NEWS RELEASE August 31, 2023
Best of the West on Show at Dowerin Field Days
Crestmead, Queensland (31 August, 2023) — John Deere Australia and New Zealand Managing Director, Luke Chandler, has highlighted the importance of Western Australia to the success of the nation's farm sector at the 2023 Dowerin Machinery Field Days launch in Perth on Tuesday.
Addressing the sold-out crowd of the state's premier agricultural event, including Federal Minister for Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt, and Western Australian Deputy Premier, Rita Saffioti, Mr Chandler said the future of farming in the West was bright.
"It's been an extremely positive period for Australian agriculture and our focus is on continuing to support our customers to be the most profitable, productive and sustainable in the world."
Each year, the Dowerin Machinery Field Days brings together agriculture decision makers from across the agriculture supply chain, from the agribusiness, machinery, equipment, livestock, professional services sectors, as well as technology providers.
Mr Chandler said 'producing more with less' and delivering greater value for farmers was the ethos driving the technology John Deere is developing to support profitable farm businesses and thriving regional communities.
“Historically, when we’ve thought about farm machinery it has been about making hard-iron equipment larger and more powerful, but now it’s more about automation, data and intelligence – and we see a future where farmers will be able to make decisions on a plant-by-plant basis,” Mr Chandler said.
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Senator the Hon Murray Watt and John Deere Australia and New Zealand Managing Director, Luke Chandler at the Dowerin Machinery Field Days launch.
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John Deere Australia and New Zealand Managing Director, Luke Chandler addresses attendees at the Dowerin Machinery Field Days launch.
"One of the most exciting recent developments at John Deere has been the release of our See & Spray™ Technology, which can reduce herbicide use by up to 77% with its advanced camera and nozzle control technology. This means economic savings for farmers as well as lessening environmental impacts."
Speaking about the increasing importance of attracting and retaining talent in the industry, Mr Chandler gave credit to the innovative methods its largest dealership in Western Australia, AFGRI, is undertaking to recruit staff and improve training programs.
"AFGRI is partnering with specialised agricultural training facility, the Muresk Institute, to enhance their apprenticeship program," Mr Chandler said.
"They are nurturing the pipeline of talented people working on John Deere equipment throughout the west, and that was evident last week at our annual Technician of the Year Awards.
"Three Western Australian technicians made the finals, with Poppy Blohm from AFGRI's Narrogin branch taking home the Parts Apprentice of the Year Award ahead of five of her counterparts from Australia and New Zealand.
"Having enthusiastic people like Poppy building their career and supporting customers during time-critical seasons is so important in helping our farmers increase productivity and profitability, and to advance the agriculture industry more broadly."
The latest John Deere products will be on display at the AFGRI exhibition stand during the Dowerin Machinery Field Days.
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 Australia at JohnDeere.com.au.
Media Contacts:
Kate Scott
kate.scott@bluehillpr.com.au
0438 389 092
Grace Wickson
grace.wickson@bluehillpr.com.au
0432 748 837
