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Will diesel give up its dominance?

The future will likely see a variety of energy sources for agricultural implements as the number of options increase

In a recent online discussion hosted by DLG (the German Agricultural Society), Professor Till Meinel, of the Cologne Institute of Construction Machinery and Agricultural Engineering in Germany, offered his thoughts on the future of power sources for farm equipment as the world looks beyond fossil fuels.

“I’m convinced,” he said, “we will have a good mix of energy sources in the future, at least when it comes to ag technology, because farmers do have quite a lot of possibilities to produce energy themselves and to use it to drive their machines and tractors. I don’t see one monopoly energy source for all kinds of machinery for the future, because we already, today have exactly this development in the market. Smaller tractors and interior machines are on the market fully 100 per cent electric. For bigger tractors and combine harvesters we definitely need different energy sources.”

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California Farm Bureau 2025 Farm Dog of the Year Contest Winner - Willy - CAFB 107th Annual Meeting

Video: California Farm Bureau 2025 Farm Dog of the Year Contest Winner - Willy - CAFB 107th Annual Meeting

Meet Willy: California Farm Bureau’s 2025 Farm Dog of the Year!

We’re excited to introduce Willy, a miniature long-haired dachshund with a big heart and even bigger courage, and the Grand Prize winner of this year’s Farm Dog of the Year Contest!

Willy may be small, but he’s become an indispensable partner on owner Marshal Hagedorn’s forestry and cattle operations in Shasta, Tehama, and Siskiyou counties. Adopted in 2023, he quickly found his place on the ranch, helping manage critters, tagging along for long days in the woods, and offering unwavering companionship during demanding logging work.

Willy has even taken naturally to moving cattle, surprising calves (and more than a few full-grown cows!) with his burst of energy from the tall grass. As Marshal put it: “He goes with me everywhere every single day.”

Congratulations to Willy and his family, a perfect example of how every good farm dog, no matter the size, helps keep California agriculture running strong.