increase font size
John Deere has recently bought Silicon Valley start-up company Bear Flag Robotics, which specialises in autonomous driving technologies, for US$250 million.
Global giant Deere and Co has acquired Silicon Valley start-up company Bear Flag Robotics, which specialises in autonomous driving technologies for existing plant and machinery.
The US$250m purchase is said to support John Deere’s long-term strategy to create smaller machines incorporating advanced technology. The company has worked with Bear Flag since 2019, successfully deploying autonomous solutions on a limited number of North American farms.
“Deere and Co views autonomy as an important step towards enabling farmers and growers to leverage their resources to feed the world, while at the same time creating more sustainable and profitable operations,” JD chief technology officer Jahmy Hindman says.
Meanwhile, closer to home, technicians who help to keep Australian and New Zealand farmers running and support the productivity of the nation’s agriculture sector will be honoured at the inaugural John Deere Technician Awards. Often seen as the quiet achievers, relied upon to deliver services integral to farmers’ and construction machinery contractors’ businesses, the awards will “celebrate their contribution to their industries and local communities”.
John Deere Australia and New Zealand managing director Luke Chandler says the awards are an opportunity to recognise the hard work and skill offered by these individuals.
“Who are not celebrated enough for the fundamental role they play in assisting both their customers, communities, and their industry reach full potential.”
Dealerships have been asked to put forward their top technicians, with more than 110 nominations received from across both Australia and NZ, in four different categories. These cover Ag & Turf Service Technician of the Year, Construction & Forestry Service Technician of the Year, Parts Technician of the Year and Apprentice of the Year. “These awards will not only recognise individuals, but also celebrate the important contribution technicians make to the farm and construction sectors and demonstrate to those considering moving into this field just how rewarding and varied a career with John Deere as a technician can be,” says Chandler.
After what has been a difficult year with redundancies and factory downsizing, John Deere is reversing course, announcing it will bring 140 employees back to its Waterloo, Iowa operations as demand increases for its 8R and 9R tractors.
John Deere has announced the launch of three new models in both 8R and 8RX formats, featuring additional higher horsepower (HHP) options and improved performance, manoeuvrability, and versatility.
Easily missed on its expansive Agritechnica site, John Deere offered visitors to the bi-annual event, the first opportunity in Europe to see John Deere’s E-Power 130hp electric tractor prototype.
Grape and orchard growers will soon be able to take a closer look at John Deere’s new 5EN specialty narrow tractors, which offer more power and comfort in narrow vineyards or tree rows.
Recently released in Australia and New Zealand by John Deere, a unique new software platform offers near real time profitability monitoring across crops and individual paddocks.
Irrigation NZ is warning that the government's Resource Management Act (RMA) reform risks falling short of its objectives unless water use for food production and water storage infrastructure are clearly recognised in the goals at the top of the new system.
More than five million trays, or 18,000 tonnes, of Zespri’s RubyRed Kiwifruit will soon be available for consumers across 16 markets this season.
The Government has announced its support for 18 community-based initiatives through its Rural Wellbeing Fund.
New data shows that pork remains one of the more affordable meat options for New Zealand households at a time when grocery costs continue to put pressure on budgets.
The South Island Dairy Event's BrightSIDE has named Jessica Kilday as the recipient of the BrightSIDE Scholarship, recognising her commitment to furthering her education and future career in the New Zealand dairy industry.
Scientists from the Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao has achieved a successful cocksfoot-ryegrass cross capable of producing fertile seed, a world-first.
OPINION: Election years are usually regarded as the silly season, but a mate of the Hound reckons 2026 is shaping…
OPINION: If farmers poured just a few litres of some pollutant into a stream, the Green Party and the wider…
