AFGRI Equipment Albany’s Daniel Popovici’s named country’s best service technician at John Deere Awards

Daniel Popovici never would have believed that when he started his career in Romania a decade ago, he would one day be named Australia’s best service technician. Now working at the AFGRI Equipment dealership in Albany, Mr Popovici was crowned agriculture and turf service technician of the year at the 2025 John Deere Technician of the Year Awards, held in Brisbane on September 18. The Romanian expat said he grew up around machinery and was always intrigued by the process of diagnosing and fixing machines, but never expected to win any awards for it. “This is a huge boost,” he said. “As a technician, we do our jobs, and we don’t always receive thanks. “This event is amazing, and it really feels good to be recognised for those long hours through harvest and those long weekends — it’s seven days a week and it’s absolutely amazing to win.” Celebrations of Mr Popovici’s win won’t just be restricted to Albany however, with both his father and brother still employed at the Romanian John Deere dealership that he started his career in. “My father will be extremely proud as he already was when the finalists were announced,” he said. “He actually went to a job and the customer said, ‘hey I saw Daniel on John Deere’s Facebook’. “That day exploded. “I got so many messages and calls from people who I haven’t spoken to for years, so it’s been a great experience overall.” Mr Popovici was recognised alongside fellow WA AFGRI Equipment employee Poopy Blohm, who took out the title for top parts technician for her work in Narrogin. John Deere Australia and New Zealand managing director Luke Chandler said Mr Popovici was honoured with the top prize for his commitment to upskilling and positive attitude. “Congratulations to all our Australian winners, who have shown exceptional technical knowledge, customer focus and ability to solve problems under pressure,” he said. “They are the people who keep our customers moving every day and it’s fantastic to see their talent and hard work acknowledged. “Their professionalism and problem-solving ability ensure farmers, contractors and businesses can achieve more with their equipment.”