Riley Anderson farms with his wife, Lashonda, west of Morris, MB. He is fifth generation on his father’s side and sixth on his mother’s. The family operation includes his parents, Joe and Pat; his sister Kara, who is an owner; and her husband, Caleb, who helps during harvest. Riley’s sister Cheyenne also works on the farm, while sisters Kaylie and Tessa help during busy seasons. His friend Tim is also an essential part of the operation. Together, they grow corn, soybeans, wheat and oats.

What motivated you to get into farming?

“It’s in my blood,” my dad always says, and we joke about that. I loved driving tractor and riding with my grandpa and uncle when I was little. From a very young age, my parents knew farming was in my future.

What is one of your favourite parts of farming?

I absolutely love planting season. That’s when we put the crop in the ground, and it’s when the highest level of attention to detail and precision is needed. It’s intense, because that’s what sets up the rest of the season. If we don’t do a good job planting, we’re going to have very little to harvest at the end of the year.

What motivated you to get involved with Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA)?

MCA was looking for a delegate, and a friend of mine who was on the committee called and asked if I would join. I did, and I’ve enjoyed my time here so far. I enjoy connecting with other farmers, and corn is an interesting crop in Manitoba. Traditionally, you either grow it and love growing it, or you don’t. It’s always good to meet with other people who are passionate about growing a crop I enjoy. I also think it’s very important to be part of planning where our research dollars are spent.

What does your role on the corn crop committee involve?

The No. 1 job of the corn crop committee is deciding where our check-off dollars go and how best to spend them. We strive to be good stewards of farmers’ money. Second, because corn is more of a special crop in Manitoba, part of the role is spreading knowledge and skills on how to grow corn effectively. As one of the other delegates says, it’s about spreading the love for corn.

Is there a project or area of work you’re especially proud of being part of as a delegate?

The biggest accomplishment is hiring an agronomist in residence for special crops at the University of Manitoba, Loveleen Dhillon. That’s a pretty big deal for corn and other special crops in the province. It increases capacity for corn-specific research in Manitoba. 

Is there anything you’d like farmer members to know about the work MCA is doing?

MCA strives to spend every dollar to benefit Manitoba farmers. It’s for farmers at large, not just a few.

Why do you think other people should get involved with MCA?

With the amount of dollars coming in through the check-off, it’s a lot of money. We need as many smart, wise minds around the table as possible to decide how those dollars are spent. The more people involved who have a passion for moving agriculture forward, the better the ideas and research will be.

What are you most excited about when it comes to the future of your farm?

Growing more nutritious crops that have demand around the world, and bigger crops in the future as I learn how to be a better manager of my soil. I want to become a student of my soil and learn how to maximize its potential and leave my farm in a better position than my ancestors left it for me.

Do you have any hobbies outside of farming?

In the winter, I’m really into ice fishing. It gets me out of the house. In the summer, I enjoy going to sporting events. I’m a big football fan. My wife and I have also recently gotten into watching dirt track stock car racing.

What is a good piece of advice you’ve received that’s stuck with you?

Always buy good land and don’t buy bad land. Also, surround yourself with people who are smarter than you. I try to put myself in rooms where I’m not the most knowledgeable person, so I can keep learning.

What’s your go-to field meal during busy seasons?

Whatever gets sent out to the field. We used to always get sandwiches because my dad loves them, but he had some health issues a few years ago which has changed how we eat on the farm. Now we get more hot meals or low-carb options and try to eat healthy in the field instead of grabbing something quick from a gas station. My mom makes a teriyaki chicken dish with a bit of rice and vegetables mixed in. It’s so good.

What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?

I was homeschooled from Kindergarten to Grade 12.

If you weren’t farming, what do you think you’d be doing?

I used to say I’d be coaching football, but I know I’m not good enough at that and probably wouldn’t make any money at it. I’d likely be working in the ag industry, maybe as a sales agronomist or in a role that involves connecting with people.