The Davidson Prize, one of the most prestigious awards in agricultural engineering, was presented at Commodity Classic 2025 on Sunday, recognizing three groundbreaking innovations that are transforming modern farming.
Now in its 8th year, the Davidson Prize—named after J.B. Davidson, the father of modern agricultural engineering—celebrates cutting-edge innovations that are shaping the future of agriculture. This award is a collaboration between ASABE and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers to recognize outstanding achievements in agricultural engineering.
The 2025 Davidson Prize winners include:
- Bondioli & Pavesi, Inc. – E.D.I. (Electronic Data Interchange) Driveshaft - This groundbreaking technology improves power transmission efficiency while providing real-time monitoring and diagnostics, ensuring optimal performance in the field.
- PTx Trimble – OutRun - This autonomous tractor platform that works with existing tractors, helps farms with the increasing problem of labor shortages by running a grain cart or auger wagon without a driver. By harvesting more efficiently, farms preserve more yields and increase on-farm profits.
- CNH America – IntelliSense™ Bale Automation & Large Square Baler Automation - This technology revolutionizes hay and forage harvesting by automating key baling functions, ensuring consistent bale quality, reducing operator workload, and optimizing productivity.
“These winners exemplify the future of agricultural engineering,” said Doug Otto, President-Elect of ASABE, who hosted the presentation. “Each of these technologies demonstrates a commitment to solving real-world challenges for farmers and advancing the industry in meaningful ways.”
The Davidson Prize, established in partnership between the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), celebrates innovations that improve efficiency, sustainability, and productivity in agriculture.
“The Davidson Prize recognizes innovations that have a lasting impact on the way we grow and harvest food,” said Curt Blades, Senior Vice President, Industry Sectors & Product Leadership at AEM. “This year’s winners are leading the way in automation, precision agriculture, and power transmission, helping farmers operate more efficiently and sustainably.”
The Davidson Prize selection process begins with the AE50 Awards, presented annually at the Agricultural Equipment Technology Conference, which highlight the year’s most innovative designs in engineering for agricultural, food, and biological systems. From those honorees, the Davidson Prize winners are selected as the best of the best—representing breakthrough technology that is helping shape the future of agriculture.
More information about the Davidson Prize can be found here.
