Step into the world of Hawk's Agro, where friendly, trustworthy service and loyal, long-term relationships form the bedrock of the business. These values drive everything they do, and the team at Hawk's Agro is committed to nurturing and growing their relationships with customers, employees, and communities.
A Legacy of Family Business
Hawk’s Agro began in 1986 when John and Claire Hawkins opened J&C Hawk’s Auto Supplies in Central Butte, SK. Their passion for business and community soon led them to expand the business to Hawk’s Chemicals, adding crop protection and nutrition products to their lineup. This expansion was a natural progression for the Hawkins family, whose agricultural roots run deep. The family farm, established in 1918 in Shamrock, SK, is now maintained by the second, third, and fourth generations of the Hawkins family, continuing a proud legacy of agricultural excellence.
The JGL Connection
Hawk’s Agro’s story is also intertwined with that of JGL, a family business founded by Bill Jameson and Robin Gilroy in 1979. Originally a regional cattle-buying company in the Moose Jaw area, JGL has grown into a comprehensive agribusiness with services and distribution throughout North America. Over the years, the Hawkins and JGL families worked closely together to serve their customers and meet the needs of the communities they operated in. Following John's passing in 2008, the Hawkins brothers and JGL partnered to continue the business John had built, rebranding it as Hawk’s Agro. Their longstanding relationship facilitated a smooth transition, and five years later, JGL fully integrated Hawk’s Agro into its operations, allowing the Hawkins brothers to focus on their family farm.
Expanding Their Reach
Over the years, Hawk’s Agro has expanded to include seven locations across Southern Saskatchewan: Gravelbourg in 2012, Rouleau in 2013, Swift Current in 2014, Moose Jaw in 2017, Neville in 2018, and Strongfield in 2020. This growth reflects their dedication to providing the products, services, and expertise that keep their customers thriving. Their expanded services now include fertilizer plants, bulk fuel, cardlock, and agronomy services through Crop360, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of their customers.
Community at the Heart
“One of my first jobs in high school was working for Uncle John at J&C Hawk’s Auto Supplies and Hawk’s Chemicals,” shares Melissa MacLean, Director of Marketing & Philanthropy with JGL. “Community support was a core value for my aunt and uncle; they always focused on supporting local sports teams, organizations, and clubs, and that’s continued as Hawk’s Agro joined the JGL family. Strong communities are the fabric of well-being for not just ourselves but also our employees and customers. This is where we all live, work, and play.”
The JGL group of companies focuses on three pillars for their community support:
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Building Healthy Active Communities: Ensuring there are ample opportunities and options for families and individuals to lead healthy, active lifestyles.
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Supporting Rural First Responders: Recognizing the importance of emergency services for their rural customers, JGL is committed to making sure these vital services are accessible.
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Supporting and Encouraging Education in Agriculture for Young People: Understanding that the next generation is crucial to the future of farming, JGL offers a scholarship fund for agricultural education.
Dallas Funke, Director of Business Development with Hawk’s Agro, adds, “I’m pretty proud of the fact that, in any small-town rink south of the number one highway, you’ll likely find a Hawk’s Agro or JGL badge on a jersey or a sign hanging on the wall. Our rinks aren’t money makers; we support them because they’re the lifeblood of our communities, where tons of kids and families spend endless hours. It’s pretty cool to support places that are so vital to our communities.”
Raising the Bar
In 2022, Hawk’s Agro and their project, The Gravelbourg Cares Shuttle Service, won the grand prize in the WinField United Canada Raise the Barn contest. This achievement brought in a total of $28,000 for their local community, setting an inspiring example of raising the bar for community dedication and support. Since its establishment in July 2019, the Gravelbourg Cares Shuttle, run entirely by a committed team of volunteers, has been a lifeline for residents. The partnership with the shuttle service is one of the many ways Hawk’s shows its commitment to nurturing and growing their relationships with their customers, employees, and communities.
Partners in Success
At Hawk’s Agro, the team sees themselves as partners in their customers’ success. “As farms change and expand, and new regulations and other hurdles arise, there are always new problems to face,” says Funke. “We work with our customers to navigate these challenges. We’re not just about sending price quotes and moving on. We want to be partners on the farm; when they buy new drills, we want to help them make the best decision for their farm.”
The team is dedicated to looking ahead and gaining valuable insights for their farmers. “I do a lot of research about agriculture in the States and Europe because their regulations often mirror where we’re headed,” explains Funke. “Understanding what may be coming and being prepared for it helps us be great partners for our farmers.”
Commitment to Sustainability and Local Needs
Hawk’s Agro is committed to accommodating local needs and promoting sustainability at the micro level. “We understand that each community we serve has unique requirements, and we strive to provide solutions that support both agricultural productivity and environmental stewardship,” says Funke. “Our focus on implementing sustainable practices tailored to each farm ensures that we not only support individual farmers in their current success but also safeguard resources for future generations.”
A notable industry trend is the increasing focus on soil health, driven by farmers seeking to reduce fertilizer usage and cut costs amid tightening budgets. “This focus has shed light into what is going on in the soil and the potential to stimulate the soil microbiome,” explains Funke. “It gives us more freedom to think outside the box and find ways to be more effective.”
This spotlight on soil health has highlighted just how important it is to understand and improve soil quality, sparking a surge in research and funding. "We're seeing a real push to explore what our soil can do and to find ways to reduce the reliance on synthetic inputs," adds Funke.
At Hawk’s, they're all about staying ahead of the curve. Ensuring that all their ground support teams are certified in 4R Nutrient Management and their longstanding adherence to best practices means they're ready to help farmers make the most of new programs. Already, this commitment has yielded dividends for customers, particularly through offerings like the Canola Council 4R Advantage program. As the agricultural sector continues to embrace advancements, from biologicals to precision agriculture, the collective impact on sustainability and productivity becomes increasingly profound, paving the way for a resilient agricultural future.
Partnering for Local Insights
Placing a strong emphasis on their trial program, the team collaborates with growers to test a variety of products and services. Now in its third season, their Crop360 trial brand exemplifies their commitment to finding the best solutions. For 2024, Hawk’s Agro has approximately 100 field trials planned, demonstrating their dedication to innovation and tailored agricultural practices. “I’m most looking forward to seeing the results from our biological soil health trials,” says Funke. “We’re testing around 27 different products, and I’m excited to understand which ones will be effective and provide fine-tuned solutions for our customers backed by local data.”
On the Path to Growth
Prioritizing the development of their people, Hawk’s recognizes that investing in their team ultimately drives the success of their business. From agronomists to sales staff, every member is encouraged to pursue continuous learning and professional growth. The company actively supports their employees in achieving certifications such as Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) and Professional Agrologist (PAg), providing them with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their roles. Furthermore, ongoing training and development opportunities ensure that the team remains up-to-date with the latest industry trends and innovations. By fostering a culture of learning and development, Hawk’s Agro not only empowers their employees to reach their full potential but also ensures that they can deliver exceptional service and support to their customers. This focus on developing their people not only strengthens the company internally but also reinforces their commitment to providing the highest quality products and services to the agricultural community.
Funke finds the influx of new, passionate staff particularly rewarding. “Our universities and colleges in Western Canada do a great job of attracting the right people and building their knowledge. Every year, they send out individuals full of energy for their careers, ready to move the needle in agriculture. That’s exciting for me because young people are vital to the future of agriculture, and I am happy to have a part in helping them learn and grow.”
Hawk’s Agro is dedicated to growing together with their community, partners, and the next generation of agricultural professionals. Their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community support ensures that they’re not just building a business, but fostering a thriving agricultural legacy. Hawk’s Agro is more than just a supplier; they are a partner in your success.
About JGL
JGL is dedicated to promoting the growth and success of crop and livestock operations. By offering personalized products and services through its various divisions—JGL Livestock, JGL Commodities, JGL Capital, JGL Financial (including Ag First and Canadian Cattle Buyers Credit), Hawk’s Agro, and AgroPlus—JGL remains a trusted partner in the agricultural industry. Their investment in time and resources underscores their commitment to supporting the agricultural community.
