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in Farmer's Inside Track

Podcast: John Deere’s heart beats for all farmers big or small

John Deere matches their state-of-the-art range of farming equipment with the proper support behind the scenes should something break down. It's this unwavering dedication and commitment that sets them apart from their competitors

by Duncan Masiwa
27th September 2023
Zabion de Wee, John Deere’s business development manager for Africa and the Middle East. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

Zabion de Wee, John Deere’s business development manager for Africa and the Middle East. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

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John Deere has been at the forefront of the farming industry for over 185 years and in this episode of Farmer’s Inside Track, we learn what sets them apart from its competitors.

And no, it is not only their extensive line of farm equipment but also their unwavering commitment to farmers of all scales and dedication to ensure that maintenance and repair services are readily available.

Zabion de Wee, John Deere’s business development manager for Africa and the Middle East, provides an overview of the range of agricultural machinery products, and talks about the benefits of contract versus purchasing and why they are committed to leaving no farmer behind.

The S.M.A.R.T. model

“We developed a model which we call the S.M.A.R.T model for farmers that can’t afford to buy the machines in the first year. A contractor then [goes] and helps the farmer plant. So [as a farmer] you still get the advantage of proper mechanisation and making sure that you plant at the optimal your field can produce,” he explains.

ALSO READ: Uplifting Mthatha farmers the John Deere S.M.A.R.T way

In the episode, De Wee also highlights what sets John Deere apart from their competitors.

He says, “We have a premium brand. Throughout Africa, we have a dealer network which allows us to support our farmers which is our biggest advantage. Once we put machines down [on the ground], we can look after it. Once a machine breaks down, we’ll get it up and running in the fastest possible time.”

In this episode, De Wee also discusses:

  • How John Deere helps ensure that farmers can operate their machinery.
  • Precision agriculture solutions John Deere offers to the farming sector.

Want to know more? Listen to the full episode of Farmer’s Inside Track. 

Option 1: Click here to listen on Spotify (all mobile and other devices).

Option 2: Click here to listen on any Apple device. 

Option 3: Click here to listen on Google Podcast.

Sign up for Farmer’s Inside Track: Join our exclusive platform for new entrants into farming and agri-business, with newsletters and podcasts.  

Duncan Masiwa

DUNCAN MASIWA is the assistant editor at Food For Mzansi, South Africa’s leading digital agriculture news publication. He cut his teeth in community newspapers, writing columns for Helderberg Gazette, a Media24 publication. Today, he leads a team of journalists who strive to set the agricultural news agenda. Besides being a journalist, he is also a television presenter, podcaster and performance poet who has shared stages with leading gospel artists.

Tags: Agricultural machineryCommercialising farmerFarmer’s Inside TrackJohn DeereMechanisationTeach me
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