The Deere Doctor
Passing the Wrench: The Deere Doctor and the Next Generation of John Deere Technicians
For more than four decades, Rob Bell—better known to many as “The Deere Doctor”—has made a career out of keeping John Deere equipment running. With more than 41 years in the service department at Valley Plains Equipment in Hillsboro, ND, Rob has built the kind of knowledge that only comes from years of diagnosing problems, turning wrenches and learning equipment inside and out.
But a career like Rob’s isn’t just about what you learn along the way. It’s also about who you can help teach next.
Meet Joel Thompson
Standing alongside Rob and the Deere Doctor pulling tractor is Joel Thompson—part of a new generation being introduced to the world of John Deere technicians.
But Joel’s connection to Valley Plains Equipment and John Deere goes back long before he started thinking about a career. His grandmother, Janet Thompson, has been a dedicated member of our team for an incredible 42 years. You could say Joel has quite literally grown up GREEN!
For someone beginning a career in the industry, there’s a lot to learn—and that’s where experienced technicians like Rob make such a difference. After decades of building knowledge, solving problems, and working with evolving equipment and technology, technicians like Rob have invaluable experience to pass along to the next generation.
Bringing together decades of experience and a new generation of talent is an important part of keeping our industry—and agriculture—moving forward.
And for Joel, it’s pretty special to see a family connection to Valley Plains Equipment continue into the next generation.
More Than Turning Wrenches
Rob’s pulling tractor is a fitting example of what being a technician is all about.
The Deere Doctor started as a John Deere 4430 with a blown engine. Rob sold the cab, installed an engine he modified from a 9610 combine and began building it into the pulling tractor it is today.
It took mechanical knowledge, problem-solving, creativity and a willingness to keep learning—all qualities that can take someone a long way as a John Deere technician.
And after more than 41 years, Rob is still doing exactly that. Even during the winter months in Florida, he continues working remotely for Valley Plains Equipment and helps area farmers with repairs.
Passing the Knowledge Along
When someone like Joel enters the technician world, he isn’t starting alone.
He’s surrounded by people who have spent their careers learning these machines and solving problems in the field. That gives the next generation an opportunity to ask questions, work alongside experienced technicians and gain knowledge that simply can’t be learned from a textbook.
And experienced technicians get something valuable in return: the opportunity to pass along what they’ve learned and help shape the future of their profession.
Rob has been involved in tractor pulling since 1989, driven by the challenge, the people and a deep love for the machines that fuel agriculture. Those same passions have also helped fuel a career spanning more than four decades.
Who’s the Next Deere Doctor?
Joel represents exactly what we want to see more of at Valley Plains Equipment: new talent taking an interest in the technician profession and learning from the people who know it best.
There’s a tremendous amount of knowledge within our shops, and passing that knowledge from one generation to the next helps ensure our customers will have talented people supporting their operations for years to come.
Every great technician has a first day, a first mentor and a first machine that makes them want to learn more.
For Joel, getting to spend time with the Deere Doctor is another step into that world.
And who knows?
Maybe someday, we’ll be telling Joel’s 40-year story.
*Phone was taken after Joel’s second time down the pulling track on the Deere Doctor. He has been helping with modifications and repairs lately.
