John Deere Secures Record 20-Harvester Deal
The old saying is ‘go big or go home’, which appears to be something that German contracting business Kohl Harvest of Saxony-Anhalt in Bavaria has done with a record order for John Deere.
Whangarei field service technician, Bryce Dickson has cemented his place in John Deere’s history, becoming the first ever person to win an award for the third time at the annual Australian and New Zealand Technician of the Year Awards, announced at a gala dinner in Brisbane last night.
Dickson took home the trophy in the New Zealand Agriculture & Turf Service Technician Award category.
He says he was thrilled and surprised to win again at the fifth annual awards program.
“Every time it’s a different experience,” Dickson says.
“It’s really mind blowing and exciting, and I love it. It’s a great competition to be involved in.
“One of my colleagues from Brandt in Australia has won two times back-to-back, and, to come here and be able to win it three times, you know, that's a good title to have.”
It’s a significant achievement for someone whose high school career advisor said he wouldn’t succeed as a mechanic. Fortunately, Bryce ignored that advice and worked in the automotive industry before transitioning to ag machinery during the global financial crisis.
While he wishes he had started in the agriculture industry straight from school, his commitment to continuous learning, keeping up with the latest technologies and his contact with customers is what makes him standout as an excellent technician.
“Getting out in the field and working on machines interacting with customers is much better than being stuck in a workshop,” he said.
“We’ve now got integrated displays and autonomy is coming out now. It's awesome to see and learn about and, and I really love it when the new tech comes out.
“It’s just learning about it that keeps you interested and focused.”
John Deere Australia and New Zealand Managing Director, Luke Chandler, said the annual awards program was an important recognition of technicians’ skills and their vital contribution in the industries they serve.
“Once again, Bryce has shown exceptional technical knowledge, customer focus and ability to solve problems under pressure,” Mr Chandler said.
“He’s keeping our customers moving every day and it’s fantastic to see his talent and hard work acknowledged.
“I also want to recognise the New Zealand finalists who competed this week across several categories. The finals process is rigorous and designed to test even the most experienced technicians.”
“To reach the finals is a huge achievement and speaks volumes about the capability and commitment of each participant.”
Joshua Irving has been named the 2026 Ormond Nurseries North Canterbury Young Viticulturist of the Year.
Vets say they support the responsible use of virtual fencing and virtual herding technology for cattle and wants to work with farmers, manufacturers and government to help shape standards for future use backed by ongoing research to strengthen animal welfare outcomes.
National and world records tumbled as top Kiwi axeman claimed two Stihl Timbersports world titles at the same event in Budapest, Hungary over the first weekend in June.
A safety push across New Zealand has revealed significant gaps in hazardous substances management, farm vehicles, tractors, quad bikes and side-by-sides.
New Zealand farmers have earned a global edge by consistently yet cautiously taking advantage of emerging agri-technology.
New season data from LIC shows a strong reproductive performance for the 2025-26 season, with a lift in key metrics compared to last season.

OPINION: Central Hawke's Bay farmer Mark Warren recently told the Hawke's Bay Times it's time for a conversation about allowing…
OPINION: A nation that relies as heavily as NZ does on functional global shipping lanes will have to do its…