John Deere hosts family for Make-A-Wish moment

Jul 15, 2022

Make-A-Wish makes 12-year-old Arizona dream a reality with visit to the John Deere facility in East Moline, Illinois.

By Andrew Joseph, Farms.com; Photo courtesy of John Deere

We’re not sure which is cooler.

Make-A-Wish for all their great work? John Deere for making it happen? Or a 12-year-old wanting to visit the place where the big green ag machines are built?

Westyn Wilson, 12, of Pine, Arizona wanted to visit a John Deere manufacturing facility as part of his Make-A-Wish opportunity—and for all intents and purposes, it was a wonderful day.

In 2019, Wilson was diagnosed with Wilms tumor, a form of childhood cancer that starts in the kidney. He is currently in remission after undergoing chemotherapy treatments.

Touring the John Deere facility with his younger brother and parents, he said that he wants to one day own a John Deere 730 tractor like what his grandfather has.

We wish Westyn Wilson and his family all the best. Beat cancer!

Video: California Farm Bureau 2025 Farm Dog of the Year Contest Winner - Willy - CAFB 107th Annual Meeting

Meet Willy: California Farm Bureau’s 2025 Farm Dog of the Year!

We’re excited to introduce Willy, a miniature long-haired dachshund with a big heart and even bigger courage, and the Grand Prize winner of this year’s Farm Dog of the Year Contest!

Willy may be small, but he’s become an indispensable partner on owner Marshal Hagedorn’s forestry and cattle operations in Shasta, Tehama, and Siskiyou counties. Adopted in 2023, he quickly found his place on the ranch, helping manage critters, tagging along for long days in the woods, and offering unwavering companionship during demanding logging work.

Willy has even taken naturally to moving cattle, surprising calves (and more than a few full-grown cows!) with his burst of energy from the tall grass. As Marshal put it: “He goes with me everywhere every single day.”

Congratulations to Willy and his family, a perfect example of how every good farm dog, no matter the size, helps keep California agriculture running strong.