Meet the International Workers: Felena Pereira

May 15, 2019

Felena’s a single mom from Trinidad and Tobago, with a son and daughter aged 13 and 10. Back home, she lives with her mom, with her siblings close by. Everyone depends on her and the salary she makes as an international farm worker. She calls it her “bread and butter”.

At first, she wasn’t able to find a job because she is a woman. But Schuyler Farms, in Norfolk County, gave her a chance. In fact, the farm is still the only farm in Ontario to hire female workers from Trinidad and Tobago. For many other farms, the investment in infrastructure to build separate accommodations for women is simply too great.

Felena has been coming back to the Schuyler Farm every summer since 2013. Although she still misses her kids and acknowledges the sacrifice she makes being away from them, they are now a bit more self-sufficient, so the distance has gotten a little easier. It also helps that the farm has great Wi-Fi, so she can regularly video-chat with her family via WhatsApp.

Thank you, Felena, for being a part of our community and for doing the work that you do.

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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.