U.S.: First Fully Electric ‘Smart’ Tractor Makes Debut
Carlo Mondavi, Chief Farming Officer of Monarch Tractor, points out some of the features of the company’s flagship product, the first electric, ‘smart’ tractor. Mondavi, the grandson of one of the giants of California wine, Robert Mondavi, says the tractor needs no driver. Photo: David Eddy
Monarch Tractor, the world’s first fully electric, driver-optional, smart tractor manufacturer, announced the debut of its flagship tractor recently at Wente Vineyards of Livermore, CA, the oldest continuously operated family winery in the U.S., writes David Eddy at Growing Produce. The announcement was made, appropriately enough, on Earth Day.
“The average tractor puts out emissions equal to 17 cars,” said Carlo Mondavi, one of the company’s four cofounders, who serves as Chief Farming Officer. “The days of fossil fuel farming are now behind us.”
Carlo Mondavi is the grandson of Robert Mondavi, a giant name in the wine business. In 2004, the Robert Mondavi Corp. was acquired by beverage giant Constellation Brands for $1.03-billion in cash. Carlo Mondavi came up with the company’s name. He is cofounder of the Monarch Challenge, an effort born in Napa and Sonoma counties to farm without herbicides.
Monarch Tractor and Wente have been partners throughout the tractor’s beta phase. The two companies found synergy with Monarch’s traditional farming features, cutting-edge technology, and sustainable capabilities, merging the Livermore wine region with Silicon Valley tech.
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“We’ve seen firsthand the benefits of the Monarch Tractor in our vineyards,” said Niki Wente, Wente Vineyards. “Monarch Tractor represents the future of tractors and to be the first customer deployment is especially exciting as we kick off this new era of sustainable farming.”
Continue reading at Growing Produce.
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