Esperance’s Bradley Skinner crowned Agriculture and Turf Service Technician of the Year at John Deere Awards

A talented member of AFGRI Equipment’s Esperance branch team has scooped a major accolade at the John Deere Technician of the Year Awards in Brisbane. Bradley Skinner was one of five technicians — and the only West Australian — to take out top honours at the fourth annual event on September 5. Mr Skinner was crowned Australia’s Agriculture and Turf Service Technician of the Year, while Victorians Kirsten Rush and Andrew Moat claimed the Parts Technician of the Year and Construction and Forestry Service Technician of the Year categories respectively. Queenslanders Daniel Barnes and Tracy Hogan took home the awards for Service Apprentice of the Year and Parts Apprentice of the Year. Mr Skinner, who has been with AFGRI since starting an apprenticeship in 2017, said it was an honour to receive the award. “I feel really privileged given the calibre of all the other technicians and their years of experience compared to me,” he said. “It’s pretty humbling and I reckon I’ve done AFGRI, my region, and Esperance pretty proud.” Mr Skinner has built lasting relationships with his customers, supporting a range of broadacre farmers in the Esperance region. In just seven years he has already seen significant advancements in technology, which he said drove him to continually develop his skills. “I put my best into my work, and to see the equipment running and know it’s making the farmer happy is actually the most rewarding thing,” Mr Skinner said. “I’m always adapting my skills. Right now, I’m doing a dual trade to auto electrical. “All our machines now are pretty much heavily reliant on electrical stuff, so it’s important to continue to learn.” AFGRI Equipment aftermarket general manager Brad Forrester said Mr Skinner’s achievement was a “source of immense pride” for the company. “He has consistently demonstrated excellence in his role, and we are excited to see him represent AFGRI and John Deere as the Australian Technician of the Year over the next 12 months,” Mr Forrester said. John Deere Australia and New Zealand managing director Luke Chandler said the winners all brought value to their local communities. “Bradley, Kirsten, Andrew, Daniel and Tracy represent the best of the best in customer service, technical proficiency and problem-solving skills, and thoroughly deserve their awards,” he said. “They came to Brisbane with a proven track record of supporting farmers and construction and forestry businesses to increase their productivity and get the most out of their investment in John Deere equipment.” More than 130 nominees from 69 dealerships across Australia and New Zealand were in the running for this year’s awards. “It’s promising to see the pipeline of talented technicians who will continue to support our customers across the country,” Mr Chandler said. John Deere Australia and NZ aftermarket and customer support director Steph Gersekowski said the diversity of finalists showed it was “never too late” to become a technician. “Not all the finalists have traditional rural or farming backgrounds — many of them have made the switch from other careers,” she said. “John Deere is committed to providing every opportunity to learn and develop within the role, which has been clearly on show in the standard of finalists we have seen. “One thing they all have in common is a commitment to supporting our customers and contributing to the communities in which they work and live.”