Shut 'Em Down

Jan 28, 2020

The saga involving orphan wells in the province continues.

The Action Surface Rights Association says farmers and ranchers should fight back against unpaid debts and unreclaimed oil and gas wells by closing valves and cutting power to the sites.

The association represents about 200 landowners in southern Alberta.

Daryl Bennett of the Action Surface Rights Association says"They need to let these companies know that they've defaulted on the leases and there are consequences."

The Rural Municipalities Association recently revealed energy companies owe a total of $173 million in unpaid property taxes.

Bennet likens it to a landlord who changes the locks when a tenant doesn't pay their rent.

The group says farmers are suffering when crops are reduced because food safety regulations prevent farming near contaminated sites.

On Thursday January 23, the Auditor General said its set to investigate how the province's orphan-well problem has become so big.

The province has been struggling to clean up 3,400 oil and gas wells left behind by bankrupt companies.

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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.