Beans have been a part of our farm’s story for decades. My father started growing them early in his career, initially as a way to pivot when the sugar beet market collapsed. His involvement with industry groups like the Manitoba Pulse Growers Association (MPGA) opened up market opportunities for dry beans just as interest in the crop was starting to grow.
Manitoba had the right climate, but very little infrastructure or knowledge around dry bean production. That didn’t stop my dad—he leaned into it. Over the years, we’ve grown just about every type: Navy, Black, Pinto, Pink, Red Kidney (light, dark, and white), Dutch Browns, and even California Black-Eyed beans.
There’s a saying on our farm: “A bad crop of dry beans is still better than a good crop of anything else.” It speaks to both the challenge and the reward of growing beans—and that’s kept us committed ever since.
I’ve also been proud to carry on the tradition of involvement in the industry. I’ve served on boards like Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers (MPSG) and worked on committees with Pulse Canada, focusing on trade, sustainability, transportation, and market access—issues that are always at the forefront of the bean industry.