Experience vs Innovation: Veteran Harvester Takes On Tech-Savvy Young Gun in Automation Showdown
In a bold demonstration of how far harvesting technology has come, John Deere staged a real-world trial of its latest automation systems by setting an experienced hand against the cutting-edge tech in its newest S7 Combine.
The "Harvest S" docuseries captures the side-by-side harvest at Gurley in northwest NSW, where two S7 900 Combines went head-to-head—one piloted manually by veteran operator Joe Cornish, with over 50 seasons behind him, and the other by 25-year-old Angus Carrigan, a fifth-generation farmer using the full suite of John Deere's latest automation tools.
Joe relied on his five decades of experience, with all automation features switched off, while Angus let the S7’s advanced onboard systems take the reins—technology designed to help even novice operators perform at a high level.
“We wanted to put the S7 through its paces under real and challenging conditions,” said Ben Kelly, John Deere’s Director of Marketing. “The wheat crop was leaning, and that made it ideal for testing how the automation handles variability.”
The S7 is equipped with Predictive Ground Speed Automation, which uses forward-facing cameras and satellite imagery to anticipate changes in crop conditions and adjust speed accordingly, and Harvest Settings Automation, which continuously optimises grain quality and minimises losses by adapting to set thresholds.
These tools can boost productivity by up to 20%* across the season, while also helping reduce operator fatigue and dependency on high-skill labour.
Joe, who began farming in 1982, admitted the tech had come a long way since his early days. “We used to use a rope as a guide,” he laughed. “I was sceptical, but I can see how consistency is everything—downtime is expensive.”
Angus, enthusiastic about the tech, said it gave him more time in the paddock and less time clearing blockages. “With fewer skilled workers available, this kind of automation will be vital for us,” he said.
When the combines returned after four hours of harvesting, Angus had edged ahead. While Joe matched him on grain loss, Angus maintained a steadier pace and consistent throughput, aided by the automation.
“I liked how it held a consistent load and adjusted itself—it took the pressure off,” said Angus.
Joe later re-entered the cab with the automation switched on and was quick to acknowledge its benefits. “It’s definitely easier,” he said. “Machine Sync unloading was really smooth. For someone less experienced, this would be a game changer.”
Max Cusack, John Deere’s Manager, Production Systems, summed up the significance: “The S7 doesn’t make the machine more powerful—it makes it more consistent. And that’s how we bridge the gap in experience.”
The Gurley trial was just one of ten automation comparisons run at the start of the 2024 harvest, and results from across those sites are being used to show how tools like Predictive Ground Speed Automation can lift performance on farms of all sizes.
Watch "Harvest S" and see how the two drivers fared:
Part 1: https://youtu.be/1kttySM4ALw?si=waY95xebdfnOZ_3S
Part 2: https://youtu.be/VEZMZnSzYsk?si=BO_rKwlV2iX2bEJW
* Based on anonymised John Deere Ops Center data comparing combine models with and without Predictive Ground Speed Automation. Results may vary by model, crop type, field condition, and operator.
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