NEWS RELEASE June 30, 2023
Techs to Shine at Annual John Deere Technician Awards in 2023
Crestmead, Queensland (30 June, 2023) — John Deere will soon celebrate its most high-performing technicians from across Australia and New Zealand, as excitement builds ahead of the upcoming announcement of the finalists of the third annual John Deere Technician Awards.
The Awards, which this year again drew more than 100 entries, are presented to exceptional parts and service techs in the agriculture, turf, construction and forestry industries, who go above and beyond to support their customers and represent both John Deere and their profession.
John Deere Australia and New Zealand Managing Director, Luke Chandler, said the awards highlight the incredible contribution the company's technicians make to helping customers leverage maximum benefit from their machinery and technology, and contribute to thriving communities.
"The industries we serve are constantly evolving and progressing as they strive to sustainably feed, clothe, and provide vital infrastructure to, our growing world," Mr Chandler said.
"John Deere technicians are at the forefront of delivering and supporting our customers in adoption and use of our equipment and latest innovation, and these Awards are the ideal forum in which to recognise and celebrate their work.
"Their roles require a combination of knowledge of mechanics, digital technology and problem-solving skills and are unique in that they often identify and repair issues using remote diagnostics.
"We're so proud to again be able to place focus on the enormous value technicians bring not just to our company but the industries and communities they serve."
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John Deere Director of Aftermarket & Customer Support, Emma Ford, with 2022 Australian Agriculture Service Technician of the Year, Jaymee Ireland
John Deere's 2022 Australian Agriculture Service Technician of the Year, 23-year-old Jaymee Ireland, is carving out a stellar career amongst the broadacre cropping and viticulture industries of Roseworthy, in South Australia.
"I love my job because every day we're working on something new in the wine or grain or horticulture industries, either in the field, on farm or in the workshop," Ms Ireland said.
"I'm learning heaps, especially about John Deere diagnostic support and precision agriculture which is always advancing.
"Fixing a tractor or header that's broken down during harvest can have a million-dollar impact, and knowing that I've ensured a farmer's machinery is operating at peak performance during this critical time is really rewarding."
Jaymee found the two days of judging at the John Deere Australia and New Zealand headquarters in Brisbane last year a little nerve-racking, but she rose to the challenge.
"In the final we had to do three different tests, one about customer service, another on tool utilisation and then a diagnostic test to fix a fault in a tractor, and it was definitely challenging having that extra pressure and three judges following us around," she said.
Luke Chandler said while the competition will be fierce among the awards finalists, all John Deere nominees have one thing in common – a love of their job.
"These people, who work from John Deere dealerships, form an integral part of businesses and communities across Australia and New Zealand," he said.
"Most say to us the most rewarding part of their role is seeing farmers, construction and forestry operators increase their profits, productivity and sustainability through the use of John Deere technical support."
Categories at the 2023 John Deere Technician Awards will include Ag Service Technician of the Year, Construction & Forestry Service Technician of the Year, Parts Technician of the Year, Service Apprentice of the Year and Parts Apprentice of the Year.
Regional finalists will be revealed in early August and winners will be announced at the John Deere Technician Awards gala event in Brisbane on Thursday, 24 August 2023.
See highlights from the 2022 John Deere Technician Awards here.
For the latest news and product launch information from John Deere, see your local John Deere dealer.
About John Deere:
Deere & Company is a global leader in the delivery of agricultural, golf & turf, construction, and forestry equipment. We help our customers push the boundaries of what's possible in ways that are more productive and sustainable to help life leap forward. Our technology-enabled products including the John Deere Autonomous 8R Tractor and See & Spray™ are just two of the ways we help meet the world's increasing need for food, shelter, and infrastructure. Deere & Company also provides financial services through John Deere Financial. For more information, visit John Deere at its worldwide website at JohnDeere.com or in New Zealand at JohnDeere.co.nz.
Media Contacts:
Stacey Wordsworth
stacey.wordsworth@bluehillpr.com.au
0438 394 371
Grace Wickson
grace.wickson@bluehillpr.com.au
0432 748 837
