Knight Farm Machinery has been awarded the Lamma Founders Trophy for its MAXImizer Pro system, which now available across the company’s range of mounted, trailed and self-propelled sprayers.
The Founders Trophy is presented to the overall winner of the Innovation Awards, chosen from the five categories. A panel of judges awarded gold, silver and bronze awards to each of the shortlist, with a further panel voting for the overall winner.
Paul Harrison, sales and marketing consultant at Knight Farm Machinery, accepted the award at a post-show reception on day one (17th January), after winning the individual award in the Arable category.
“We are delighted to win for a number of reasons. Firstly, we weren’t expecting it as there was strong competition among entrants, and part of the reason for participating was to support the industry through these important awards. A great deal of credit needs to go to Brian Knight, our managing director, who was pivotal in creating the MAXImizer PRO. He knows that we can still do more to save our customers chemical, that benefits both their finances and the environment.”
Spread-a-Bale took home the gold award in the Livestock category for its Side Throw (ST) option, which launched at Lamma. The award was presented by Andrew Knowles, chief executive of Fram Farmers. “We were impressed by the left/right spreading ability, its minimal use of dust suppressant, and efficient energy usage,” he said.
In the Future Farming category, Polaris was awarded gold for its electric Ranger Kinetic UTV. Steve Constable, president of the Institution of Agricultural Engineers, explained: “This Polaris model’s 80-mile range, powered by battery, as well as its impressive box capacity made this very worthy winner of gold.”
Spread-A-Bale received the Gold Award in the Livestock category 
Judge Steve Constable (R) presents Gold award for the Future Farming category to winner Polaris
Krone took the top spot in the Digital category with its SmartBale app. This was presented by Alastair Tulloch, former deputy CEO of Claas UK and former chairman of the Agricultural Engineers Association Training Committee. The app was praised for its simplicity and practicality.
Alastair said: “This app will make lives for farmers up and down the country much easier, by being able to not only locate their bales, but more effectively sort bales by their moisture level, reducing spoilage when stored.”
Winner of the IAgrE Ivel Environmental category was Kverneland for its Pudma system, which was presented by Charlie Nicklin, chief executive of the Institute of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE). “This precise fertiliser spot applicator allows farmers to use less fertiliser whilst maintaining yields, and its these types of solutions the industry needs going forward to benefit both the farmer’s finances and the environment.”
Judge Alistair Tulloch (L) presents Gold award for the Digital category to winner Krone 
IAgrE CEO Charlie Nicklin (centre) presents the Ivel Award to winner Kverneland
Chris Rothery chaired the judging which took place at CropTec in November 2023. “We had an interesting mix of entries this year including some with a strong environmental element that will be important in the future.
“I encourage all exhibitors to enter the awards next year – it is free and takes no more than about 20 minutes. Even if you don’t win it puts your products in front of more people so is very worthwhile.”
