John Deere Secures Record 20-Harvester Deal
The old saying is ‘go big or go home’, which appears to be something that German contracting business Kohl Harvest of Saxony-Anhalt in Bavaria has done with a record order for John Deere.
New John Deere Australia/New Zealand managing director Luke Chandler will prioritise leading the way in technology and investing in strong relationships to continue to deliver value.
John Deere Australia/New Zealand’s new managing director Luke Chandler says he will prioritise leading the way in technology and investing in strong relationships.
Chandler previously acted as chief economist for John Deere at its Illinois headquarters in the United States.
Chandler said he was excited to have the opportunity to apply his global knowledge and John Deere’s research and development capability to benefit Australian and New Zealand industries.
“My work looking at global agriculture trends for many years has reinforced how competitive our farmers have to be in export markets without the government support many of our competitors receive,” he said.
He said that competitiveness came from the fact that Australian and New Zealand farmers are world leaders in innovation.
He said that the best innovation flowed from John Deere’s investment in relationships.
“Technology only works well when it’s solving real problems,” Chandler said.
“I’m really looking forward to meeting customers and dealers around Australia and New Zealand to get a better understanding of the problems we need to solve.
“I’m also very keen to partner with industry bodies and policy makers as agriculture looks to be more collaborative and cooperative in the future to drive change that’s profitable, productive and sustainable,” he said.
Outgoing managing director Peter Wanckel said Chandler brought vast expertise to the role.
“Luke has worked in agriculture all over the world and his broad experience in the industry at global leadership levels will bring benefits to Australian and New Zealand farmers,” Wanckel said.
“I’m very proud and privileged to have worked for a company like John Deere that has a great culture focused on people and serving customers.”
Joshua Irving has been named the 2026 Ormond Nurseries North Canterbury Young Viticulturist of the Year.
Vets say they support the responsible use of virtual fencing and virtual herding technology for cattle and wants to work with farmers, manufacturers and government to help shape standards for future use backed by ongoing research to strengthen animal welfare outcomes.
National and world records tumbled as top Kiwi axeman claimed two Stihl Timbersports world titles at the same event in Budapest, Hungary over the first weekend in June.
A safety push across New Zealand has revealed significant gaps in hazardous substances management, farm vehicles, tractors, quad bikes and side-by-sides.
New Zealand farmers have earned a global edge by consistently yet cautiously taking advantage of emerging agri-technology.
New season data from LIC shows a strong reproductive performance for the 2025-26 season, with a lift in key metrics compared to last season.

OPINION: Central Hawke's Bay farmer Mark Warren recently told the Hawke's Bay Times it's time for a conversation about allowing…
OPINION: A nation that relies as heavily as NZ does on functional global shipping lanes will have to do its…