A Foundation Built on Vision and Hard Work
Eric Cyr, General Manager of Sturgeon Valley Fertilizers, has been with Sturgeon Valley Fertilizers for 28 years. With a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Science from the University of Alberta, Eric's deep-rooted knowledge of crop production and his upbringing on a farm in Legal have made him an invaluable asset to the company. Eric's story is a reflection of SVF's broader mission: to combine deep agricultural expertise with a strong sense of community to support local farmers.
Founded by Larry and Pat Laird, SVF remains a family-owned business, with their three children continuing the legacy. At 89 years old, Larry Laird still leads as the company’s president, while his son, Doug Laird serves as the CEO, and is the cornerstone of the company, having joined the team officially right after finishing school. Cory Laird, Doug’s son, manages the St. Albert branch, ensuring the continuity of family values in daily operations. The Laird family's multi-generational involvement underscores the company's commitment to long-term relationships and stability.
The Early Days and Expansion
Larry Laird began his career as a fertilizer salesman, establishing anhydrous ammonia dealers. In 1967 he partnered with Roger Henry, a grower just north of St. Albert. Together, they started selling anhydrous ammonia to the local market. Recognizing the need for expansion, Sturgeon Valley Fertilizers was formalized in 1972 with the establishment of its St. Albert location, which remains their operational hub to this day. This site is not just a place of business but a symbol of SVF's deep roots in the community.
In 1986, the company expanded to include a new location in Legal, Alberta. Over the years they have introduced a range of services to support their customers, including custom spraying, custom spreading, seasonal fertilizer delivery, and crop advising from business agronomists.
A Major Contributor to Local Employment
SVF’s impact on the local business community is profound, particularly in terms of employment. Sturgeon Valley Fertilizers is one of the largest single business employers in the area, with 26 full-time employees in Legal and 23 full-time employees in St.Albert. During peak seasons, the company’s workforce swells to 90 people, providing vital employment opportunities to rural communities. This commitment to local employment is a cornerstone of SVF's business philosophy, demonstrating their belief that a strong, prosperous community is essential to the success of their business.
To support year-round employment, in 1987, Larry Laird established a fertilizer packaging division in Legal, which allowed seasonal staff from the St. Albert location to work in Legal during the winter months. This division, which now also packages ice melt, continues to thrive today. By diversifying their operations and creating additional employment opportunities, SVF ensures that their employees have stable, year-round work. This approach not only benefits the employees but also strengthens the community by providing consistent economic support.
“If you’re an independent dealer in western Canada who sells 25kg bags of fertilizer, there’s a high likelihood that they came from SVF, and that provides jobs for our local community,” explains Cyr. This statement encapsulates SVF's broader impact on the regional economy, highlighting its role in supporting other independent businesses and fostering economic growth.
Commitment to Community and Employee Well-Being
At Sturgeon Valley Fertilizers, honesty, integrity, and a balance between personal and professional life are paramount. Investing in infrastructure that creates local employment is a priority, as is fostering local activities through sponsorships of facilities and community events. This commitment to community involvement goes beyond mere business interests; it reflects SVF's deep-seated belief in giving back and supporting the areas that have supported them.
“Employee retention is one of the most important things for us, and we want to make sure that SVF is a great place to work,” says Cyr. From hockey games to staff ski trips and fantasy sports leagues, SVF fosters an environment of camaraderie and fun, where employees can build each other up and enjoy their time together. These activities are not just about having fun; they are about building a strong, cohesive team that can work together effectively and support each other both personally and professionally.
SVF's emphasis on employee well-being is also reflected in their commitment to professional development. The company invests in training and development programs to ensure that their staff are always at the forefront of agricultural innovation and best practices. This investment in people helps to build a knowledgeable, skilled workforce that is capable of delivering the high levels of service and expertise that SVF's customers have come to expect.
A Trusted Partner in Agriculture
SVF is committed to providing quality products and services to its customers, establishing a partnership where both parties can prosper. The team at SVF strives to be a trusted advisor, helping farmers navigate the complexities of crop production and achieve profitability. This partnership approach is central to SVF's business model, ensuring that their success is directly tied to the success of their customers.
The winter months are spent staying up-to-date on the latest agricultural research and technology, ensuring that SVF can provide the best possible support to its growers.
“One of our growers has purchased two drones for crop spraying,” shared Cyr. “So, our staff are taking training on creating spray maps and variable rate applications to help that grower achieve success.”
By staying ahead of the curve in terms of technological advancements, SVF ensures that they can offer their customers the most effective and innovative solutions available.
The younger generations of farmers have access to information a lot easier than previous generations but sometimes can get flooded with that information. SVF recognizes this challenge and works to help farmers sift through the noise and focus on what is truly important for their operations.
“Agriculture is constantly evolving, but the need for growers to understand how new developments affect their business, that need doesn’t change. Our team works to make sure we are always meeting that need and reducing the struggle for farmers to stay on top of innovation.”
Embracing Innovation and Sustainability
SVF actively trials new products and methods to understand their impact on crop production.
“We trial everything from new canola varieties to new chemistries or biologicals,” shares Cyr. “Anything new that has to do with crop production, we’ll try to have our hands in to understand it.”
By conducting research trials within the company, SVF vets product claims and ensures they provide genuine benefits to their customers. This dedication to innovation and sustainability is key to maintaining the profitability of their farmers.
“We have new fertilizer products in our sheds that offer benefits that didn’t exist five years ago,” explained Cyr. “This is part of the continuing evolution in sustainable agronomy practices that maintain the profitability of our farmers.” This commitment to sustainability is not just about environmental stewardship; it's also about ensuring the long-term viability of the agricultural industry and the communities that depend on it.
With a strong foundation built on family values, unwavering commitment to customers, and a forward-thinking approach to employee retention, SVF continues to set the industry standard for providing optimum crop production solutions. As they look to the future, SVF remains dedicated to being a trusted advisor to their farmers and ensuring their success, embodying the spirit of partnership and trust that has defined its legacy for over half a century.
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