AEM and the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) announced the winners of the 2026 Davidson Prize during a special presentation at Commodity Classic, recognizing extraordinary innovations in agricultural engineering that are helping farmers improve productivity, safety and sustainability.
Named for J.B. Davidson, widely regarded as the father of modern agricultural engineering, the Davidson Prize celebrates cutting-edge solutions that deliver measurable impact for producers while advancing the future of agriculture.
This year’s Davidson Prize winners are:
- Grain Weevil — an automated grain bin management system designed to enhance safety, maintain grain quality and reduce the need for workers to enter hazardous storage environments.
- OutRun Tillage System — a next-generation tillage platform engineered to optimize soil preparation with greater precision, efficiency and adaptability to varying field conditions.
“These technologies demonstrate how innovation can directly address the real challenges farmers face every day,” said Curt Blades, senior vice president, industry sectors and product leadership at AEM. “The Davidson Prize recognizes solutions that combine ingenuity with practical application. From improving grain management safety to advancing soil preparation practices, these innovations help producers operate more efficiently while caring for their land.”
The Grain Weevil introduces a new approach to grain storage management by continuously moving within the bin to monitor and condition stored grain. This automated process helps prevent spoilage, reduce quality loss and significantly minimize the risks associated with manual bin entry, one of agriculture’s most dangerous tasks.
The OutRun Tillage System brings enhanced precision and control to tillage operations, enabling producers to better manage residue, soil conditions and field variability. Its engineering design supports improved agronomic outcomes while helping farmers reduce passes, optimize fuel usage and prepare fields more effectively for planting.
“The Davidson Prize highlights the powerful role engineering plays in shaping the future of agriculture,” said Cedric Calhoun, executive director of ASABE. “These winners reflect the thoughtful integration of research, design and real-world performance that defines excellence in agricultural and biological engineering. They are strong examples of how innovation can advance both productivity and sustainability.”
Each year, Davidson Prize honorees are selected by a panel of ASABE experts who evaluate entries for engineering innovation, measurable impact and industry advancement. The award underscores the collaboration between engineers, manufacturers and producers to solve complex agricultural challenges.
By recognizing technologies such as Grain Weevil and the OutRun Tillage System, AEM, and ASABE continue their shared mission to elevate innovations that strengthen agriculture’s ability to meet the needs of a growing global population.
About the ASABE
ASABE is an international scientific and educational organization dedicated to advancing engineering for agricultural, food and biological systems. The organization develops standards, supports research and fosters innovation to improve the quality of life around the world.
