2022 marks 75 years since the Oakley family purchased their first John Deere tractor. It was a John Deere model B21 Horsepower purchased in 1947. In 2018 Oakley’s Premium Fresh Vegetables purchased the 8370 370 horsepower tractor, how times have changed!

This week, our founder and managing director Robin Oakley and his father visited the John Deere historic site in Grand Detour, Illinois. This is where the revolutionary plough was made that set the course for the John Deere equipment we know today. Its clear innovation and desire to build a successful business model was in the DNA right from the start.

The Oakley boys were well hosted by Harold and Bill, both longtime employees of John Deere. We presented the company with pictures framed of 3 generations and 75 years of our partnership with the company. This is a special moment for us as long-time lovers of John Deere equipment helping us on our mission to grow and deliver the best vegetables across New Zealand.