Perhaps you follow Twitter and got snippets of new tech floating through in the last week. Maybe you know someone who crossed the pond to see Agritechnica, or you’ve been there yourself.

This event, held in Hanover, Germany, every other year, draws hundreds of exhibitors and tens of thousands of visitors from around the world. It’s a spectacle that not only includes a range of static displays but also dozens of presentations, seminars, speeches and other events.

This year’s event carried the theme “Global farming — local responsibility,” and there was plenty of talk about ways farmers must prepare to make more with less. That included plenty of talk about significant reduction in chemical use, and even discussion of the end of glyphosate (which is a real issue in Europe).

The number of robot tillage tools on hand, enhanced tools for weed control and other innovations was, in fact, countless; we’ll cover more of those in future galleries.

This first effort offers a look at the sense of the show. What it is, what it includes, and a little news, too, about trends we spotted at the event. In the coming weeks, we’ll share more in-depth looks at technology, new tools and other trends.

For farmers who watched Twitter to see just what was happening, perhaps living vicariously is fine. Yet, if you can figure out a plan to consider attending in the future, it’s worth it. This show draws not only major manufacturers and short-line companies, but also makers of components, tech tools and other equipment. For a farmer looking for a solution to a problem, from precision manure handling to specialty crop planters, you’ll find it here. Of course, you may have to plow through 35 buildings to do it, but it will be fascinating.

And if you can’t make it to Germany, consider making a trip to Boone, Iowa, in August for the Farm Progress Show.