Premier Wynne Pays a Visit to Ontario Cattlemen

Feb 21, 2013

Ontario Beef Farmers Get a Special Visit from Premier Wynne

The newly appointed Ontario Premier and Minister of Agriculture and Food Kathleen Wynne was one of the honored guests at this year’s Ontario Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) annual banquet.

"Premier Wynne's decision to attend our AGM and Award Banquet was a wonderful way for our new board to start the year," said OCA President Dan Darling. "Our members understand that the Premier is coming off one of the busiest months of her life. The fact she could adjust her schedule to spend the evening listening to cattle farmers speaks volumes to her commitment to ensure her government reconnects with rural Ontario," Darling added.

Other dignitaries that were present included Rural Affairs Minister Jeff Leal, Parliamentary Assistant of Rural Affairs, Grant Crack, Opposition PC Agriculture Critic and former Minister of Agriculture Ernie Hardeman, NDP Agriculture Critic John Vanthof, and a number of MPPs.

Among farm leaders and politicians there was discussion about Ontario's Risk Management Program, in which beef cattle producers expressed their willingness to work with the government to ensure that the program continues to serve the needs of farmers in the province.

According to online sources, Wynne was gifted a cowboy hat at the OCA hat. The OCA is a grassroots organization that represents 19,000 beef farmers in the province.

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.