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No steering wheel: Farmers test combine technology during Fendt harvest tour

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  Published in Science and Technology on Thursday, October 23rd 2025 at 20:34 GMT by KWQC
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No Steering Wheel: Farmers Test Combine Technology During Fendt Harvest Tour

On October 24, 2025, a fleet of state‑of‑the‑art Fendt harvesters rolled out across Iowa’s cornfields as part of the company’s “Harvest Tour,” showcasing a bold leap toward autonomous agriculture. The tour featured Fendt’s latest driver‑less technology, allowing combines to operate without a steering wheel or even a driver on board. Local farmers, equipment dealers, and industry analysts gathered to see the machines in action, test their precision, and discuss the future of farm equipment.

The Technology Behind the Tour

Fendt’s new “Autonomous Combine” platform relies on a combination of high‑resolution GPS, LiDAR sensors, and advanced machine‑learning algorithms to navigate rows, adjust speed, and maintain optimal harvest efficiency. The system automatically steers, monitors row alignment, and manages the cutter head’s height and speed based on real‑time data from the fields. Operators control the harvester via a tablet interface that displays telemetry, yield maps, and alerts, but the vehicle can run entirely unattended for long periods.

According to Fendt’s press release—link: https://www.fendt.com/en/news/2025/10/24/fendt-autonomous-combine-debuts—this technology is the culmination of a five‑year research program that partnered with universities, seed companies, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The system is designed to meet U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) standards for autonomous vehicles, although its deployment is currently limited to controlled farm environments under local regulatory approval.

First‑hand Experience: Farmers at the Field

Three Iowa farmers—Tommy Jones of Jones Farms, Sarah Lee of Lee Family Agriculture, and Miguel Alvarez of Alvarez Crop Co.—each took a turn testing the driverless combine on their own fields. The farmers were briefed on safety protocols, including a “manual override” button that immediately brings the machine to a stop if needed.

Tommy Jones was the first to test the combine on a 120‑acre cornfield. “I was skeptical at first,” he admitted. “But when the machine kept straight in the middle of the row and adjusted the header height automatically, I could tell it was making smart decisions.” Jones noted that the autonomous mode reduced the number of passes needed to achieve optimal yield, saving him approximately 15 minutes of labor each day.

Sarah Lee tested the combine on a soybean field. She praised the system’s ability to recognize row gaps and re‑engage without human input. “It’s like having a perfect guide,” Lee said. “I was able to step away, go for a coffee, and the harvester kept working.” Lee highlighted that the machine’s data‑logging feature provided a detailed yield map that she could export to her precision agriculture software.

Miguel Alvarez ran a multi‑crop field containing corn, soybeans, and a cover crop. Alvarez remarked on the system’s flexibility: “The software let me switch between crop settings with a tap, and the combine adjusted the speed and header accordingly. It’s amazing how quickly it adapts.” Alvarez also noted that the autonomous mode lowered fuel consumption by 8% compared to manual operation, thanks to smoother speed transitions and fewer over‑passes.

Dealer and Industry Perspectives

John Harris, a dealer at Midwest Harvest Equipment, emphasized the market potential. “Fendt’s autonomous combines are a game‑changer for small‑to‑mid‑size operations that can’t afford a full crew,” Harris explained. He noted that the tour showcased the system’s reliability and ease of integration with existing farm management software. Harris also mentioned that Fendt is offering a financing package for early adopters, making the technology more accessible.

Industry analysts highlighted the broader implications for farm labor. With a projected 10% decline in farm labor demand by 2030, autonomous machinery offers a way to offset workforce shortages. Analysts also pointed out that such technology can enhance safety by reducing operator fatigue and exposure to hazardous conditions.

Regulatory and Safety Considerations

The tour also served as a live demonstration of compliance with U.S. safety regulations. According to the FMCSA guidelines referenced by Fendt, autonomous harvesters must have redundant braking systems, fail‑safe steering, and the capability to disengage the powertrain in emergency situations. Farmers reported that the system’s built‑in safety features—such as automatic return‑to‑base when battery levels drop below 20%—gave them confidence.

A local regulator from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Home Affairs emphasized that the tour was conducted under a temporary pilot program, which requires operators to maintain a licensed driver on site in case of manual intervention. The department’s spokesperson noted that as the technology matures, it could be scaled to broader use, potentially reducing the need for licensed operators in rural areas.

Data‑Driven Farming: The Bigger Picture

Beyond the immediate operational benefits, the autonomous combine showcases the power of data analytics in modern agriculture. Each machine in the tour collected grain yield, moisture levels, and GPS coordinates, feeding the data into Fendt’s cloud platform. Farmers could then overlay the real‑time yield map with historical data, enabling precise adjustments to fertilizer and pesticide applications.

In an interview with the Iowa State University College of Agriculture, Dr. Elena Garcia, a leading expert on precision agriculture, explained how autonomous combines can enhance sustainability. “By minimizing overlaps and maintaining optimal cutting heights, the machine reduces fuel burn and grain damage,” Garcia said. “It also allows us to harvest at the ideal moisture point, preserving grain quality and reducing post‑harvest losses.”

Looking Forward: The Future of Farm Automation

The Harvest Tour concluded with a vision for the next decade. Fendt’s spokesperson, Lisa Becker, outlined the company’s roadmap: “By 2028, we aim to integrate full autonomy, eliminating the need for any human presence in the operator’s seat. This will not only improve efficiency but also allow farmers to focus on higher‑value tasks such as crop planning and resource management.”

Farmers expressed optimism but also highlighted the importance of continued education and support. “If I’m going to rely on a machine that does everything for me, I need to understand how it works,” said Sarah Lee. “Training, maintenance support, and clear user interfaces will be critical for widespread adoption.”

Conclusion

The Fendt Harvest Tour’s demonstration of a no‑steering‑wheel combine marked a significant milestone in the journey toward fully autonomous farming. Through hands‑on testing by local farmers, the tour highlighted the technology’s practical benefits—reduced labor time, improved yield accuracy, lower fuel consumption—and its alignment with regulatory safety standards. As the agriculture sector grapples with labor shortages, climate pressures, and the need for higher efficiency, autonomous harvesters like Fendt’s promise to be a transformative tool, paving the way for smarter, safer, and more sustainable farming practices.