According to FederUnacoma, the Italian Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers Federation, nearly 300,000 visitors from 140 countries descended upon the Bologna, Italy, fairgrounds for EIMA International 2016.

The record-setting crowd enjoyed a five-day showcase featuring 1,900 exhibitors. For comparison, Farm Progress Show hosts 600 exhibitors during a three-day event.

FederUnacoma continued its tradition of recognizing featured products for Technical Innovation at EIMA. Factors for award consideration include soil and crop production, worker safety, and environmental protection.

Technical winners

RECORD CROWD: Ag machinery was the center of attention for nearly 300,000 EIMA International visitors.

This year, about 80 products earned a Technical Innovation, Honorable Mention or the new Blue Award. The Blue Award was established to call out products focused on environmental safety.

Here’s a quick look at a handful of the winners:

Versatility is the name of the game with this new product. The Caffini ACT system is an air-conveyance sprayer that’s easily adjusted depending on distribution needs for different crops — key for the orchard and vineyard markets. In addition, airflow intensity can be adjusted from the cab. It received a Technical Innovation award and a Blue Award.

No chemicals here. The Caffini Grass Killer takes out grass along orchard and vineyard rows with the power of water. A high-pressure stream acts like a hoe by taking out grass root systems. This product earned a Technical Innovation award and a Blue Award.

The Startec Multi-performer System is a new high-tech, multitasker. Apply four liquid or granular products, all set to the tractor's progress. If the tractor speeds up or slows down, the applicator adjusts accordingly with more or less product. Product distribution is managed by a single control unit communicating via ISOBUS. This product won a Technical Innovation award.

1121M1-3260e Alien-K5000-Packer-Loehr

Moreni SRL: Alien K5000 Packer – Technical Innovation Award

Versatility, functionality and transportability are all wrapped up into one product with Moreni SRL's Alien K5000 Packer. This towed rotary harrow is equipped with a rear three-point hitch and hydraulic power coupling to connect seed drills or other types of machines. Retractable wheels and an adjustable rudder optimize both field operation and transportation. Touchscreen controls inside the tractor cab offer control, including some preset options. The Alien K5000 Packer received a Technical Innovation award.

Alpego SRL's multifunctional combined seed drill: business in the front and business in the back. This ISOBUS-compatible machine is loaded on both the front and rear of the tractor. The front hopper is equipped to handle two products, such as seed and fertilizer. The seed drill maintains distribution uniformity on sloping terrain. This product earned an Honorable Mention.

Here's another view of the seed drill: