Quality in a nutshell
DLG awards explained
The DLG’s testing methods are practice-oriented, independent of manufacturers, and developed by neutral expert commissions. They are based on current scientific knowledge, the requirements of agricultural practice, modern testing procedures, and a cross-sector expert network from science and practice.
The test mark is awarded to agricultural machinery products that have successfully passed the DLG’s comprehensive utility value test. In this test, all features of a product that are relevant from a practical standpoint are evaluated independently. The test mark is valid for five years from the date of issuance.
The test mark is awarded to agricultural machinery products that have successfully passed a reduced-scope utility value test conducted by DLG. This test is designed to highlight specific innovations and key criteria of the product under evaluation. It may include selected elements from the DLG’s full test framework or focus on other value-defining features and characteristics of the product.
The DLG-APPROVED PowerMix test mark is awarded to tractors that have successfully passed the DLG’s performance and fuel consumption test according to independent and recognized evaluation criteria of the DLG PowerMix. The DLG PowerMix is capable of reproducibly loading the entire tractor system in a way that reflects real field and transport operations. This method allows for the measurement of all energy inputs and outputs — from the supplied diesel and AdBlue quantities, to the usable power delivered to the wheels, PTO, and hydraulic interfaces, and finally to the resulting exhaust emissions. The test mark is valid for five years from the date of issuance.
The DLG Quality Seal is awarded for farm inputs such as compound feed, silage additives, cleaning agents, disinfectants, udder hygiene products, hoof hygiene products, stable disinfectants, and agricultural lime. The testing of farm inputs includes product certification and, in some cases, process certification. All farm inputs certified by DLG are subject to continuous monitoring. To ensure consistent product quality, follow-up tests or manufacturer audits are conducted at least once a year. The DLG Quality Seal also allows for independent verification of additional product features or innovations beyond the practical requirements defined by the respective DLG test commissions. These additional tests are visibly indicated on the test mark.
“Made in Germany” stands for reliability, quality, the highest production standards, and outstanding innovation. This promise of quality is recognized worldwide by industry and enjoys a high level of trust among retailers and farmers. With its “Made in Germany” test mark, DLG guarantees that the certified agricultural machinery and farm inputs are manufactured in Germany. Only products that have already been awarded the DLG-APPROVED test mark or the DLG Quality Seal are eligible to receive the additional “Made in Germany” label. A prerequisite for awarding the “Made in Germany” label is an annual audit of the manufacturing process conducted by DLG. This regular auditing is documented in writing in the DLG test report.
The test mark is awarded to products that meet the national and international standards, regulations, and/or approval-related requirements specified in the mark. A prerequisite for awarding the mark is that the product has successfully passed the tests required by the applicable standards. By awarding the certification mark, the DLG confirms that the tested product met the requirements specified in the mark at the time of testing.