UN declares 2014 International Year of Family Farming

Apr 03, 2013

United Nations gives a boost to family farms

With 98% of Canada’s farms being family-owned, the announcement made by the United Nations to declare 2014 the International Year of Family Farming should be a very welcoming gesture. The term “family farmers” is defined as agricultural producers who make the majority of their living by farming. It’s believed that family farmers play a pivotal role in enhancing food security. The World Bank estimates that a 1% increase in GDP in agriculture sector will be twice as effective in alleviating poverty compared to any other sector. The UN declaration aims to focus on policies for sustainable development of agricultural systems.

The UN notes that there have been too many years of lack of interest towards agriculture, which has led to a number of issues that face the sector today – the disappearance of many family farms, population migration to the cities and less than thorough government support. “The time has come to re-launch farming, and the international Community should not squander the opportunity,” says Jacques Diouf, the General Director of (FAO).

Organizations and individuals are who are interested in getting involved with the campaign can sign a declaration which can be found on the website. Further information about the Family Farming campaign can be found at: http://www.familyfarmingcampaign.net

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.