Jack Jordan-Hill
Product Specialist- CLAAS LEXION — Landpower, Melbourne
How and when did you start your career in agriculture?
I grew up on a small mixed cropping and sheep farm in Winchelsea, Victoria. From about 2 years old I have always had an interest in the farm and particularly machinery. I loved to go out working with Dad during school holidays who managed a cropping property at the time. I began driving headers at 14 years old and was in a LEXION shortly after.
What drew you to your current role?
I liked the idea of combining agriculture, machinery, people, and business into one role. Having worked in crop production and contracting for several years, the Product Specialist role for LEXION at Landpower was a great opportunity to combine these in an agribusiness environment.
I was impressed by the team culture at Landpower during my placement, particularly and the values and ambitions the company have to ‘Keep Growing’.
What roles and experiences have led you to where you are today?
After high school I went contract harvesting in the USA on the 2000-mile harvest where we travelled from Texas to Canada. Upon returning to Australia, I continued working for a large cropping farm for several years in Victoria who operated two CLAAS LEXION 770’s, and later 8700’s. We would take these contracting over summer, beginning in the North and working Southwards.
I always had a drive to learn more about the business side of agriculture, so enrolled at Marcus Oldham College in Geelong to study a Bachelor of Business (Agribusiness). It was during this study that I completed two 4-week placements and spent a summer demo-driving LEXIONs with Landpower Australia in the Product Management team. I graduated from Marcus Oldham College in 2022.
What do you love about our industry?
I love that the agricultural industry is a tight-knit community. Whether you are supplying inputs, servicing machinery, growing the crop, or managing exports – it seems there is always a mutual connection amongst the people you meet. I think this connection in Ag is particularly important for the challenges our industry faces regarding weather, government policy and global influences. I am grateful to be a part of this industry.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of working in our industry?
If people, machinery, and agriculture is a passion for you, definitely look into working for a company like Landpower. There are opportunities to travel, meet likeminded people and work with some of the best products on the market. I would say there are many pathways into the industry. Whether it’s a technical route, an agribusiness degree or years of practical experience, each path has its merits. For me, I think having practical experience with the product on farm has been a big help in transitioning into my role.
What training and development have you undertaken with us?
Since joining Landpower full time in December 2022, I have been fortunate enough to travel to the UK for a three-month placement with CLAAS UK. There, I helped deliver operator training to over 400 UK farmers both in person and virtually through green screen technology. Once the harvest began, I was a part of the UK demo team conducting LEXION and TRION demonstrations across the country. It was a very positive experience and hopefully provides good value to the network going forward.
What do you feel are the key reasons you have stayed with the Landpower and CLAAS Harvest centre team?
Firstly, it is the people and positive culture Landpower has. I enjoy going to work. The people in our team band together and get it done even when it becomes challenging. The support, drive, and passion for what we do is a credit to those I work with.
Secondly, I appreciate the chance to continue developing my personal skills and product knowledge. The training opportunities are a testament to Landpower and CLAAS Harvest Centre who are willing to invest in their people to 'Keep Growing'.