Agriculture   October 15, 2021

International Day of Rural Women: Dream job on the tools for young tradeswoman

Jaymee Ireland

John Deere technician Jaymee Ireland said there was no place she would rather spend the important day than on the tools.

Crestmead, Queensland (15 October 2021) – JOHN Deere technician Jaymee Ireland, will most likely spend International Day of Rural Women this Friday on South Australian broadacre farms ensuring grain grower's headers are primed and ready for the upcoming harvest.

The hard-working, 21-year-old, based at John Deere dealer Emmetts, Roseworthy, said there was no place she would rather spend the important day than on the tools.

"Harvest is my favourite time of year," Jaymee said.

"Knowing I have ensured a farmer's machinery is operating at peak performance during this critical window of time, is extremely rewarding."

Growing up in the heartland of Far North Queensland's sugar-producing region, Mossman, Jaymee discovered her zeal for heavy machinery at an early age as her grandfather, Charlie Brischetto, was a cane harvester operator.

"He would take us for little drives and I remember being amazed by the machinery," Jaymee said.

Like many future technicians, Jamyee was the kind of kid who was fascinated by learning how things worked, and enjoyed problem solving and working out how she could repair anything broken around her home.

She followed that interest and completed a Certificate Two in Aircraft Line Maintenance, however, when living on Kangaroo Island with her family, she started thinking agriculture would be her preferred industry to work in.

When she was just 17, Jason Barrett, from Barrett's Mechanical Services, took her under his wing and offered her work experience repairing machinery across the Island's farms.

"I just loved getting out and about and heading to different farms, and it was during that time I saw Emmetts Roseworthy had an apprenticeship opening, so I jumped at the chance," she said.

Although Jaymee is bucking the trend, given most technicians working on heavy machinery are male, she is hoping her drive and passion will help inspire other young women to consider carving careers in trades.

"Whenever there is a school expo around here, I am sent along to talk to the kids about my job and am always trying to grab the girls' attention to bring them over to our stand," Jaymee said.

"It does surprise me there aren't more young women becoming involved, but I am sure it's only a matter of time.

"I think there are times when farmers are surprised a woman is fixing their equipment, but I have earned their trust, and generally, as harvest is getting closer there are a few growers who have already personally requested I head out to their farm."

John Deere is shining the spotlight on women working in agriculture through a series of stories this International Day of Rural Women.

About Deere & Company:

Deere & Company (NYSE: DE) is a world leader in providing advanced products and services and is committed to the success of customers whose work is linked to the land - those who cultivate, harvest, transform, enrich and build upon the land to meet the world's dramatically increasing need for food, fuel, shelter and infrastructure. Since 1837, John Deere has delivered innovative products of superior quality built on a tradition of integrity. For more information, visit John Deere at its worldwide website at JohnDeere.com or in Australia at JohnDeere.com.au.

Media Contacts:

Stacey Wordsworth
0438 394 371
stacey.wordsworth@bluehillpr.com.au

Hannah Hardy
0421 196 004
hannah.hardy@bluehillpr.com.au