May 17, 2006 - Deere & Company Chairman and CEO Bob Lane, and Agricultural Division President Dave Everitt visited John Deere Limited operations in Australia last week as they review global growth initiatives. The Australian Branch visit included a tour of the recently opened John Deere Training Centre in Brisbane and the seven (7) hectare Melbourne Distribution Centre, as well as a visit with one of Australia’s progressive farmers in Moree (NSW).

While visiting the technology-savvy farmer, the Deere & Company executives came face to face with the important role precision ag. technology plays in the Australian farming sector. The 11,000 acre family property is committed to Control Traffic Farming practices utilising RTK guidance, variable rate prescriptions and yield mapping systems to compete against highly-subsidised global markets. Understanding how Australian and New Zealand farmers seek to advance local farming practices is a significant factor to Deere’s overall success.

In a non-subsidised market, the pursuit of global competitiveness is difficult with continual price increases in fertiliser, fuel, labour, herbicide, and fungicide. The all-new 8030 Series Tractors and GreenStar 2™ Precision Ag System feature a number of technology advances to assist farmers in reducing input costs.

“We are confident in stating that the new PowerTech Plus™ engines in the 8030 Series Tractors will provide a 2 to 5 percent reduction in fuel consumed when compared with the models they replace,” explains Lane. “Likewise savings can be enjoyed with the new GreenStar 2™ System which takes the operation and management of precision agriculture to an even higher level.”

In response to constantly evolving technology, John Deere recently opened a world-class training centre, a multi-million dollar facility designed to produce a new breed of dealer personnel and provide support to its increasing customer base. The John Deere Training Centre in Brisbane is at the forefront of training facilities in the agricultural industry and provides John Deere dealers with a magnificent environment to gain an expanded knowledge of new products, systems and practices.

The completion of the Training Centre followed the doubling in size of the Melbourne Distribution Centre to a 21,000 square metre warehouse, storing an extensive range of agricultural and grounds care equipment, and replacement parts ready for immediate dispatch to its Australian and New Zealand dealer network.

John Deere is the world's leading manufacturer of agricultural equipment and a leading supplier of equipment used in lawn, grounds and turf care. Additionally, John Deere manufactures engines used in heavy equipment and provides financial services and other related activities that support the core businesses. Since it was founded in 1837, the company has established a heritage of quality products and services providing performance that endures to customers worldwide.

For more information on John Deere products, or to find out more about John Deere Apprenticeships call into your local John Deere Dealer, FREECALL 1800 800 981 in Australia and 0800 303 100 in New Zealand, or visit our Web site at www.deere.com.au.

High Resolution Image - Deere & Company Executives with John Deere Limited Managing Director Kerrie Keeler (large file)
High Resolution Image - Melbourne Distribution Centre (large file)
High Resolution Image - Melbourne Distribution Centre (large file)