John Deere has been awarded the Award of Merit for New Innovation at the 2026 Royal Welsh Show.

The award recognises the innovation with the greatest potential to improve agriculture in Wales, with the manufacturer receiving this achievement for the new Weave Automation technology on the V452R Round Baler.

Weave Automation, available on the variable chamber V452R and V462R Round Baler models, is described by Deere an advanced feature that automatically guides an operator’s baler left and right along the windrow, creating consistently well-shaped bales without constant operator input.

The active hitch automatically follows curved windrows, even in corners. Precisely tracking the windrow, the V452R with Weave Automation eliminates missed crop and reduces tractor manoeuvres.

This technology uses sensors and hydraulics to weave the baler back and forth as needed, ensuring the hay is distributed evenly inside the chamber, resulting in perfectly shaped, consistent bales every time.

Chris Wiltshire, John Deere tactical marketing manager said, “In streamlining the baling process, Weave Automation reduces fatigue in operators as the machine can do everything for them.

“This means reduced operator error, better documentation, and consistent bales.”