Iowa farmers give peace a chance

Mar 28, 2022

Iowa farmers show symbolic support for the people of Ukraine.

Farmers in Hubbard, Iowa gathered to arrange their tractors into the peace symbol as a way to show solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

Nineteen farmers from the area brought their tractors out to make the symbol—only truly visible from the air (see image above), as nearly 100 people gathered at a local school to host a candlelight vigil, offer prayers, and a moment of silence for those affected by the Russian Federation invasion of Ukraine.

Donations were also gathered with plans to send the money to a church in Hungary where numerous Ukrainian refugees were forced to flee.

The Russian Federation invaded the Ukraine on February 26, 2022. With the war ongoing, Ukrainian farmers will be hard-pressed to plant crops this year, as towns and cities have fallen under the onslaught.

It is estimated that over 3.9 million refugees have left Ukraine as of March 27, 2022, with about 6.5 million people displaced within the country as of March 18, 2022.

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.