Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
References
Timeline
Generic
Andre Wilken

Andre Wilken

Leola,SD

Summary

I have a deep passion for farm work, having grown up on a farm where I developed a strong knowledge of equipment and mechanical tasks. I'm a practical thinker with a willingness to learn and grow. My interests extend to crops, pesticides, and fertilizers, and I’m always eager to expand my experience. I believe in gaining new perspectives and seeing the world as I continue to learn. With strong leadership skills, I thrive in team environments. Ultimately, my goal is to teach my son the value of farm life and the importance of working hard for what you have. I'm not limited to the experience I have gained so far. I'm a fast learner and always open minded to new ways of farming.

Currently my wife and I reside in South Dakota ( In-Country) and our baby boy is due in May. My wife is on a dependant visa and don't have a working visa. We are not looking for a working visa for her, only for me, but if there's an opportunity we won't say no. She has experience with Quickbooks: invoices and billing, taxes, payroll.

Overview

3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Fleet Manager

Cottonwood Farms LLC
Leola, South Dakota
10.2022 - Current
  • I was promoted to Fleet Manager of the farm crew.
  • I was in charge of all equipment and vehicles on the farm.
  • I have experience on Farmpad, etc.
  • During my responsibilities as Fleet Manager, I was one of the managing team members for the harvesting and planting season.
  • Trained all the new employees on all equipment and machines.
  • I have 1000 of hours on all machines and equipment except for the harvesting combine. I started training last harvest season but don't have a lot of hours of experience.
  • I was in charge of the Sprayer ( Case ) but not limited to only Case. I have experience on both John Deere and Case sprayers and equipment. Newest and oldest.
  • I was in charge of mixing fertiliser and chemicals for the sprayer also.
  • For Planting season, I was the one who had to do the seed trailer and prepare that for planting.
  • Manure Pumping.
  • I'm not limited to these things listed, I'm a quick learner and willing to do hard work.

Ag Equipment Operator

Cottonwood Farms LLC
Leola, South Dakota
10.2022 - 01.2024
  • I was part of the harvesting crew.
  • I have experience in semi-truck driving: Peterbilt, International. From and to the fields, as well as to the Coop.
  • I have experience in driving semis for feed. As well as picking up soybean meal for the livestock.
  • I planted corn and wheat for the 2024 season.
  • For two years, I have hayed: baled, raked, spread, and sprayed fertilizer for pesticides, picking up bales and transporting it to the shed.
  • Maintenance work for all equipment and mechanical work.
  • I did fencing in between for livestock.
  • I operated the grain bins and was the only one who knew how to work the system.
  • Loading semis with hay bales and corn numerous times.
  • Manure Pumping

Sprayer Operator

Bestifor LLC
Belleville, Kansas
02.2022 - 09.2022
  • I was one of two spraying operators where I was in charge of spraying fertilizer on various fields.
  • I installed irrigation and also the management and maintenance of pivot irrigation.
  • I did various type of work on the farm where I swathed, loaded trucks with corn, drove the grain cart and did overall farm work.
  • I also helped the mechanics with electrical work and replacing brake pads etc.

EXPERIENCE WITH ECQUIPMENT:

· John Deere 4044R ; 4045R ; 408R ; 412R

· John Deere Tractors with Claas swathers.

· John Deere Skid steers with all attachments.

· John Deere Loaders 624 and 644 with numerous attachments.

· Volvo Loaders 2013 models.

· Semi-truck driving [ with CDL except with hauling grain in harvest time.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Agriculture

Stellenbosch University
South Africa, Stellenbosch
12-2021

Bachelor of Science - Horticulture

Stellenbosch University
South Africa, Stellenbosch
12-2021

Skills

  • 4044R, 4045R, 4088R , 412R John Deere Sprayer
  • 9620R John Deere Tarctor with scrapers, VT, discs
  • John Deere Skidsteer
  • Volvo Loader aswell as 624 and 644 John Deere loaders
  • Case 4440 , Case 4450
  • Grain Cart: Haul Master 1600
  • Mower: Claas Triple 3600 and 1100
  • Mower: Krone 3 Point Disc
  • Case Square Baler LB434 xl
  • John Deere Round Baler 560M
  • John Deere Square Baler L340
  • Combine: Case 8010 , 8120 , 8250
  • Planter: Case 1260 , Case 2160
  • John Deere Air Seeder 1895 ( toolbar ) 1910 (cart)
  • Rake: Rowse, Sitrex
  • Skidsteers, Loaders and Telehandlers

Certification

  • Sprayer Applicator License
  • South Dakota Drivers License

Languages

English
Native/ Bilingual
Afrikaans
Native/ Bilingual

References

  • Cottonwood Farms LLC: Farm Manager Wehan Avenant 605 252 8650 or wehanavenant@gmail.com

Timeline

Fleet Manager

Cottonwood Farms LLC
10.2022 - Current

Ag Equipment Operator

Cottonwood Farms LLC
10.2022 - 01.2024

Sprayer Operator

Bestifor LLC
02.2022 - 09.2022

Bachelor of Science - Agriculture

Stellenbosch University

Bachelor of Science - Horticulture

Stellenbosch University
Andre Wilken