Abstract: A weeding device provides a solution to the problem of removing dandelions and other weeds from a lawn or other area. The core components of the invention are a shaft and handle arranged so that a user can remove weeds while standing, a cutting head and motor configured to cut weeds, and an herbicide injector configured to inject an herbicide into the weed. Generally speaking, the components are configured as follows: the handle is at one end of the shaft and the motor, cutting head, and herbicide injector are at a second end of the shaft. The cutting head is configured to rotate around the herbicide injector to cut portions of the weed while herbicide is injected into the weed by the herbicide injector.

Abstract: Agricultural machines and implements have a need to adapt to changing environments. A closing system for an agricultural machine has a need to adapt to changing ground surface. The closing system includes a closing device pivotably connected to the agricultural machine, a passive mechanical element that is operable to apply an initial amount force to the closing device, and an actuator that is operable to apply an actuator force to the passive mechanical element to increase the amount of force that the passive mechanical element applies to the closing device. The actuator can be a linear actuator having an adjustable stroke length to vary the amount of actuator force applied to the passive mechanical element. The passive mechanical element is operable to absorb a shock force as the closing device traverses a ground surface. The passive mechanical element includes one or more springs adjacent the actuator.

Abstract: A control system for a double-acting air cylinder of an agricultural implement includes a valve assembly configured to control a base end air pressure and a rod end air pressure of the double-acting air cylinder. The control system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the valve assembly. The controller is configured to determine a target base end air pressure and a target rod end air pressure based on a target force of the double-acting air cylinder and a target damping factor of the double-acting air cylinder. The controller is also configured to control the valve assembly such that a first difference between the base end air pressure and the target base end air pressure is less than a first threshold value and a second difference between the rod end air pressure and the target rod end air pressure is less than a second threshold value.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for shifting weight between a tractor and toolbar and between sections of the toolbar, for controlling operative height of a toolbar and sections of a toolbar and for folding a toolbar between a work position and a transport position. A ground engaging wheel and an actuator are coupled to the toolbar. In one embodiment, a fluid control system is responsive to a command signal to modify the actuator pressure such that the actuator pressure corresponds to a desired pressure.

Abstract: There is provided a computer vision monitoring system and method for use in agriculture. The system has a frame; a battery mounted to the frame and providing electrical power; a Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensor mounted to the frame; a camera mounted to the frame; an enclosure mounted to the frame, the enclosure housing a processing structure. The processing structure executes instructions such as capturing point data from the LiDAR sensor; capturing image data from the camera; generating a 3D color-assigned cloud point data set from the image data and the point data; and determining crop characteristic data. The method involves similar steps as executed by the processing structure.

Abstract: A sensor network for measuring and processing agricultural sensor measurements having multi-depth sensors, field monitors, and/or field data collection systems. The multi-depth sensor having a GPS; sets of physical sensors located at different depths; a processing structure sampling measurements from the physical sensors; and storing the measurements. The field monitor for use with a mobile platform having: a housing; a camera; a LiDAR sensor; a processing structure capturing point data and image data; generating above-ground field data; and determining crop data. The field data collection system having a stationary field monitor and one or more mobile field monitors capturing above-ground data. The stationary field monitor and the mobile field monitors having an associated GPS. The multi-depth sensors capture below-ground data and communicating the below-ground data to the stationary field monitor. A GPU processes the above-ground data and the GPS data to generate a point cloud data set.

Abstract: Speed control of machines and associated implements during transitions of agricultural parameters is described herein. In one embodiment, a processing system comprises processing logic to execute instructions for processing agricultural data and performing speed control of a machine and associated implement during a transition period for adjusting a setting of an agricultural parameter. A communication unit is coupled to the processing logic. The communication unit to transmit and receive data from the implement. The processing logic is configured to execute instructions to adjust the setting of the agricultural parameter and to determine a desired speed control during the transition period based on at least one of a desired transition distance and productivity during the transition period.

Abstract: To provide a seedsheet manufacturing apparatus that can increase a manufacturing speed and a seedsheet. A seedsheet manufacturing apparatus according to the present disclosure includes: a paste reservoir configured to store a paste in which a seed and a fluid are mixed; a plate cylinder disposed above the paste reservoir; a doctor blade configured to scrape a portion of the paste adhering to a surface of the plate cylinder; a pressing roller disposed such that the pressing roller faces the plate cylinder and a mounting paper is allowed to pass through a gap formed between the pressing roller and the surface of the plate cylinder; a supply unit configured to feed the mounting paper to the gap; and a recovery unit configured to recover the mounting paper that passes through the gap.

Abstract: A seed treater includes a baffle which includes a fin that is selectively movable to adjust an extent to which the fin extends into a mixing chamber during mixing of seeds and a seed treatment within the mixing chamber to facilitate mixing of the seeds and the seed treatment within the mixing chamber. The fin defines an internal flow passage configured to deliver forced fluid through the fin and into the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A product delivery conduit for an agricultural product hopper assembly includes an inlet segment and an outlet segment. The inlet segment is configured to receive agricultural product from an inlet conduit, the outlet segment is configured to output the agricultural product to a storage area within a hopper of the agricultural product hopper assembly, the outlet segment is configured to be oriented substantially vertically while the agricultural product hopper assembly is in a working position, the inlet segment and the outlet segment are configured to position an outlet of the product delivery conduit above the storage area while the agricultural product hopper assembly is in a non-working position, and the outlet segment is configured to be oriented downwardly while the agricultural product hopper assembly is in the non-working position to enable the agricultural product to flow into the storage area.

Abstract: A beet scalper includes an upwardly biased parallel arm linkage, a boom, having an upper end coupled to the parallel arm linkage and a lower end bearing a beet scalping blade, and a locking mechanism, holding the boom in a downward operating position. Forward deflection of the lower end of the boom releases the locking mechanism, allowing the boom to rise to a tripped position under force of a biasing mechanism associated with the parallel arm linkage.

Abstract: An outdoor treatment system has an autonomous mobile outdoor treatment robot and a sensor and control device. The outdoor treatment robot has a chassis and a contact element. The chassis is designed to execute a travelling movement of the outdoor treatment robot in a direction of travel. The contact element is designed to execute an avoiding movement in an avoiding direction as a result of the travelling movement in the direction of travel and contact between an obstacle and a lower contact point below a height limit and to execute a detection movement in a detection direction as a result of the travelling movement in the direction of travel and contact between an obstacle and an upper contact point at or above the height limit and is mounted so that it can move with respect to the chassis, wherein the avoiding direction and the detection direction are different.

Abstract: A lawn mower includes a blade assembly configured to perform a cutting function. The blade assembly includes an upper blade mounted about a blade rotation axis and an upper blade proximal portion being substantially flat and including a first cutting edge. A lower blade is mounted in overlap with the upper blade about the blade rotation axis. The lower blade includes a lower blade proximal portion positioned outward from the lower blade mounting portion in a radial direction, a lower blade end portion positioned outward from the lower blade proximal portion and below the lower blade proximal portion, and a second cutting edge. A lower blade falling portion transitions from the lower blade proximal portion to the lower blade end portion.

Abstract: A cutting blade (100) for a lawn mower may include a mounting portion (130) and a plurality of cutting elements (102,104,106,108). The mounting portion (130) may include a plurality of mounting arms (136) and a mounting orifice (132) formed at an axis of the cutting blade. The mounting orifice (132) may be configured to interface with a shaft of the lawn mower. Each of the cutting elements (102,104,106,108) may be operably coupled to a corresponding one of the mounting arms (136). Each of the cutting elements may include a wing portion (110) at a distal end thereof, and a transition region (120) configured to operably couple the wing portion (110) to a respective one of the mounting arms (136). The cutting elements may further include a first cutting edge (140) disposed at the wing portion (110), and a second cutting edge (142) disposed at the transition region (120).

Abstract: A working machine may include a body, a working part, a prime mover, a handle, a trigger member configured to be operated by the user for driving the prime mover; and a lock member. The handle may be configured to shift between a working state and a non-working state. The lock member may be configured to: move between a non-restriction position and a restriction position, be positioned at the non-restriction position when the handle is in the working state, be positioned at the restriction position when the handle is in the non-working state, and move from the non-restriction position to the restriction position in response to shift of the handle from the working state to the non-working state.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester includes a chassis, and a residue handling system that receives a chaff flow and a residue flow into a flow passageway of the chassis. The residue handling system includes a chopper, a shroud at least partially surrounding the chopper, a spreader, and a moveable door panel assembly that is configured to be moved between a chopping mode position and a bypass mode position. The moveable door panel assembly includes a top door panel that is movably mounted to the top wall of the chassis, and a bottom door panel that is moveably mounted to the shroud. In the chopping mode position, the top and bottom door panels are positioned to permit the entrance of residue flow into the chopper. In the bypass mode position, the top and bottom door panels are positioned to either limit or substantially prevent the entrance of residue flow into the chopper.

Abstract: A screening device and a self-propelled harvester with a screening device is disclosed. The screening device includes at least one suction nozzle that has an elongated hollow body with at least one suction opening which extends sectionally in the longitudinal direction and transverse direction of the hollow body, and is connected by at least one air duct in the interior of the hollow body to a connection arranged in the hollow body for connecting to a vacuum source. The suction opening is positioned facing a screen of the screening device. The air duct has a cross-sectional shape that increases in the vertical direction toward the connection starting from an outer end of the suction nozzle. An inner contour facing the suction opening of the air duct has a contour that substantially corresponds to an airfoil.

Abstract: A harvesting machine includes: a machine main body 1; a harvesting unit 15 that is provided forward of the machine main body 1 and is capable of swinging upward and downward relative to the machine main body 1; a height detection unit that is capable of detecting a height position H at which the harvesting unit 15 is located; and an obstacle detection unit that is capable of detecting an obstacle that is located forward thereof in a travel direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cutting system (1) for a combine harvester (2), having a support frame (3) for a cutting table (4), which has, on the cutting side, a cutting bar (6) which is fastened in an articulated manner to the support frame (3), is flexible transversely to the cutting direction (5) and can be adjusted in height with respect to the support frame (3) by means of a plurality of axle levers (7) which are arranged distributed over the width of the cutting system and engage at one end on the cutting bar (6) and at the other end on the support frame (3), wherein actuators (8) and thus the axle levers (7) with the cutting bar (6) can be actuated by a controller (12).

Abstract: An extractor for a sugarcane harvester that chops stalks of sugarcane into billets. The extractor comprises a fan, a leaf shredder, and a hub. The fan comprises fan blades to induce a flow of air to separate leaves from billets. The leaf shredder comprises shredding blades to cut leaves prior to their ejection from the extractor. The hub is rotatably driven about an axis of rotation. The fan blades and the cutting blades are coupled to the hub for rotation together with the hub about the axis of rotation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are handheld seed harvesters comprising: an elongate handle housing a driveshaft; a motor engaged with the elongate handle and the driveshaft; a reel rotatably and demountably engaged with the elongate handle and driveshaft by way of a quick-release system at an end opposite the motor, the reel having a plurality of filaments for removing seeds from plants extending outward therefrom; a hopper partially housing the reel for collecting the seeds; a handle assembly secured to the elongate handle and the hopper; and a shoulder strap securable to the elongate handle for carrying the harvester.

Abstract: An autonomous robot for harvesting produce from a plant include a base, an arm coupled to the base, and an end-effector coupled to the arm. The end-effector includes one or more grippers, each having a first cutter, second cutter, and a compliant member between the first cutter and the second cutter. The first cutter is configured to cut a stem of the produce at a first location. The second cutter is configured to cut the stem of the produce at a second location. The compliant member is configured to plastically deform to hold the stem of the produce.

Abstract: A combine harvester including one or two axial flow crop processors each with a rotor mounted for rotation inside a rotor housing that is arranged substantially longitudinally with respect to the harvester. A feed beater is mounted for rotation on a substantially transverse axis and serves to tangentially impel crop material into the crop processor(s). A drive system is provided for driving the rotor and the feed beater. A drive connection is provided between the rotor and the feed beater and includes a gear that is keyed to a rotor shaft of the rotor in front of a rotor drum.

Abstract: A binding material storage apparatus for a round baler having a rotary magazine for storage of a plurality of rolls of binding material, the rotary magazine being rotatable about a horizontal axis between a plurality of discrete positions, each discrete position being suitable for storage of a roll of a binding material and from which position the binding material may be dispensed. This allows an operator to have more than one kind of binding material ready for use, or multiple rolls of preferred kind of binding material ready for use.

Abstract: A binding material storage apparatus including a rotary magazine for storage of binding material rolls, rotationally supported about a horizontal axis between two side elements. A magazine may be rotated between a number of discrete positions including a dispense position, each suitable for storage of a roll of binding material. The magazine includes first and second end plates between which support elements extend, one support for each discrete position, each of the supports mounted for free rotation within the magazine. At each discrete position a spindle is mounted for free rotation within the second end plate. An electrically controlled braking gear is supported on the second side. Each spindle is connected to an associated support and an associated first gear. The electrically controlled braking gear engages the first gear in the dispense position to control the speed of rotation of the support element in said position.

Abstract: A system and method for physically associating an identifying element with a bale, wherein the element includes a unique identifier and includes or can be used to find calibration and evaluation information. A baler receives, compresses, shapes, and secures plant material into the bale. An NIR testing system, which is associated with the calibration information, receives and analyzes near-infrared radiation emitted by the plant material, and generates the evaluation information reflecting properties of the material. An element securement system physically secures to the bale the element which associates the unique identifier with the bale, wherein the unique identifier is associated with the calibration information for the NIR testing system and the evaluation information for the plant material. The element may be an RFID tag, and an element writing mechanism may electronically transfer the calibration information and/or the evaluation information to the element so that they can be read directly therefrom.

Abstract: A round baler connectable to a tractor for providing round bales comprises: a baling chamber, configured for receiving crops and forming a bale; a frame, at least partially delimiting the baling chamber; a drive shaft, connectable to the tractor and configured to receive mechanical power from the tractor; a transmission system, for receiving mechanical power from the drive shaft and for imparting a rotating movement to the crops contained in the baling chamber, the transmission system including a drive roller connected to the frame, a chain assembly connected to the drive roller, and an oil circuit, containing lubricant oil for the chain assembly; a control unit, a sensor associated with the transmission system.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for gripping and removing the tie means from a bale loaded in a machine intended to load, shred, distribute and/or transform such a bale held in shape by a tie means extending around its outer surface. It involves, using such a machine furthermore including a grip and removal device including a grip means and removal means, moving the grip means from a first position remote from the outer surface of the bale to a second position on the outer surface, then gripping the latter using the grip means and removing the tie means by moving it away from the outer surface. Its subject is also such a machine suitable for the implementation of the said method.

Abstract: A hand tool including a shear assembly is provided. The hand tool includes a first handle, a second handle, a cutting blade, and a linkage. The first handle forms a channel extending along a reference axis corresponding to an extension of the first handle. The second handle includes a cutting member. The cutting blade forms a first opening and a second opening. The linkage is attached, via a first fastener, in pivotal arrangement to the first handle at the channel and to the cutting blade at the second opening. The cutting blade is attached, via a second fastener, in pivotal arrangement to the second handle at the first opening.

Abstract: A system for lighting a plant comprising a dome/cage defining a volume that receives, surrounds and covers the plant. A plurality of light sources are supported by the dome/cage and distributed vertically from a bottom to a top and around the dome/cage to illuminate the plant evenly. The system is adapted to control the light sources to project light in the dark, extend ambient light hours, increase an intensity of an existing light; and modify a spectrum of the existing light in accordance with growth requirements specific to a given plant growing in a specific environment. A solar panel may be connected to the lights directly or through a battery for operating the system as a standalone unit. A control unit may be provided to receive a user input setting a lighting program, to allow the system to control operation of the lights using the set program.

Abstract: A method of using a system to apply liquid over a selected area includes providing a source of liquid, a first tube for transporting liquid from the source through the system, a connector, a check valve and a spray device. The connector includes a projection extending into the first tube. The projection has an inlet in fluid communication with the first tube. The connector further includes an outlet and a passageway in fluid communication with the inlet of the projection and the outlet of the connector. The check valve has an inlet in fluid communication with the outlet of the connector and an outlet. The check valve is operable to permit the passage of liquid from the inlet to the outlet upon pressurization of the liquid above a threshold pressurization level.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-corner irrigation system having multiple steerable points which can quickly and efficiently irrigated tight corners during irrigation operations. According to an exemplary preferred embodiment, the present invention may preferably include a system for use with a self-propelled irrigation system having at least one span and a drive system for moving the span. According to a further preferred embodiment, the system preferably may include: a main section assembly having one or more interconnected spans supported by one or more drive towers; a first articulated span having an inner end and an outer end; a second articulated span having an inner end and an outer end; and an extension span. According to a further preferred embodiment, the first and second articulating spans are supported by a first drive tower which is steerable and a second drive tower which is steerable.

Abstract: A method of automatically managing a center pivot irrigation machine comprising steps of: (a) providing at least one center pivot irrigation machine and positioning said center pivot irrigation machine such that said center pivot irrigation machine is movable within an irrigated plot around a center thereof; (b) providing a ground penetration radar; (c) mounting said ground penetration radar on said center pivot irrigation machine; (d) moving said center pivot irrigation machine about said center of said irrigated plot; (e) scanning said irrigated by said ground penetration radar at frequencies ranging between 200-1200 MHz; (f) calculating a distribution of soil moisture over a depth from a soil surface; and (g) creating an irrigation plan according to said distribution.

Abstract: A system of one or more computers can be configured to perform particular operations or actions by virtue of having software, firmware, hardware, or a combination of them installed on the system that in operation causes or cause the system to perform the actions. One general aspect includes an intelligent irrigation system including one or more of a sprinkler and one or more processors configured to: obtain imagery data regarding a plant; determine a current life cycle stage of the plant based on the imagery data, determine a plant crop coefficient for the plant based on the current life cycle stage of the plant, determine irrigation water output for the plant based on the plant crop coefficient, potential evapotranspiration calculated using solar radiation, temperature, wind speed and/or any other factors, and control the sprinkler to irrigate the plant based on the irrigation water output determined for the plant.

Abstract: Methods to analyze performance of plants, performance of roots to varying temperatures and yield potential are provided. Genetic variations that contribute or impact root growth, root development are evaluated to enable breeding of plants with improved root response to temperatures. Crop growth models supplemented with root function modeling provide better predictive power of yield and/or yield-related traits.

Abstract: A storage racking system for plant products can be capable of automated rotation and curing of dried cannabis and hemp flowers in sealed containers, which can maintain relative humidity along with a UV light and oxygen deficient environment to reduce degradation. The storage containers can be positioned horizontally to maintain a connection to the inert gas connection and allow for daily rotation in either direction. Each storage container can have a lid and a humidity pack. The lid can have a pressure relief valve that can exchange the gaseous atmosphere from the storage container with an inert gas through a check valve connection. The humidity pack can maintain the relative humidity in the storage container at about 58% to 62% during the curing and storage stages.

Abstract: This invention describes a new, high-efficiency method of selecting and advancing pollen donator strains in a breeding or product advancement program, wherein the pollen donator strains are specifically selected to maximize product attributes. Embodiments of this invention relate to the use of a mix of pollen including a cross-pollination source and self-pollen, allowing for single-plant performance comparisons. The comparisons of products from the single plant or less experimental unit allow for the selection of those pollen donator strains that maximize desirable results.

Abstract: Disclosed is a molecular marker polymerization wheat breeding method for Fusarium head blight-resistance. The method uses an intermediate material for Fusarium head blight-resistance as a resistance source, and excellent varieties (strains) in a northern part of Huanghuai wheat production area as agronomic parents, and uses molecular marker-assisted selection and conventional breeding techniques. The molecular markers are a linked marker LJJT-1 of a Fusarium head blight-resistant gene Fhb1 and linked markers LJJ-2 and LJJ-3 of a Fusarium head blight-resistant gene Fhb2, so as to create a semi-winter Fusarium head blight-resistant breeding material with outstanding target traits and excellent comprehensive traits, which lays a material foundation for cultivating Fusarium head blight-resistant wheat varieties suitable for planting in the Huanghuai wheat production area.

Abstract: Grafted cannabis plants and related methods for producing a grafted cannabis plant are provided. In some embodiments, a scion is provided from a first cannabis plant having at least one of a first desired phenotype and a first desired genotype and a rootstock is provided from a second cannabis plant having at least one of a second desired phenotype and a second desired genotype, the rootstock compatible with the scion. The scion may be grafted onto the rootstock to form the grafted plant. In some embodiments, the scion is from a drug-type cannabis plant and the rootstock is from a hemp plant. The grafted cannabis plant may have at least one enhanced plant trait, enhanced harvest trait, and/or emergent property. Related cannabis plant materials and cannabis-derived products are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of Portulaca oleracea, specifically, the variety designated ‘DPORMPZGL’. The variety ‘DPORMPZGL’ is characterized by its controlled, semi-trailing plant habit, with free branching and vivid yellow flowers. The present invention relates to plant parts, including cells and any propagative material of the new variety ‘DPORMPZGL’, and use of any of the plant parts for reproducing the new variety ‘DPORMPZGL’. The present invention relates to methods using any plant parts of ‘DPORMPZGL’ for the purpose of deriving additional new Portulaca varieties. The present invention relates to seed, plants and plant parts produced by crossing ‘DPORMPZGL’ with any other Portulaca variety or other plant. The present invention also relates to methods to produce new varieties of Portulaca oleracea using the variety ‘DPORMPZGL’ and applying plant breeding techniques.

Abstract: New lettuce variety designated ‘PS 1525’ is described. ‘PS 1525’ exhibits stability and uniformity.

Abstract: A new and distinct lettuce variety NUN 06240 LTL is disclosed, as well as seeds and plants and heads or leaves thereof. NUN 06240 LTL is romaine lettuce variety, comprising resistance to Downy Mildew (Bremia lactucae) Isolates Bl:16-32EU, Nasonovia ribisnigri Biotype Nr:0, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lactucae Race 1 HR, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lactucae Race 4 HR, Rhizomonas subefaciens (Corky Root), Lettuce Mosaic Virus (LMV), Lettuce Necrotic Spot Virus (LNSV), and Tomato Bushy Stunt Virus (TBSV).

Abstract: The present embodiments provide a novel DPA-producing Brassica juncea (DPA juncea) line designated as NUBJ1207. The embodiments also provide the seeds, the plants, and the plant parts (including DNA) of DPA juncea line NUBJ1207, as well as to methods for producing a Brassica plant produced by crossing DPA juncea line NUBJ1207 with itself or another Brassica line. These embodiments also provide methods for producing a DPA-producing Brassica plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes, and to the transgenic plants and plant parts produced by those methods. These embodiments further provide DPA production lines or breeding lines and plant parts derived from DPA juncea line NUBJ1207, to methods for producing canola lines or plant parts derived from line NUBJ1207, and to the DPA-producing Brassica plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for modulating plant meristems. Methods are provided for modulating fea3 and/or Fcp1 genomic locus in a host plant or plant cell to improve agronomic characteristics such as kernel number.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of soybean varieties CL1560882, CL1560913, CL1560916, CL1560924, CL1560938, CL1561830, CL1563744, CL1563833, CS1660650, CS1660790, CS1660925, and CS1661065 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to soybean varieties CL1560882, CL1560913, CL1560916, CL1560924, CL1560938, CL1561830, CL1563744, CL1563833, CS1660650, CS1660790, CS1660925, and CS1661065, and to the seed, cells, germplasm, plant parts, and progeny of each or any of these cultivars, and methods of using CL1560882, CL1560913, CL1560916, CL1560924, CL1560938, CL1561830, CL1563744, CL1563833, CS1660650, CS1660790, CS1660925, or CS1661065 in a breeding program.

Abstract: A liner for a teat cup of a milking device is provided. The liner has a cylindrical shape and including: a bore part in a cylindrical shell to form a space between an inner surface of the shell and the bore part, and elastically deformable; a mouthpiece part disposed at one end of the bore part and closing one end of the shell, and being configured to allow a teat to be inserted therethrough and provided with a vent; a short milk tube part disposed at the other end of the bore part, closing the other end of the shell, and allowing milk from the teat at the bore part to flow therethrough; and a groove shaped vent line on an inner surface of the liner and extending on the bore part from the vent.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a naturally ripened, block-shaped cheese of the hard or semi-hard type comprising a water-permeable coating applied onto the entire surface of the cheese and a water-impermeable material applied onto the water-permeable coating, wherein at least all vertices and the four edges that connect the top face and bottom face of the block-shaped coated cheese are covered with a layer of the water-impermeable material while leaving the bottom face and top face of the block-shaped coated cheese largely uncovered. The present disclosure also relates to a method of making said naturally ripened, cylindrically shaped cheese of the hard or semi-hard type.

Abstract: A penning system including partitions and barriers movable from a deployed configuration, in which the partitions partition an area over a floor into spaces and in which the barriers enclose the spaces to define pens for penning animals, to a collapsed configuration, wherein the partitions and barriers are collapsed for cleaning the floor.

Abstract: Described herein is an animal handling device in the form of a cattle crush with automated headbail capture, back bar operation and positional sensing along with methods of use thereof. The crush and method offer automation for functions that in the art have been largely manual and inherently labour intensive, physical and even potentially dangerous for the operator and/or animal.

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes systems and methods for continuously supplying livestock to a processing plant. The disclosed technology can include an enclosure configured to house livestock. The enclosure can include an enclosure entrance, an enclosure exit, and moveable walls to partition the enclosure into separate pens and automatically direct the livestock from the enclosure entrance toward the enclosure exit. A passageway can be connected to the enclosure exit and include moveable walls to automatically direct the livestock from the enclosure exit toward a processing plant. The moveable walls can be configured to move at a predetermined speed such that the plurality of livestock enter the enclosure as offspring, are reared in the enclosure, and are directed through the enclosure exit into the passageway approximately when the plurality of livestock have reached slaughter weight.