Minister Ritz Expresses Condolences on the Passing of Hon. John Wise

Jan 11, 2013

Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz released a statement on Friday, extending his sincere condolences of the passing of former Minister of Agriculture John Wise.

Wise will be remembered for the many contributions that he has made to Canadian agriculture. He was instrumental in developing some key pieces of legislation including the Canada-U.S. Trade Agreement. He also helped deliver transition assistance for grape growers, which helped led to Canada’s world-class wine industry.

He will not only be remembered for the contributions that he made to agriculture but he will also be remembered as a true gentleman. Minister Ritz has sent his thoughts and prayers to the Wise family.

Video: Winter Service Inspections for John Deere Equipment - The FarmCast Ep64

The FarmCast, host Troy Randall speaks with Doug Luedke, Vice President of Service, and Davin Peterson, Executive Vice President of Aftermarket at 21st Century Equipment, to discuss the importance of proactive service and how it helps farmers reduce downtime during their busiest seasons. The conversation focuses on the Winter Service Inspection Program, a comprehensive approach designed to keep equipment running at peak performance and limit costly in-season breakdowns through preventative maintenance and expert technician support.

Doug and Devin explain how 21st Century Equipment’s service teams have evolved to meet the needs of today’s connected machines. With more technology and data integrated into modern equipment, technicians now play a vital role in both mechanical repairs and precision ag support. Through advanced diagnostics, machine monitoring, and John Deere’s Expert Alerts, they can identify and address potential issues before they become major problems—saving customers valuable time, money, and frustration.

Throughout the discussion, the team shares real-world success stories demonstrating how proactive inspections and customer-focused service help maximize uptime and efficiency for every operation. Whether it’s a large tractor, combine, or small mower, the goal remains the same: to provide trusted, reliable support that helps farmers and landowners stay productive and confident in their equipment year-round.