Province Kicks-in $30-Million for Ontario Racehorse Breeding

Jun 14, 2013

Province Kicks-in $30-Million for Ontario Racehorse Breeding

The Ontario government said it will extend its support for the province’s Horse Improvement Program, which aims to encouraging horse breeding. The extension will last until 2015. Over the next two years, $30-million will be allocated to support equine breeding.

The program was initiated by the Horse Racing Industry Transition Panel which had recommended it. The group was created after the Liberal government announced it was ending the Slots at Racetracks Program.

“Continuing to invest in this forward-looking program gives the horse racing and breeding industry confidence there will be a future here for Ontario-bred racehorses," said Kathleen Wynne, Premier and Minister of Agriculture and Food.

One of the panelists, former tory minister John Snobelen, called the plan “great news for Ontario-bred weanlings and yearlings and a strong encouragement for breeders in rural Ontario who are building on a legacy of great racehorses."

The transition panel is expected to resume talks with industry stakeholders starting June 21 to discuss options of how to best integrate horseracing into the provinces gaming plan.

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.