Grainswest - Tech 2025

Tech 2025 Grains West 38 Bills C-244 and C-294 became law in Canada in late 2024. These two statutes, commonly called right to repair legislation, should allow farmers and their service providers greater access to diagnostic software. The implementation of the law will happen at the provincial level, and this will take time. While he can usually diagnose a computer problem on an implement, McGhee directs his customers to contact the dealership when it comes to the repair and replacement of electronic components so they can receive warranty coverage on these items. Typically, a remanufactured controller comes with a one-year warranty. At Acme, Penner said he has run into issues with newer equipment that required the intervention of a local dealership. He hopes right to repair legislation makes software more accessible outside of manufacturer networks. He relies upon older equipment to keep his smaller farm profitable, but even 10-year-old machinery has complex elements. He believes smaller farms will avoid updating equipment if it means they can circumvent a dealer call every time their combine or tractor displays an error code. “When my parents were farming you could be a fairly progressive farmer with 1,500 to 2,000 acres of land,” he said. “It’s awfully hard to pencil out having modern equipment today if you’re not farming more than 2,500 acres.” McGhee and Schmidt clearly desire to help their farmer clients succeed. Maybe it’s because they both grew up on family farms where the short growing season breeds a paradoxical combination of self-reliance and collaboration. “Your time allotment is pretty sensitive in this industry, and you can’t get a lot done on days that it’s raining,” said McGhee. “But if it’s sunny on a Sunday, you have got to be working. I like being able to help my neighbours and compete against Mother Nature and the federal government.” His jab at the feds is part of a larger critique on emissions systems that have been mandated on farm equipment, but that’s a conversation for another time. Though they are not represented by an association, the province’s independent farm mechanics stay connected. Schmidt regularly keeps in touch with fellow mechanics in his area, and he finds it easy and rewarding to discuss their common obstacles. “I can go into other shops and have coffee with the guys. You’re on the same team trying to work for your customers.” There’s a cliché that everyone needs a farmer three times a day, but an entire ecosystem of professionals also supports farmers. McGhee and Schmidt are two of these supporting players; their knowledge extends beyond the innerworkings of the machines they service to the innerworkings of the communities they serve. Amechanic based in La Crete, Brad Schmidt welcomes customers to work alongside him as he carries out repairs. Photo courtesy of Brad Schmidt. FEATURE