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John Deere named as Solheim Cup Official Machinery Partner

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John Deere named as Solheim Cup Official Machinery Partner: John Deere has been confirmed as the official golf course and turf maintenance machinery partner of the 2026 Solheim Cup taking place at Bernardus Golf, the Netherlands, 7 – 13 September 2026, bringing their considerable experience in world-class course preparation and adding to the events sustainability credentials.

The agreement places John Deere at the heart of one of the biggest events in women’s sport. It formalises a partnership that brings together the global machinery manufacturer, Dutch dealer Kraakman, and the team at host venue Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands.

John Deere named as Solheim Cup Official Machinery Partner

John Deere named as Solheim Cup Official Machinery Partner

Paul Trowman, John Deere’s Golf and Turf Business Manager, said the partnership reflects the company’s long-term commitment to the professional game. “This is a chance to demonstrate how advanced machinery, data-driven management and high service standards can support top-level sport,” he said. “Bernardus Golf is an elite course which is presented by a team that’s at the top of its game. With John Deere machinery at its core, its greenkeepers have the tools and the expertise to ensure a global audience sees the venue in the best possible condition.”

Bernardus Golf’s local John Deere dealer, Kraakman, will supply all the equipment as well as delivering on-the-ground technical expertise before and throughout the event. The dealership is already working closely with the host venue to ensure all the right machinery is on site and has committed to a full training and monitoring programme for staff working at the venue. Back-up parts will be provided and service technicians will support the course’s mechanics.

Wim van Remortele, Commercial Manager for Golf and Turf at Kraakman, said: “Tournament preparation takes months of thought, planning, and expertise to ensure the course is playing to required regulations and looking its absolute best for a world-wide audience. Our role is to optimise the quality, efficiency and accuracy of operations, and we will be there before, during, and after the event because we have a long-term partnership with Bernardus Golf. The Solheim Cup is the pinnacle of Women’s golf so every machine, technician and process will be in peak condition. We are very proud to represent John Deere on home soil, and for what is a landmark moment for the John Deere brand.”

The 2026 Solheim Cup will be the 20th edition of the biennial competition between the best women pros from the USA and Europe and has the ambition to set a new benchmark for eco-friendly sporting events. As well as adding in John Deere’s expertise, sustainability plans include replacing general on-site parking with low-emission travel options, integrated ticketing, and last-mile solutions like the bike route experienced today. Other initiatives include renewable energy use, waste reduction, circular material sourcing, local catering, water-smart operations, and active nature restoration.

Bernardus Superintendent Niall Richardson said the partnership brings confidence and clarity to the months of preparation ahead. “I rely on equipment that performs every single day. With the Solheim Cup ahead, partnering with John Deere gives our team the reliability and support we need to prepare the course to championship level. The electric and hybrid technologies, along with the data they provide, help us work more efficiently and sustainably, key factors in how we manage the course today and into the future.”

John Deere’s market-leading technology and electric and hybrid innovations mean it is a perfect fit for the Solheim Cup’s sustainability values and ambitions. Equipment such as mowers, bunker rakes and utility vehicles will all utilise full or hybrid electric drives, and satellites will guide sprayers to accuracy in application of just 2.5cm. The whole fleet and its operators will be supported by John Deere Operations Center PRO Golf – a cloud-based course management system enabling the assignment of tasks, machinery management, and whole-course budgeting.

The Solheim Cup takes place at Bernardus in the Netherlands in September 2026.

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John Deere to unveil light utility Gator GS models at BTME

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John Deere to unveil light utility Gator GS models at BTME: Greenkeepers visiting John Deere’s BTME stand in Harrogate in January will be among the first in Europe to see the new Gator GS utility vehicles. 

Built to meet the growing need for a work vehicle which sits between a golf cart and a go-anywhere, all-terrain machine, the Gator GS allows British and Irish greenkeepers to get carry out lighter duties around the course quickly and efficiently without sacrificing on durability and reliability.

John Deere to unveil light utility Gator GS models at BTME

John Deere to unveil light utility Gator GS models at BTME

“Whether it’s course setup, hand watering, hauling mower trailers, or just moving from hole to hole, the Gator GS allows greenkeepers to get those jobs done on time and efficiently,” says Chris Meacock, Golf and Turf Division Sales Manager at John Deere.

The new GS is available now in petrol or electric derivatives, both of which are designed to complete jobs without disruption to the neighbours or early morning golf groups.

The powerful, yet quiet,  14hp petrol electronic fuel injected engine incorporates a unique engine and body design that incorporates baffling and sound deadening materials for quiet operation.

Customers choosing the 48V GS Electric Gator will have an AC drive motor and controller system that helps maintain torque during even the toughest of situations, with eight Trojan T-105 batteries providing the power needed to complete the day’s work.

Both machines have a top speed of 17.5mph to enable greenkeepers to get more done in less time.

Operation is simple with a pedal start and infinite speed selection that doesn’t require shifting thanks to a continuously variable transmission drivetrain.

Measuring just 49.3 inches across, the body design allows for transport through tight areas while avoiding turf damage on the edges of cart paths.

Cargo space has been optimised for tools and materials, with 371 litres of space and a 363kg cargo box weight capacity. The Gator GS has an easy-to-access and effortless cargo box latch to make it easy to unlock, tilt, and quickly unload materials.

The Gator GS is ready to tow with a standard factory installed 50.8 mm rear receiver hitch and a 544.3 kg towing capacity.

Built with operator comfort in mind there are high-back bucket seats, two standard USB ports, low-effort steering system design, and multiple storage compartments for gloves, small hand tools and mobile devices.

“The John Deere Gator is one the most versatile vehicles that a golf course manager and their team can use, and the GS and GS Electric adds to that versatility with its size and manoeuvrability,” says Chris.

The Gator GS and GS Electronic will be on show at BTME from 20 to 22 January at Harrogate Convention Centre, and can be ordered through dealers now.

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Two John Deere dealers to expand turf area in 2026

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Two John Deere dealers to expand turf area in 2026: Two John Deere turf dealerships are expanding their areas of responsibility later this year.

Ripon Ground Care and Turner Groundscare will extend their respective geographies from 9 July 2026 when Balmers GM leaves the John Deere dealership network.

Two John Deere dealers to expand turf area in 2026

Two John Deere dealers to expand turf area in 2026

Part of the Ripon Group, Ripon Ground Care has been selling and servicing John Deere machinery and technology since 1982, with 13 branches located across Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Teesside.

For over 40 years, the company has supplied equipment for industries such as golf and sports turf, local authorities, contractors, caravan parks and similar environments.

Similarly, Turner Groundscare has over 30 years’ experience and offers a full range of premium John Deere equipment across Cheshire. The company has an excellent reputation for its servicing and customer support.

“With decades of experience between them, John Deere is proud to have both Ripon Ground Care and Turner Groundscare taking over operations in the Lancashire and West Yorkshire areas,” says Chris Meacock, John Deere’s Division Sales Manager for Golf and Turf.

“Over the next six months before this transition takes effect, we will put everything in place to ensure a seamless transfer for John Deere customers who will be dealing with Ripon Ground Care or Turner Groundscare in due course.

“We would also like to thank Balmers GM for their hard work and years of service with John Deere.”

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John Deere names FCN as charity partner for 2026

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John Deere names FCN as charity partner for 2026: The UK and Ireland branch of John Deere has announced that The Farming Community Network (FCN) will be its official charity partner for 2026.

The commitment will see John Deere staff receive specialist wellbeing support training from FCN, as well as opening the door to a range of volunteering opportunities.

John Deere names FCN as charity partner for 2026

John Deere names FCN as charity partner for 2026

Thousands of pounds will also be raised through fundraising initiatives to help FCN further its reach and impact across the rural community.

“We all have a responsibility to safeguard the health and wellbeing of those living and working in rural areas,” says Joedy Ibbotson, Division Business Manager at John Deere.

“FCN is a charity that does incredible work in this area. Its outreach touches our staff, our network, our customers, and throughout the communities we operate in. It is a great fit for us and the partnership is something that really resonates with our team.”

John Deere employees have a strong track record of fundraising for good causes, both national and local.

Previous efforts include tackling the Peak District Ultra Challenge in aid of Cancer Research UK, raising more than £13,000. Staff are encouraged to come forward with their own ideas for volunteering and fundraising, with the company pledging to support these initiatives.

The FCN partnership was announced at an all-employee meeting at John Deere’s Langar headquarters in Nottinghamshire.

Georgina Lamb, Head of Partnerships with FCN, said: “We are delighted to partner with such a well-respected company as John Deere, which as well as providing vital funds for the charity has given us the platform to promote our work to the wider agricultural community. We look forward to working with the team in the coming months.”

As part of the event, staff were trained by FCN with a bespoke course in wellbeing support for the agricultural community.

Joedy added that the organisation was particularly keen to add its reach to the charity’s Nip it in the Bud campaign, which is part of the UK-wide Rural Communities Cancer Project between FCN and Macmillan Cancer Support.

The focus of the campaign is on early detection of cancer and making time to see the GP if someone notices a change in their health.

“Farmers and their families are so busy that health concerns can often get pushed to the bottom of the to-do list,” he said. “Rural communities often also have lower access to cancer services and support due to living in more isolated areas.

“However, early diagnosis is essential, so John Deere is keen to encourage people to be more familiar with the early signs of cancer, and to take the necessary steps to get checked and nip it in the bud.

“FCN plays a crucial role in supporting the farming community through difficult periods and times of change, and we’re proud to be standing alongside them this year.”

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Transitioning from tanks to tractors with John Deere

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Transitioning from tanks to tractors with John Deere: From frontline tank repairs to supporting farmers at harvest, Chris Giles has carved out a career in the civilian world by transferring his military engineering skills to John Deere’s dealership network.

After serving in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), Chris was unsure of his next step until he attended an open day about the John Deere Military Hiring Programme.

Transitioning from tanks to tractors with John Deere

Transitioning from tanks to tractors with John Deere

Today he is a Technical Communicator and Certified Dealer Instructor at the Tallis Amos Group Leominster depot, and his journey is about to come full circle as he prepares to explain military personnel have the ideal skillset to resettle,

Chris will be one of the speakers at a John Deere Military Hiring Programme webinar taking place on 3 December at 7pm.

“In terms of the kit, going from tanks to tractors is a completely different world,” says Chris. “The hydraulics, for example are completely different.

“But there wasn’t much of a transition when coming to the John Deere brand, as the level of high readiness is the same. The kit needs to be fixed and out the door as soon as possible, much like in the army.

“While the machinery is different, the basics of the work are the same. You’re looking to apply that pre-existing training and knowledge to a different kind of machine.”

Chris joined REME as a vehicle mechanic in 2012, working extensively on tank engines and transmissions before moving into several front-line units from 2015. Stationed in Hereford, he was deployed around the world repairing everything from quads to heavy armour.

He attended the John Deere open event for military technicians at Langar shortly before the pandemic and met a John Deere employee who had also served as part of REME. After putting him in contact with the right people, Chris made the decision to pursue a career at John Deere.

After completing his training and work experience at the Tallis Amos Group Leominster depot, Chris began employment as a technician but has since progressed to a Technical Communicator and Certified Dealer Instructor role. He explains that at first he worked in the workshop diagnosing issues, servicing and repairing crucial kit like combines and tractors, but now he helps technicians from the office and across different depots in the dealership network and trains the new staff who are coming through.

“As a Technical Communicator, if the technicians go out to a job and struggle to diagnose it or need extra information, then they’ll get in touch with me as I have access to the information or people that are needed, and then I’ll pass that information back to the technicians,” he says.

“As a Certified Dealer Instructor, I deal with the new technicians that are coming through and doing their training, including the level one and two training that the Military Hiring Programme applicants will receive, which is all online. I mainly teach electrics, hydraulics, and the service advisor side.”

Open to servicemen and women who are looking for new careers after they leave the armed forces, attendees of the online event on 3 December will have the opportunity to listen to Chris and others who have been through the John Deere Military Hiring Programme.

John Deere’s ground-breaking resettlement programme for military service personnel offers new career opportunities working on some of the world’s most advanced agricultural and professional groundscare machinery.

Members of the armed forces have been identified as ideal candidates for their unique skill sets and the experience they bring to technician roles within UK and Ireland dealerships. Many have already worked with some of the systems and products John Deere use on their agricultural and turf machinery, making the transition straightforward.

Those who enrol onto the programme are put into contact with an individual from the John Deere network who has resettled previously. They guide them through the next steps which includes free training courses before finding employment with a John Deere dealer.

Interested service members and ex-service members can find out more and apply to the John Deere Military Hiring Programme by visiting www.deere.com/JDMHP.

The online event is free but pre-registration is required at https://jdmhp.eventbrite.co.uk/

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