For this second edition, we head to Slovenia and Croatia to meet Grapak, our trusted Kverneland importer. With their strong connection to the local market and close relationships with farmers, Grapak offers a unique view on the agricultural landscape in the region and how innovation continues to support farmers in their daily work.
Can you briefly introduce the company you work for and your role?
As a representative of the Kverneland brand through the company Grapak, our role in this agricultural landscape is to bridge the gap between advanced technology and local farmers. Our mission is to introduce high-quality machinery to the market and provide comprehensive support to ensure farmers can optimize their operations.
What are the main farming activities in your country or region?
In Slovenia and Croatia, the agricultural landscape is diverse, defined by a mix of intensive crop production and specialized livestock farming. Primary Farming Activities in the Region: Arable Farming: In the fertile plains of Croatia (Slavonia) and northeastern Slovenia, large-scale production of maize, wheat, and sunflowers dominates the landscape. Sustainable Soil Management: There is a growing focus on modern plowing and seeding techniques to maintain soil health, which is where our Kverneland solutions are most impactful.
Which Kverneland machines are most popular in your market, and why?
In the Slovenian and Croatian markets, Kverneland is synonymous with durability and precision. iXter Mounted Sprayers, these sprayers are the perfect balance of compact design and high-tech precision. In our regions, where fields can be smaller or oddly shaped, the iXter offers incredible maneuverability. The Exacta fertilizer spreaders, equipped with GEOSPREAD technology, are highly sought after because they prevent overlapping and save significant costs on inputs—a top priority for modern, cost-conscious farmers. Ploughs, our farmers value the unique heat-treatment technology of the steel, which makes the ploughs lighter yet stronger than competitors. Planter Optima V, s one of the most sought-after precision seeders in our market for maize, sugar beet, and sunflower production.
What do farmers in your market value most when choosing agricultural equipment?
1. Reliability and "Built-to-Last" Quality. Our farmers often work in demanding conditions—from the heavy, sticky clays of the Pannonian plains to the stony, steep terrains of the Alps.
2. Precision and Input Savings (Smart Farming). With rising costs for seeds, fertilizer, and chemicals, precision is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity.
3. Versatility and Ease of Use. Many farms in our region are "mixed" farms or contractors who work on various terrains and crop types.
4. Local Support and Spare Parts Availability. A machine is only as good as the service behind it.
What do you like about Kverneland?
For us, Kverneland represents the perfect synergy of time-tested tradition, uncompromising reliability, and a strong sense of partnership that we proudly pass on to every farmer in our region.
If you had to choose one Kverneland machine as the “hero” of your market, which would it be?
The "Hero" of Our Market is the stubble cultivator, Kverneland Enduro Pro.
