Growing A Business
Ray Redfern, president and owner, embodies a deep sense of responsibility to both agriculture and his community. Reflecting on the company’s beginnings, Redfern shared, “I started from a pretty humble position, trying to create an ag input business that was broader than just petroleum.” However, the journey wasn’t without its challenges—Ray spent the first two years hauling fuel at night to provide for his family and keep the fledgling business alive.
Today, Ray’s perseverance and vision have paid off, as Redfern Farm Services is a pillar in the communities it serves. Beyond running the business, Ray is actively involved in various industry organizations, advocating for the betterment of independent retailers and the future of agriculture. His story is one of perseverance, community commitment, and a passion for advancing the industry to which he has dedicated his life.
Deep Community Roots
Redfern Farm Services is as committed to the community as it is to agriculture. While the company aims to make a living like everyone else, they understand that the well-being of the people in the community is vital. Without the community, the business would not be where it is today. Redfern Farm Services supports local infrastructure by sponsoring facilities like hockey rinks and curling arenas, ensuring these public spaces remain open for everyone to enjoy. Across southwestern Manitoba, the company supports local initiatives like curling clubs, golf fundraisers, and sports facilities, ensuring vibrant, thriving communities.
“Our communities are the foundation of everything we do,” Redfern explains. “If our community thrives, we all thrive.”
The company also places a strong emphasis on agricultural education and youth development, supporting local 4-H clubs and partnering with Assiniboine Community College to support educational opportunities. This ongoing commitment to small-town life, agriculture, and agricultural education is central to the company’s values, demonstrating its dedication to the communities it serves and the industry it supports.
Raising the Bar
Redfern Farm Services, like many businesses in rural western Canada, deeply values its role within the community. This commitment to community involvement was the driving force behind the company’s participation in WinField United’s Raise the Barn contest. Redfern’s efforts in this program reflect their dedication to bringing forward ideas that make sense for and improve the lives of the people in their communities.
Redfern Farm Services teamed up with the Westman Mental Wellness and Suicide Prevention Association and was selected as a regional winner, awarded $10,000 towards their project. They were then entered into public voting for the grand prize, where the project with the most votes at the end of the contest would win an additional $20,000, bringing the total prize to $30,000. The voting process not only raised awareness about the services offered by Westman Mental Wellness and Suicide Prevention Association but also allowed the public to recognize the pressing needs in their communities.
The campaign gained significant local support, with organizations such as the local chamber of commerce and curling clubs rallying behind the cause. This widespread support helped bring attention to the services available and highlighted the importance of community engagement. The recognition and public involvement were pivotal in securing the grand prize, and the initiative emphasized the company’s longstanding commitment to supporting rural communities in West Manitoba.
The project, which focuses on providing accessible counselling services, addresses a critical need in the region. With long wait times to see mental health professionals, the service aims to bridge the gap by offering affordable counselling during these wait periods. Funded by the prize money, the program will provide counselling sessions for individuals referred by (but not limited to) healthcare professionals who face extended waiting times.
Redfern Farm Services’ involvement in Raise the Barn highlights their dedication to the well-being of the community, ensuring that everyone has access to the support they need and reinforcing their commitment to the long-term health and happiness of rural Manitoba.
Diverse Offerings
Redfern Farm Services prides itself on offering a wide selection of seed, fertilizers, and crop protection products. Its offerings go beyond products, providing custom application services, in-field product deliveries, fertilizer application equipment rentals, soil testing programs, agronomy support, and tailored product recommendations. Redfern’s agronomy and sales teams deliver unbiased advice to help growers achieve profitable, high-yielding crops, working closely with farmers to offer personalized solutions rather than just selling products.
From crop variety and fertility trials to tackling soil salinity issues, Redfern seeks tailored strategies to meet the unique needs of its local areas.
“We don’t just sell products—we partner with producers,” says Dennis Lonsdale, manager of Redfern’s Souris location. “By understanding their challenges and offering customized solutions, we help farmers grow profitable, high-yielding crops.”
Soil Health & Biologicals
Lonsdale has seen biologicals emerge as a key consideration for farmers when contemplating both productivity and sustainability.
“Biologicals are an important part of an integrated fertilizer program, but their success depends on managing the entire system,” explains Lonsdale. “Paying attention to management practices and overall crop nutrition is key. When biologicals are used in conjunction with a well-managed program, they can make a meaningful difference, such as improving yields. However, they are not a silver bullet and should be viewed as one component of a broader strategy.
“Soil should be treated as a living organism. Much like feeding the gut flora in cattle to maximize the benefits of their feed, feeding the microflora in the soil helps optimize its ability to nourish crops,” shared Lonsdale. “By caring for the soil, understanding how it interacts with plants, and managing its changing conditions, farmers can create a system where the soil essentially “looks after” the crop. This requires careful consideration of available nutrients, microflora, and how they work together.”
Consistent soil testing year over year helps to build a deeper understanding of soil health. By tracking trends over time, farmers gain greater insights than a single, one-off test can provide.
“Sustainability looks different for everyone. It’s essential to identify and refine the practices that work best for your operation,” Lonsdale notes. “Whether managing 1,000 acres or 30,000 acres, success depends on finding a system that works for you. For smaller farms, this might mean focusing on efficiency and maximizing returns on every acre. Larger operations may achieve success by focusing on volume. We help each farmer find what works best for them.”
Ultimately, it’s about keeping an open mind and understanding the big picture. Avoid getting fixated on one specific area or practice. Instead, strive to see how the whole system works together. By maintaining this broader perspective, farmers can manage their resources more effectively and achieve sustainable, efficient, and profitable outcomes.
Innovating for the Future
The team at Redfern Farm Services brings a unique blend of deep industry knowledge and a common-sense approach to supporting their customers. They understand that agriculture is not just about providing inputs but about empowering farmers with the tools, insights, and innovations needed to succeed in an ever-evolving industry.
Lonsdale shares a perspective rooted in both history and forward-thinking. Reflecting on his grandmother’s words—how she witnessed the transition from horse and buggy to cell phones—he notes that the advancements in his lifetime will be even more transformative. Technologies like drones, digital farming, and artificial intelligence are rapidly developing, offering solutions to some of agriculture's most pressing challenges. From addressing manpower shortages to enhancing data analysis and making real-time recommendations, these tools are poised to revolutionize operations.
He highlighted the importance of keeping an open mind and embracing innovations, which will enable farmers to operate more efficiently and sustainably.
Lonsdale points out that smart equipment already exists with the capability to scan rows of crops and decide whether to spray, remove, or even zap plants with a laser. These innovations, while different from traditional methods, hold immense potential. "Stuff like this is coming, and we shouldn’t write it off just because it’s different from what’s happening now," he explains.
“The future isn’t cookie-cutter—it’s about finding the right innovations for each farmer.”
The future of farming will not be a one-size-fits-all scenario. Different innovations will resonate with different farmers, depending on their needs and operations. Redfern’s team is committed to staying ahead of these changes, helping their customers adapt and thrive as agriculture continues to evolve.
A Culture of Excellence
At Redfern Farm Services, excellence is more than a goal—it’s a way of life. Their mission is to deliver the best solutions for their customers by fostering a culture of growth, innovation, and teamwork. Employees, regarded as the company’s greatest asset, are encouraged to continuously develop their skills, creating a positive and fulfilling work environment.
Redfern’s long-term vision includes offering a range of quality products and services, investing in facilities and equipment, and cultivating the agronomic and operational expertise of their team.
“Our success isn’t just about products or prices,” Redfern emphasizes. “It’s about earning the trust and loyalty of our customers.”
A Legacy of Commitment
For over five decades, Redfern Farm Services has been committed to serving the needs of its customers and communities. With its knowledgeable team, diverse product offerings, and dedication to excellence, Redfern remains a trusted partner for farmers across southwestern Manitoba.
As Lonsdale puts it, “Agriculture will always be here—it’s what produces food, and food is essential to life. It’s important, and it always will be.”
Redfern Farm Services continues to Raise the Bar, providing innovative solutions for farmers and investing in the well-being of the communities they call home. Together, they’re building a future where agriculture thrives sustainably and communities flourish.
