Crestmead, Queensland (16 March, 2026) – Completing a four-page property to-do list in just six months might sound impossible, but flower and vegetable farmer Phaedra Rodriguez has made impressive progress with the help of a John Deere Compact Utility Tractor and ZTrak™ Zero-Turn Mower.

Rodriguez, the inaugural winner of John Deere’s Australia Content Creator Competition, was given access to the machines for six months and quickly put them to work transforming her 7.5-acre property in Yackandandah, in north-east Victoria.

“I still can’t believe I won the first John Deere Australia Content Creator Competition, but it’s been a life-changing opportunity,” Ms Rodriguez said.

“With the help of the 4044R Compact Utility Tractor and ZTrak mower, we managed to complete projects in six months that would normally take us six years.

“It wasn’t only about saving time — we also saved money. We didn’t have to hire extra labour for projects like resurfacing our driveway.

“I’ve learned so much about tractoring and been able to achieve things I never thought were possible, and it’s been so fun taking John Deere’s followers along for the ride as I’ve ticked off these projects.”

Now, Ms Rodriguez is preparing to hand over the spotlight, with entries officially open for the 2026 John Deere Australia and New Zealand Content Creator Competition.

The successful entrant will once again receive six months of complimentary access to selected John Deere equipment, allowing them to tackle projects on their property while sharing their journey through engaging social content.

"We have really enjoyed following Phaedra on her journey and seeing what she has achieved on her property with the use of the 4044R and ZTrak Mower," John Deere Australia and New Zealand Small Ag & Turf Marketing Manager, Erin Wagstaff, said.

“We received so many great entries for the previous competition, and we can’t wait to see this year’s crop of budding content creators.

“To up the stakes this year, we’ve expanded the competition to include New Zealand residents.”

Ms Wagstaff said the opportunity is ideal for people who enjoy storytelling, feel comfortable in front of the camera, and regularly share projects or wins on social media.

“You don’t need to be a professional creator; we’re looking for people who are passionate about what they do and excited to bring others along for the journey,” Ms Wagstaff said.

“It’s less about having the biggest following and more about authenticity; someone who can clearly and genuinely show how John Deere fits into their day-to-day work and lifestyle.

“We’re looking for someone who can put the equipment to good use and can bring that experience to life in a way that feels real and relatable.”

Similar to Ms Rodriguez’s experience, the next winner will receive not only hands-on access to John Deere machinery, but also guidance from the company’s marketing team and the chance to have their content featured across John Deere platforms.

“We’ve seen first-hand how this kind of exposure can build confidence, credibility and new opportunities,” Ms Wagstaff said.

“Whether someone wants to grow their digital presence, explore content creation further, or strengthen partnerships within the industry, this competition can be a huge stepping-stone.”

“I loved it so much, I bought it.”

For Ms Rodriguez, her story with John Deere is far from finished — especially with more projects on the horizon.

“I loved the tractor so much, I ended up buying it,” Ms Rodriguez said.

“Good thing I did, because the to-do list is longer than ever, but only because we now know what’s possible with John Deere.”

To enter the competition and become John Deere’s next Australian or New Zealand content creator, applicants must submit a 60-second video highlighting their creativity and humour while explaining what projects they would complete using John Deere lifestyle equipment over a six-month period.


Tight margins mean every dollar counts, especially when it comes to agriculture finance for new equipment. Credit One understands agricultural businesses and the seasonal pressures that come with them. They're Australia's best-reviewed finance broker, with 3,000+ five-star Google reviews from farmers and contractors who needed finance that actually worked. Browse Credit One reviews to see what others experienced, or run your numbers through the loan repayment calculator.