Dealing with the unpredictable nature of farming

Aug 04, 2022

Mental health was a big focus of the Thanks For Farming Tour held in Winkler last week.

One of the keynote speakers was Chris Beaudry, a farmer from Saskatchewan and also a coach with the 2017/18 Humboldt Broncos, the team involved in the bus accident.

The focus of Beaudry's presentation was the unpredictable nature of farming.

"When things get unpredictable, it brings out the stubbornness pattern in us. This pattern is developed early in life when situations that we can't control show up. Things get out of control. What do we learn as a child, how do we deal with that? We become hard, we become stubborn, and how does that show up today for us? Are we actually acting from a place of choice or are we just reacting from this stubborn pattern," he said. "If you get a hail storm, if you get too much rain, not enough rain, how does that show up? How do we become hard and indecisive? Even in good times, if you have a good crop, what happens inside of you that makes you act from this pattern and not from a place of choice."

Click here to see more...

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.