Have your say on our farms

Sep 23, 2019

The province is calling for the public's feedback on how to encourage farming and protect farmland throughout British Columbia.

Input is being welcomed on how to support farmers and ranchers in the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) in expanding and diversifying their businesses, help establish new farmers and ensure there is flexibility for residential options while prioritizing agriculture.

All residents can have their say from now until Nov.15 by submitting online feedback or attending one of the public meetings held throughout the province, including one in Kelowna on Oct. 10.

B.C. minister of agriculture Lana Popham says it is essential B.C.'s agricultural industry continues to thrive in the light of issues like climate change and rising land prices.

"Helping farmers, protecting farmland and increasing food production are top priorities for our government, and we want to continue the momentum we've created - it's driving the success of this sector in our province. Our government is working hard to expand B.C.'s agriculture industry. We are increasing access to locally grown and raised food, and helping rural communities diversify their economies and create sustainable jobs."

The six in-person focus sessions will focus on the purpose for recent government changes to strengthen the ALR and gathering input from attendees.

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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.