AFGRI Equipment Celebrates Regional Finalists in the 2024 John Deere Technician Awards

AFGRI Equipment proudly announces that four of its exceptional team members have been named regional finalists in the prestigious 2024 John Deere Technician of the Year Awards. This recognition highlights their outstanding skills, dedication, and commitment to providing excellent service to customers in the agriculture and construction industries.

Brad Forrester, Aftermarket General Manager, expressed his pride in the team's recognition at the national level, wishing them success in the final round of the competition. "We are proud that our talented AFGRI team members are representing us in the national testing. Their achievements highlight the investment AFGRI and John Deere are making in training and career development. The positive feedback from our customers has been instrumental in helping our regional finalists advance. We value our business partnerships and appreciate the support from our customers," Forrester said.

AFGRI Equipment is proud to see its team members recognised and wishes them the best of luck in the competition.

John Deere Australia and New Zealand Managing Director, Luke Chandler, commended the finalists for their hard work and dedication, stating, "Technicians require a unique combination of mechanical knowledge, proficiency in digital technology, and advanced problem-solving skills to support customers' operations. These finalists should be proud of their achievements and the value they bring to their dealerships and communities."

All finalists will take part in testing and assessments at John Deere Headquarters in Queensland prior to the 2024 John Deere Technician of the Year Awards being announced at a gala event on Thursday, 5 September 2024. AFGRI Equipment is excited to support our finalists as they represent Western Australia and showcase their skills on this prestigious platform.

Diverse and Dedicated Finalists

The finalists come from diverse backgrounds, united by their dedication to delivering exceptional service. Emma Ford, John Deere Australia and New Zealand Director of Aftermarket and Customer Support, noted, "Whether they have a traditional farming background or entered the field later in life, all finalists are committed to excellent customer service and continuous learning."

Meet Our Finalists

Parts Apprentice of the Year

Hannah Goedhart-Hutchings – Merredin, Western Australia

Hannah Goedhart-Hutchings, a Parts Apprentice at AFGRI Equipment in Merredin, Western Australia, has quickly made her mark. Just nine months into her apprenticeship, she became a finalist in the John Deere Technician of the Year Awards. Her journey began after completing a harvest on a broadacre farm, which solidified her desire to pursue a career in the agricultural industry. Hannah initially worked in administration support for a local mechanic before seizing the opportunity at AFGRI Equipment. She values the extensive learning and career growth opportunities available at John Deere dealerships. Hannah enjoys diagnosing and addressing the needs of machines, working closely with technicians, and seeing the equipment successfully returned to customers.

Ag & Turf Service Technician of the Year

Bradley Skinner – Esperance, Western Australia

Bradley Skinner, an Agriculture & Turf Service Technician at AFGRI Equipment in Esperance, Western Australia, has a deep passion for John Deere. In his spare time, he enjoys collecting John Deere equipment scale models. Bradley began his journey with AFGRI Equipment in 2018, starting as an agricultural mechanic apprentice. He quickly developed expertise in servicing seeding equipment, tractors, combine harvesters, sprayers, and attachments. Growing up in a family with a strong mechanical background, Bradley found it fitting to follow in the footsteps of his father and brother. Now in his seventh year, he finds great satisfaction in restoring machines to full functionality. Bradley is committed to continuous learning and development and plans to pursue an automotive electrical trade to complement his existing skills. He also enjoys mentoring apprentices at AFGRI Equipment.

C&F Service Technician of the Year

Ben Mummery – Albany, Western Australia

Ben Mummery, a Construction and Forestry Technician at AFGRI Equipment in Albany, Western Australia, brings extensive experience in diagnosing and repairing logging trucks and mining machinery. Initially unsure if his skills met the high standards required for a John Deere technician, Ben has now been working on John Deere equipment for over three and a half years. He describes this as the "best job of his life." Ben, a returning finalist from the 2022 Technician of the Year Awards, appreciates the support and resources that have helped him grow as a technician. He thrives on the challenge of solving complex faults and getting customers back up and running.

Johannes Viljoen – Busselton, Western Australia

Johannes Viljoen, a Construction & Forestry Technician at AFGRI Equipment in Busselton, Western Australia, has been fascinated by machinery since childhood. He describes being a John Deere technician as "understanding and interpreting the language of engines and mechanical systems." Johannes began his career with an apprenticeship on trucks before moving into underground mining equipment. His admiration for John Deere machinery led him to relocate to Australia and join AFGRI Equipment. Johannes enjoys working on diverse machines and solving new challenges daily. He values building strong relationships with customers and finds the ever-evolving technology in the industry to be a constant source of learning. He encourages anyone given the opportunity to work in a dealership to "seize it with both hands."

About the Awards

The John Deere Technician of the Year Awards, established in 2021, recognise the crucial role that technicians play in supporting John Deere's customers across Australia's agriculture, construction, and forestry industries. This year, the awards program saw over 130 nominees from 69 dealership locations, showcasing the program's growing influence in Australia and New Zealand. The Australian finalists will compete in Brisbane in early September, where they will be tested on their diagnostic skills and ability to solve technical issues in real-time scenarios.

AFGRI Equipment has been well represented since the awards were established, WiIth Poppy Blohm the current winner of the Parts Apprentice of the Year at the 2023 John Deere Technician Awards.