John Deere launches Harvest Profit in NZ & Australia
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.
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.”
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.
Rural retailer Farmlands has reported a return to profitability, something the co-operative says shows clear progress in the second year of its five-year strategy.
According to a new report, the Safer Rides initiative, which offered farmers heavily discounted crush protection devices (CPDs) for quad bikes, has made a significant impact in raising awareness and action around farm vehicle safety.
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