Industry
Members of the turfcare press were invited to the USA to celebrate John Deere’s 175th anniversary.
The company has achieved iconic status in America, where its green and yellow livery is as symbolic of the nation as Coca Cola and Big Macs.
Laurence Gale MSc remembers to pack everything, including his camera, and, here, provides an insight into life on tour, John Deere style
Have passport, will travel!
Replica of the original blacksmith’s store Sunday 22nd April
Thirty plus members of the Sports and Amenity turf press from across Europe fly out to Chicago’s O’Hare airport for a whirlwind tour of John Deere facilities covering four states - Wisconsin, Illinois, South Carolina and Virginia.
John Deere are celebrating their 175th anniversary and, in that time, have grown to become one of the top 100 global brands.
After a seven hour flight we finally arrive at O’Hare, where we meet up with other
40 PC JUNE/JULY 2012 The plough that started it all
press personnel from several other countries who have come in on other flights. Two press groups are attending the celebration, one representing the agricultural industry and the other the sports and amenity turf industry.
The turf brigade take a three hour coach ride to Horicon in Wisconsin.
JD’s Julia Piesker, Karsten Biber, Paul Trowman and Steve Mitchell are on hand to look after our needs and ensure none of us (me) get lost. Julia uses the bus microphone to keep us informed of the busy schedule ahead.
John Deere’s house at Grand Detour
We arrive at Horicon at 7.30pm local time; just enough time to drop our cases off before being taken out for the first of many enjoyable meals provided by John Deere.
Staying awake was our first priority, having already been up for over twenty- four hours! And we needed to remain awake during the meal and then get to bed to help get into sync with US time.
Monday 23rd April
First point of call is the John Deere Horicon works. We are given an
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