Tag Archive for: John

New leadership for John Chambers Wildflower Seed

New leadership for John Chambers Wildflower Seed: The Wildflower seed brand of Green-tech, John Chambers Wildflower Seed, is entering its 11th year under new guidance.

With over a decade of experience at Green-tech, Roger McGivern has moved from managing a sales team to leading the John Chambers team through the next period of the brand’s development and growth.

New leadership for John Chambers Wildflower Seed

New leadership for John Chambers Wildflower Seed

John Chambers Business Manager Roger will be responsible for the overall performance of the brand, managing a trade and key account database, and delivering educational and training seminars as well as accredited CPDs to specifiers.  He will be supported by Georgia Gilbert, the John Chambers Technical manager, Jason Brits, the Production and Operations supervisor, and Emily Murray, the JC Wildflower technician.

Geen-tech’s Business Development Director Mark Wood comments, “I am delighted to welcome Roger to the team. He joins with in-depth knowledge of the product portfolio and a wealth of experience and has a mass of ideas on how to develop the brand in line with company strategy and goals. I am looking forward to working with Roger and the rest of the team as we enter the next chapter for John Chambers Wildflower Seed.”

Roger adds, “I am very happy to join the John Chambers team. My existing knowledge and expertise of the customer base, product portfolio, and systems mean I am starting in a strong position. The John Chambers Wildflower Seed brand has undergone phenomenal growth over the last decade, with sales increasing tenfold over this period.  I am joining at an exciting period in the brand’s development and growth, and I look forward to working with the dedicated and skilled team and introducing new ideas and initiatives.”

John Chambers Wildflower Seed has a 40-year history of supplying native British-produced wildflower seed and mixes to landscape and garden lovers across the UK. John Chambers is one of the leading authorities on native wildflower seed, distributing a comprehensive range of products that protect, enhance, and improve the landscape environment.

Mark Wood continues, “We have orders for some major infrastructure projects that are planned over the next five years for the John Chambers brand. Roger has an experienced and robust team behind him to deliver upon these. I’m looking forward to the next chapter for this brand.”

If you are interested in joining Green-tech and building a career within the landscaping industry, click the link below to check out their careers page with all current vacancies. https://www.green-tech.co.uk/about-us/careers

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John Deere’s Worldwide Agriculture & Turf president

John Deere’s Worldwide Agriculture & Turf president: Deere & Company (NYSE:DE) announced today that it has named Deanna Kovar as its new President of Worldwide Agriculture and Turf, Small Ag and Turf, and Regions 1 and 2, which include the company’s presence in Asia, Africa, and Europe. She replaces Mark von Pentz who is retiring.

In this role, Kovar will be responsible for the overall management and performance of the company’s Small Ag and Turf business, as well as John Deere’s performance in these markets. Kovar previously served as vice president, Production and Precision Ag since 2020, where she led a global team focused on delivering equipment and technology solutions that help ag operators be more productive, profitable, and sustainable.

John Deere's Worldwide Agriculture & Turf president

John Deere’s Worldwide Agriculture & Turf president

Kovar joined Deere in 2000 and spent most of her career in positions in channel and product management, where she gained a deep understanding of ag customers’ requirements. She has developed an extensive background in precision technologies, beginning with her move in 2010 to the company’s Intelligent Solutions Group as Manager of Portfolio Management. Later positions included Division Sales Manager, director, Production & Precision Ag Marketing, and director, Global Operator Stations.

“Deanna and her team will play an instrumental role in advancing our smart industrial strategy to deliver enhanced customer value in the Small Ag and Turf markets, as well as in Regions 1 & 2,” said John May, Chief Executive Officer for Deere & Company. “Her deep customer understanding, professional background in channel and product management, keen business insights, and record of consistent success make Deanna well-qualified for her new role.”

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Ceremony marks next step for John Deere apprentices

Ceremony marks next step for John Deere apprentices: A 39-strong group of John Deere apprentices are starting the next stage of their careers having qualified as service and parts technicians working in dealerships across the UK.

The talented cohort’s achievements were recognised at a graduation ceremony in Nottingham on Friday night (20 October) at a dinner attended by their friends, family and mentors who have been at their side throughout the course.

Ceremony marks next step for John Deere apprentices

Ceremony marks next step for John Deere apprentices

It was also an evening of celebration for 17 Master Technicians – individuals who have achieved the top-tier service technician qualification – who received their prizes at the event.

John Deere Branch Training Manager Allan Cochran said: “Our industry-leading apprenticeship programme has been running for more than 30 years and has trained well over 1,100 talented individuals who have gone on to have exciting careers across the John Deere dealership network.

“Graduation ceremonies are always special, and this was no exception. To be able to celebrate the fantastic achievements of those in the room was hugely rewarding for John Deere as a company, as well for the dealers who have helped nurture this talented group to reach its potential.

“We wish the graduates all the best as they embark on the next stage of their careers within the John Deere family, and look forward to working alongside them long into the future.”

It was an extra special night for two technicians who won overall awards. Samuel Crichton from Tuckwell’s Framfield depot in Sussex was named Technician Apprentice of the Year, while Kael Horton from Thomas Sherriff’s Hexham depot in Northumberland was presented with the Parts Apprentice of the Year award.

Oliver Coupland from the Retford Ripon Farm Services depot in South Yorkshire, and James Hancock from Smallridge Bros’ Barnstaple depot were both named as runners-up.

Among the Master Technician graduates, Craig Braithwaite was singled out for his outstanding effort in becoming the first person to complete an apprenticeship and Master Technician assessment in just four years.

The individual prizes were presented to the winners by Will Young – best known as Farmer Will on TikTok – who addressed the room on life as an influencer creating content on a farm.

During the evening, presenters acknowledged that many of the class of 2023 had taken on apprenticeships during one of the most challenging times in the programme’s history.

For many, the covid lockdown took effect just six months into their studies, meaning distanced learning replaced what had been intended as classroom sessions.

“The apprentices coped admirably with the challenge laid down to them,” Allan said. “Being able to adapt to new and changing surroundings and issues is part of being a technician, but this group of young people did themselves proud in the face of adversity.”

It was also the first graduation for apprentices from the Wirtgen Group; a construction machinery manufacturer which was purchased by John Deere in 2017.

John Deere’s apprenticeship programme is provided by ProVQ and involves students being trained in engineering, electronics, hydraulics, diagnostics, communication skills, computing, sales, and marketing.

Ag Tech and Turf Tech candidates study towards the land-based service engineering technician qualification (level 3), while in Parts Tech individuals complete a retailer apprenticeship standard (level 2).

New students are enrolled each year, and the standard programmes include on-the-job training and assessment as well as up to eight weeks each year at the John Deere Apprentice Training Centre.

To find out more about starting a John Deere apprenticeship, or to apply for open positions, go to dealerjobs.deere.com.

2023 Apprentice Graduates:

Ben Burgess: Benjamin Cox, Honor Miles, Callum Clarke, Ethan Langley.

Cornthwaite Group: Benjamin Glover, Kyle Wells, Graeme Riddick, Alfie Thompson, Thomas Howard.

Farol: William Duggins, Daniel O’Donohue, Makayla Wench, Andrew Gray, Luke Hand, Joseph Scott.

Geary’s Garage: Patrick Cremin.

John Deere Forestry: Sean Cochrane, Jamie Duncan.

MacGregor Industrial Supplies: Duncan Fraser-Anderson.

Masons Kings: William Chaffe.

Ripon Farm Services: Liam Dunn, Oliver Coupland.

Smallridge Bros: James Hancock.

Stephen W Moore: Reuben Bingham, Dominic O’Kane.

Tallis Amos: Michael Cock, Ellis Morris, Ben Vose, Lewis Gutteridge,

Thomas Sherriff: Cameron Marshall, Fraser Robertson, Conall Fairbairn, Jamie Clyne, Kael Horton.

Tuckwells: William Coleman, Sam Crichton.

Wirtgen Group: Thomas Holt, Jack Anderson, Stan Smith.

2023 Master Technician Graduates:

Ben Burgess: Cameron Smith, Lewis Jaggard, Callum Luker, Jonathan Smith.

Cornthwaite Group: Craig Braithwaite, James Sudell, Ed Crocker, Matthew Higgins.

Farol: Iain MacKinnon, James O’Neill, Jamie Speir, Lawrence Thompson, Matthew Welbourne, Alistair Donaldson.

Ripon Farm Services: Andrew Smith.

Tuckwells: Oscar Mayhew, Oliver Rumsey.

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LET and John Deere elevate partnership

LET and John Deere elevate partnership: John Deere and the Ladies European Tour (LET) have extended their longstanding relationship with an upgraded three-year partner agreement.

The renewal will elevate the partnership with increased support services and additional investment into the Tour. John Deere will provide the LET with agronomy and consultation services, as well as equipment optimisation to ensure the best available services are delivered to the LET players, Tour venues and tournaments.

LET and John Deere elevate partnership

LET and John Deere elevate partnership

John Deere and the LET have been partners since 2007 and this renewal means that John Deere will conDnue to be the designated Golf Course Machinery partner of the Tour. The announcement was made on the eve of a brand new 1-million-euro tournament: La Sella Open at the award-winning La Sella Golf Resort & Spa in Denia, Alicante, Spain, where John Deere equipment was used to prepare and maintain the tournament course.

“This new agreement with John Deere will see our global brands working together more closely to further increase the quality and consistency of our championship courses internationally,” said LET Commercial Director Fiona Harold. “The commitment from John Deere builds on our enduring 17-year partnership and highlights our joint objective to elevate the women’s game at an exciting time for our industry and our Tour.”

John Deere’s Sales & Marketing Director – Turf & Golf, Carlos Aragonés, commented: “We are incredibly proud to extend our valued collaboration with the Ladies European Tour until 2026. Having John Deere as the preferred equipment supplier of the Ladies European Tour is a great honour and a major opportunity to continue supplying our latest technology and innovations, ensuring we continue to produce the best quality playing surfaces for competitive golf. It has been an exceptional association since its very first day, and we are looking forward to continuing working together and supporting the values we share around the game of golf, including celebrating women in the golf industry as well as those who play the game, sustainability and much more.”

For more information on John Deere visit www.deere.com.

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Ladies European Tour and John Deere partnership

Ladies European Tour and John Deere partnership: Dénia, Spain, July. 19, 2023 – John Deere and the Ladies European Tour (LET) have extended their longstanding relaDonship with an upgraded three-year partner agreement.

The renewal will elevate the partnership with increased support services and addiDonal investment into the Tour.

Ladies European Tour and John Deere partnership

Ladies European Tour and John Deere partnership

John Deere will provide the LET with agronomy and consultation services, as well as equipment optimisation to ensure the best available services are delivered to the LET players, Tour venues and tournaments.

John Deere and the LET have been partners since 2007 and this renewal means that John Deere will conDnue to be the designated Golf Course Machinery partner of the Tour. The announcement was made on the eve of a brand new 1-million-euro tournament: La Sella Open at the award-winning La Sella Golf Resort & Spa in Denia, Alicante, Spain, where John Deere equipment was used to prepare and maintain the tournament course.

“This new agreement with John Deere will see our global brands working together more closely to further increase the quality and consistency of our championship courses internaDonally,” said LET Commercial Director Fiona Harold. “The commitment from John

Deere builds on our enduring 17-year partnership and highlights our joint objecDve to elevate the women’s game at an exciDng Dme for our industry and our Tour.”

John Deere’s Sales & Marketing Director – Turf & Golf, Carlos Aragonés, commented: “We are incredibly proud to extend our valued collaboration with the Ladies European Tour until 2026. Having John Deere as the preferred equipment supplier of the Ladies European Tour is a great honour and a major opportunity to continue supplying our latest technology and innovations, ensuring we continue to produce the best quality playing surfaces for competitive golf. It has been an exceptional association since its very first day, and we are looking forward to continuing working together and supporting the values we share around the game of golf, including celebrating women in the golf industry as well as those who play the game, sustainability and much more.”

For more information on John Deere visit www.deere.com

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John Deere to hold careers event

John Deere to hold careers event: John Deere is holding a careers event in September to help resettling military personnel take the next step in their careers.

The virtual event on 20 September at 7pm is the first major event to be held by the company where details of the landmark John Deere Military Hiring Programme in the UK and Ireland will be set out.

John Deere to hold careers event

John Deere to hold careers event

The initiative was launched in July and helps those leaving military service find jobs working with some of the world’s most advanced agricultural and professional groundscare machinery.

Attendees of the free virtual event will find out how they can bring their unique skill sets and experience to technician roles in dealerships, and hear from individuals who have transitioned from military service into various roles connected to the John Deere brand.

“The armed forces produces people who are highly skilled, motivated, and extremely competent, and many already have the engineering skills needed to become qualified technicians,” says Allan Cochran, John Deere Branch Training Manager.

“With many transferable skills, those with experience of military machines will be perfectly placed for a new career working with some of the world’s most advanced agricultural and turfcare equipment.

“This virtual event is a great opportunity for ex-servicemen and women to find about a rewarding John Deere career that can take you anywhere in the world, working with an internationally recognised and respected brand.”

Registration is open now via this link, or by searching ‘John Deere virtual careers event’ on www.eventbrite.co.uk.

It was announced that the Military Hiring Programme was being rolled out in the UK and Ireland following its huge success in the USA.

“Those who have served are experts at working under pressure and logically solving problems in order to keep a machine operational,” Allan says. “These are the skills John Deere dealerships need to keep the wheels turning.”

Those signing up to the programme will be offered free technical training to help them apply their current skills to John Deere products and services. There are more than 70 courses on offer.

“Everyone who signs up will be assigned to an employee from the John Deere network who has served in the armed forces who will be there to support each individual during the resettlement process,” Allan says.

Interested service members and ex-service members can learn more and fill out a contact card by visiting www.Deere.com/JDMHP.

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John Deere employees complete 1,400 mile challenge

John Deere employees complete 1,400 mile challenge: A 41-strong team of John Deere employees has completed its 1,000-Mile Challenge in style, smashing through its distance and fundraising targets in the process.

The group took on the Peak District Ultra Challenge on Saturday 8 July, choosing to navigate either 50km in 24 hours, or 100km in 34 hours. In doing so, team John Deere managed to collectively cover more than 1,400 miles.

John Deere employees complete 1,400 mile challenge

John Deere employees complete 1,400 mile challenge

Generous sponsorship has seen more than £11,500 pledged to Cancer Research UK in the process.

“Cancer Research UK does really important work which touches the lives of so many, and it is our chosen charity for 2023,” said Chris Meacock, John Deere Division Sales Manager for Golf and Turf.

“We wanted to find something to suit varying fitness levels to encourage more participation, in turn helping to raise as much money as possible. We achieved both and a highly enthused team set about the challenge.”

Five brave souls completed 100km with 36 covering 50km, and collectively the team far exceeded the 1,000-miles target.

“It was not easy, but the team was spurred on by the cause,” Chris said. “The event organisation was superb, and our team was looked after fabulously, with food, water, and feet patched up as required.

“From the company’s point of view the challenge has generated fantastic positive energy and strengthened relationships. The whole team is delighted to have completed the distance and raised a huge amount of money for a thoroughly worthwhile charity.”

Donations can still be made at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/johndeere1000milechallenge

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Playability impresses at John O’Gaunt

Playability impresses at John O’Gaunt: The Course Manager and Head Greenkeeper at the John O’Gaunt Golf Club in Bedfordshire believe that Attraxor® plant growth regulator has played a major part in all the positive feedback they have received this year.

The John O’Gaunt Golf Club is set in over 300 acres of tree-lined parkland and boasts two renowned 18-hole golf courses. The two courses are maintained by an outstanding greenkeeping team.

Playability impresses at John O’Gaunt

Playability impresses at John O’Gaunt

Nigel Broadwith is now in his 15th year as the Course Manager and while he admits to being very much hands-on, he still spends most of his time focussing on improving the playing characteristics of the two courses.

Nigel values the input from his Head Greenkeeper Kevin Armstrong, and together they identified Attraxor® as a product which could potentially signal some improvements.

“Poa annua seed heads are generally a problem in the UK and most courses suffer from them,” said Kevin. “We are no exception, and we were having to verticut weekly, if not more, just to keep on top of them. Mike Williamson from Agrovista Amenity suggested that we try Attraxor® and we started using it in March this year.”

Nigel said: “We had full confidence from the trial work we had seen from Agrovista Amenity. We have used other similar products, but we quickly found Attraxor® to be the best at supressing seed heads.”

Attraxor® is a plant growth regulator containing the active substance, prohexadione calcium and can be used to regulate growth of all managed amenity turf. This active substance inhibits the gibberellic acid pathway, which results in a reduction of turf height and turf biomass. Root growth is promoted whilst turf colour and quality are maintained.

Furthermore, using an innovative formulation for fast leaf absorption, the product provides almost instant results, as it is activated once diluted in water. Contrary to other plant growth regulators that need to be activated by the plant enzymes, Attraxor® can be used earlier or later in the season during cooler weather.

Both Nigel and Kevin elaborated on the success of the product.

“We have seen a massive seed head suppression,” said Nigel. “By the second application it was beginning to be highly noticeable. I do know from other courses in the area that seed heads have been rife this year, but we haven’t experienced that since applying Attraxor®

“A major improvement has been the playability, and the feedback we have had this year has been really positive in relation to the green speed and trueness. We believe that Attraxor® has had a major part to play in that positive feedback.

“It is such a good product, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to supress seed heads,” added Kevin. “We’d be happy to welcome anyone to visit our site so they can see how it has worked for us.”

Playability impresses at John O’Gaunt

Playability impresses at John O’Gaunt

Attraxor® can also be tank mixed with other products, something which Nigel and Kevin are particularly impressed with.

“We use Attraxor® in a tank mix with a liquid feed and this is a huge bonus,” said Kevin. “John O’Gaunt is a very busy golf club, and we don’t always have time to go out with a sprayer, so the more products we can apply at one time the better.”

Nigel agreed: “Back in the early days we would never have dreamed of mixing two products together, but due to the advancements in technology we are now able to. Plus, we are confident in Mike Williamson’s advice that we can mix Attraxor® with other products. We have found this to be incredibly beneficial in terms of the turf health and time and labour.”

In addition to the positive results from Attraxor®, Nigel was quick to point out the importance of working with key suppliers.

“I have been here 15 years and in my first couple of years we really struggled with disease and thatch. We sat down with Mike Williamson from Agrovista Amenity and he recommended some fungicide tank mixes. From that moment things started to improve dramatically, and ever since then we have been working together. I only work closely with a couple of suppliers, and I very much see Agrovista Amenity as part of my extended team.”

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit www.agrovista.co.uk/amenity

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John Deere to open doors to the talent of tomorrow

John Deere to open doors to the talent of tomorrow: John Deere will hold an open day at its Apprentice Training Centre this May in a bid to recruit the next generation of technicians to work across its agriculture, turf and parts business.

The company’s revered and respected apprenticeship programme has been running for more than 30 years, helping more than 1,200 apprentices qualify through on-the-job practical learning alongside classroom studies.

John Deere to open doors to the talent of tomorrow

John Deere to open doors to the talent of tomorrow

The John Deere Training Centre at Upper Saxondale, near Nottingham, opened last year, providing state-of-the-art facilities where apprentices complete their two or three-year course while simultaneously working within the John Deere dealership network.

“It’s a really exciting time to be part of the agricultural and turfcare industries,” says Allan Cochran, John Deere Branch Training Manager.

“It’s a highly technical and innovative sector, which means our apprentices get to work with some of the most advanced pieces of kit in the world.

“It’s not just servicing and fixing tractors. If you want to earn while you learn and be part of a huge, global brand with a reputation for ground-breaking innovations, then a John Deere apprenticeship could be the perfect start to your career.”

John Deere to open doors to the talent of tomorrow

John Deere to open doors to the talent of tomorrow

John Deere and the scheme’s training provider, ProVQ, will provide a tour of the training centre on Wednesday 3 May and Thursday 4 May, offering those interested in becoming apprentices the chance to meet the instructors, see the facilities, learn about the John Deere brand, and hear how their careers can grow with the world’s largest manufacturer of agricultural and groundscare equipment.

Sessions will last up to two hours and will outline what John Deere can offer a prospective apprentice, the journey through the Ag Tech, Turf Tech or Parts Tech programmes, plus the John Deere career path once certified.

“This is a unique opportunity to view the learning facilities on offer and talk to those who know all about the programmes,” says Mr Cochran.

The three John Deere apprenticeship programmes include Ag Tech – focusing on agricultural machinery, Turf Tech – focusing on professional turf equipment, and Parts Tech – focusing on parts service and support.

The events are free to attend but you must pre-book a session as places are limited.

To book visit: jdapprenticeships.eventbrite.co.uk

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John Deere Volunteer Programme open for applications

John Deere Volunteer Programme open for applications: Applications are now open for the 2024 John Deere TPC Sawgrass Volunteer Programme, which will see seven British and Irish greenkeepers travel to Florida to help prepare the world-famous Stadium Course for the best golfers on the planet.

The volunteers are chosen from each of BIGGA’s five regions, in addition to an international member, and one GSCAI member from Ireland. They will join the TPC Sawgrass maintenance and agronomy team in the build-up to The Players Championship from 9-19 March 2024.

John Deere Volunteer Programme open for applications

John Deere Volunteer Programme open for applications

With all travel, accommodation and uniform costs covered by John Deere as part of its BIGGA Premium Partner relationship, volunteers will be fully integrated into the TPC Sawgrass pre-tournament team – an opportunity that may see them mowing the first tee before play starts, preparing the iconic 17th hole, or raking the bunkers as play gets underway.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for any greenkeeper,” says Chris Meacock, John Deere’s Division Sales Manager for Golf and Turf. “Going to volunteer at TPC Sawgrass presents a fantastic opportunity for you to expand your knowledge and experience, and you’ll meet many like-minded professional greenkeepers from across the globe.”

The 2023 cohort of greenkeeper volunteers included Assistant Course Manager Alex Brougham from Trentham Park Golf Club, Senior Greenkeeper Peter Lewis from Royal Liverpool Golf Club, Deputy Head Greenkeeper Eddie Irvine from Trump International Aberdeen, and Course Manager Mark Tucker from Temple Golf Club.

Each greenkeeper became an integral part of the team, preparing the course well ahead of the practice rounds and working until the tournament concluded, using the huge fleet of John Deere machinery from the Sawgrass maintenance compound.

Eddie Irvine said: “The experience has helped me improve as a person and in my profession, by enabling me to move forwards with my career.

Alex Brougham added: “I learnt a lot from the Sawgrass greenkeeping team, and by networking with the other volunteers. I left with a better understanding of how the team operates at one of the best championship golf courses in the world. I’m now aiming to utilise as much of that knowledge as possible back at Trentham Golf Club.”

Karl Hansell, BIGGA’s Head of Communications and Marketing, accompanied the group to Sawgrass in March 2023.

Karl said: “Having worked at BIGGA promoting this wonderful initiative for seven years, I thought I had some understanding of TPC Sawgrass and what the trip entailed. But nothing could prepare me for the actual experience of being there.

“The TPC Sawgrass agronomy team was so welcoming that the greenkeepers accompanied were made to feel right at home, and several previous John Deere volunteers now return every year at their own expense, such was their enjoyment of the trip.

“I can’t recommend this experience enough.”

The 2023 Championship at TPC Sawgrass saw American Scottie Scheffler win the tournament five shots clear of Englishman Tyrrell Hatton, shooting 17 under par for the tournament.

The application process is open to all full BIGGA members over the age of 21, who have been a full member for at least 12 months. The deadline for applications is 31 May 2023, and you can fill in your application online at the BIGGA website now.

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