As John Deere seek the next winner in their content creator award inaugural recipient Phaedra Rodriguez is making the most of her prize
John Deere is searching through entries for its Content Creator Competition to award the next winner free use of John Deere equipment for six months.
For current winner, flower and vegetable farmer, Phaedra Rodriguez, she has given her business a good nudge with the help of a John Deere Compact Utility Tractor and the ZTrak™ Zero-Turn Mower.
As the inaugural winner of John Deere’s Australia Content Creator Competition, Phaedra Rodriguez had access to the two pieces of equipment for a six-month period and put them to good use turning dreams into reality on her 3ha (7.5-acre) property at 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,” Phaedra expressed.
“It would have taken us six years to complete the projects on our to-do list, but we’ve been able to do them in six months with the help of the 4044R Compact Utility Tractor and ZTrak mower.
“It’s not just the time we saved, but also money. We haven’t had to pay for labour for someone else to complete some of these projects, such as resurfacing our driveway.
“I’ve learned so much about tractors and been able to achieve so much that I just didn’t think was possible, and it’s been so fun taking John Deere’s followers along for the ride as I’ve ticked off these projects,” Phaedra concluded.
Phaedra will soon pass the baton to the next great content creator, with entries now open for the 2026 John Deere Australia and New Zealand Content Creator Competition.
The winner of this year’s competition will once again be offered free use of John Deere equipment for six months to tackle their property projects, while making entertaining videos along the way.
“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 confirmed.
“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.”
Erin Wagstaff said if you enjoy telling stories, are comfortable on camera, and already find yourself sharing projects, jobs or wins on your social channels, this competition is worth considering.
“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.”
Like Phaedra, the winner of this year’s competition will not only get hands-on access to John Deere equipment, but also support from the John Deere marketing team, and the opportunity to create content that’s shared across John Deere channels.
“We’ve seen first-hand how this kind of exposure can build confidence, credibility and new opportunities,” Erin Wagstaff added.
“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.”
As for inaugural winner Phaedra Rodriguez, it’s not the end of her journey with John Deere – there’s plenty more work for the John Deere 4044R tractor at her place.
“I loved the tractor so much, I ended up buying it,” Phaedra added.
“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 be in the running to become John Deere’s Australian and New Zealand content creator, entrants need to showcase their creativity and humour in a 60-second video explaining the projects they could finish with the help of some John Deere lifestyle equipment during a six-month period.
Click on the link here to watch how Phaedra Rodriguez created a video about her win.
The next competition closes on Thursday 30 April 2026 and is open to Australian and New Zealand residents. For more information, how to enter, and the terms and conditions, see more here.
