effective for processing sorghum and other specialty crops, improving feed quality and consistency. 

With more comfort, smarter technology, and improved service access, John Deere’s 2026 forage harvesters are built to meet the demands of modern agriculture while delivering reliable performance season after season. 




Trending Video

Evolution of Beef Cattle Farming

Video: Evolution of Beef Cattle Farming

The Clear Conversations podcast took to the road for a special episode recorded in Nashville during CattleCon, bringing listeners straight into the heart of the cattle industry. Host Tracy Sellers welcomed rancher Steve Wooten of Beatty Canyon Ranch in Colorado for a wide-ranging discussion that blended family history and sustainability, particularly as it relates to the future of beef production.

Sustainability emerged as a central theme of the conversation, a word that Wooten acknowledges can mean very different things depending on who you ask. For him, sustainability starts with the soil. Healthy soil produces healthy grass, which supports efficient cattle capable of producing year after year with minimal external inputs. It’s an approach that equally considers vegetation, animal efficiency, and long-term profitability.

That philosophy aligned naturally with Wooten’s involvement in the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, where he served as a representative for the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association. The roundtable brings together the entire beef supply chain—from producers to retailers—along with universities, NGOs, and allied industries. Its goal is not regulation, Wooten emphasized, but collaboration, shared learning, and continuous improvement.