Dedication rewarded for Marcus Vine
Being a John Deere technician can be challenging, but that's exactly why Marcus Vine does it.
"It's always fresh and not a day goes past where I don't see something a little bit different," Marcus said.
"The technology's always changing, but John Deere provides awesome support in terms of in-person knowledge-sharing and online courses, so you always have the right resources."
In his first year as a finalist in the John Deere Technician Awards, Marcus claimed the honour of New Zealand Agriculture and Turf Service Technician of the Year, edging out two-time award winner Bryce Dickson from Brandt's Whangarei branch.
"It's a big honour, and quite unexpected as Bryce is a very skilled technician, so I'm super proud both of myself and to represent the team back home," he said.
Based at the Brandt John Deere dealership in Feilding, on New Zealand's North Island, Marcus predominantly works on mid-sized tractors like the 6M and 6R Series, while also servicing larger models and the occasional harvester.
Ross Collier, who runs a 1200-hectare sheep breeding, beef finishing and agricultural contracting business near Waiouru, has called upon Marcus for the past 10 years to service Pentwyn Farms' fleet of John Deere tractors.
"Marcus is highly aware of our needs when working on our tractors and knows that if we are broken down, we need to get going again as soon as possible," Ross said.
"When Marcus arrives, it's clear he's done a lot of preparation and comes with a well thought-out plan to tackle the issue – whether it be mechanical or electrical. He's just at home elbow deep in the tractor as he is on the laptop diagnosing a bad sensor or faulty wire.
"There are no wasted moments from him starting the job to finishing. He always explains his process thoroughly, and when he is finished the problem is always fixed, or he's implemented a workaround so we can keep going until certain parts arrive.
"Marcus's dedication, pride, passion and loyalty to his job is easy to see and it is always a great pleasure to have him with us."
Despite not growing up in agriculture, Marcus has developed a deep connection with the industry and customers he serves.
"Time is money for them," he said.
"Often they can be quite stressed about downtime, so seeing them much happier by the time I leave their property because they're back up and running is very satisfying.
That connection also extends to his colleagues, with Marcus enjoying mentoring and sharing his knowledge with younger technicians.
Working in agriculture has inspired him and his partner to move to a small lifestyle block where they are raising a few cattle and bringing their two young sons up in a farm orientated lifestyle.