Tractor of the Year to Name 2027 Winners in Bologna
The prestigious annual competition will announce the latest agricultural machinery award winners at the EIMA exhibition.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Trucks
Live Poll
Do you believe recent advancements in agricultural machinery innovation provide meaningful benefits for farmers?
The 2027 Tractor of the Year awards will be presented at the upcoming EIMA exhibition in Bologna, Italy. A panel of 26 independent journalists from 25 European countries will evaluate candidates based on efficiency, technology, and performance.
Why it matters
These awards provide a vital snapshot of development trends in global agri-machinery. The competition highlights shifting priorities in farm technology, performance, and innovation.
Competing machines include the 680-horsepower Fendt 1167 Vario MT Gen 2 and the Steyr Cervus CVT, which features a 360-435 horsepower range. Utility category entries are restricted to tractors with 70-150 horsepower and a 10,000kg maximum operating weight.
The players
EIMA
This is a major international exhibition of machinery for agriculture and gardening held in Bologna, Italy.
Fendt
Fendt is a prominent manufacturer of agricultural tractors and combines currently owned by AGCO Corporation.
New Holland
New Holland is a global brand of agricultural machinery that focuses on innovation in power and fuel technology.
Steyr
Steyr is an Austrian-based manufacturer of specialized agricultural tractors known for its continuously variable transmission systems.
Case IH
Case IH is a significant player in the agricultural equipment industry, known for its focus on high-horsepower tractors.
The details
The competition rotates annually between the EIMA exhibition in Italy and Agritechnica in Germany. Jury members utilize a standardized framework to rank entries, focusing on benefits for farmers and advancements in operational efficiency.
Timeline
The Tractor of the Year awards were originally established in 1998.
The Fendt 314 Vario Gen 5 secured the Utility category award in 2020.
The Steyr Cervus and New Holland T7 were unveiled in 2025.
The Fendt 1167 Vario MT Gen 2 was introduced in September 2026.
The 2027 award winners are scheduled for announcement at the EIMA exhibition.
Roadmap
The competition tracks the broader transition toward higher horsepower and specialized engine technologies in the global tractor market. These awards reflect how legacy manufacturers pivot to compete with rival brands through integrated software and improved fuel efficiency metrics.
These awards provide farmers with a benchmark for evaluating the long-term reliability and performance of new heavy machinery before making capital investments. The recognition of specific models helps buyers identify which tractors offer the most practical improvements for daily operational efficiency.
The takeaway
The competition highlights how manufacturers are increasingly prioritizing specialized fuel systems and digital integration. Growers looking to update their fleets should monitor these results to identify which technological advancements provide the most significant practical benefits.
Further reading
For more on industry-leading equipment, visit the Trucks section.
Live Poll
Do you believe recent advancements in agricultural machinery innovation provide meaningful benefits for farmers?
