There’s a familiar buzz when the farming world gathers — the hum of conversation, the promise of new tools, and the sense of shared purpose that comes from people who work the land and the forests alike. This spirit was alive this week at the Agritech equipment fair for farmers and foresters in Celje, which brought producers, manufacturers, and agricultural professionals together to explore what’s next for rural work.

This year’s edition features a record number of exhibitors — 124 companies from nine countries showing more than 400 brands of agricultural and forestry machinery and related equipment, marking an 18 % increase compared to the previous fair. Organizers say the event’s timing, just after the global Agritechnica machinery show in Germany, helps bring the latest innovations directly to the Slovenian professional audience.

At the fair, machines ranged from everyday tractors and implements to advanced tools like drones. For example, representatives from a company showcased DJI Agras agricultural drones that can lift between 25 kg and 100 kg, useful for tasks like sowing, fertilizing, and spraying, while also offering support in vineyards and orchards. Such equipment, although still relatively costly, reflects a growing interest in precision agriculture and mechanized solutions tailored to smaller and midsize farms.

Safety is also part of the conversation. One presentation highlighted statistics showing that, on average, about 20 farmers and 15 foresters are killed annually in accidents involving tractors and forestry machinery in Slovenia — a sobering reminder of the importance of training, proper equipment, and safe operational practices.

Beyond the gadgets and gear, Agritech offers a chance for ranchers and woodlot owners to talk with industry representatives and peers about market trends, investment opportunities, and ways to make their work more efficient and sustainable. Some exhibitors noted that while sales are growing in some international markets, local farmers and foresters remain cautious — underscoring the balancing act between embracing new technology and managing farm business prudently.

The fair also serves to highlight Slovenia’s role in the broader equipment market. Local manufacturers of forestry winches and related gear maintain a strong presence in Europe, accounting for a significant share of supply on the continent, even if their marketing approach this year leans more toward live demonstrations of equipment in use rather than costly static booths.

For many attendees, Agritech is not just a marketplace — it’s a meeting place where generations of farmers and foresters reflect on the challenges of their work, celebrate innovation that can make labor easier, and consider the future of their industries as technology becomes more entwined with tradition.

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Sources Agrobiznis (Agritech Celje report) Radio Štajerski val