Parsonage Farms Ltd., near Baldur, MB, is operated by Sally Parsonage and her siblings, Riley, Dory and Jennie. The siblings took over the farm from their parents in 2014-15 and grow sunflowers, wheat, oats, barley, canola and soybeans.

What motivated you to get into farming?

We had cattle when I was growing up, but I wasn’t overly interested in them. Dad sold the cows just as I was graduating high school. In high school, I did a couple days of work experience with a local agronomist and thought it was interesting, so I decided to go for my agronomy degree. After studying at university, I spent a summer on the farm with my dad and brother and I didn’t leave.

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

(MCA agronomy extension specialist for special crops) Morgan Cott asked if I would join the sunflower committee right after MCA was formed. I had been aware of the National Sunflower Association of Canada before that, and we had just started growing sunflowers, so I thought it would be a good opportunity to learn more about them, meet some of the other growers and get a bit more involved in sunflower agronomy. It was a way to associate myself with the group and bring information back to the farm.

Everyone involved with MCA is great. The other delegates, directors and staff are all really passionate about farming and what MCA is trying to do. I’ve learned a lot from the people involved in the organization.

What does your role on the sunflower crop committee involve?

The role of a crop committee delegate is to help direct research funding for their crop type. The primary role is evaluating projects and deciding which ones are important and fit the research priorities. There is also some work around marketing and market development.

How has being a sunflower crop committee delegate benefited you?

I’ve learned more about sunflowers, which are a unique crop. I’ve also made better connections, because it’s a smaller market and it’s not always well publicized. Sometimes its can be hard to find information, so it’s been good to have a network to ask questions to and share information.

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

Before the amalgamation, the sunflower association had started a breeding program that has now resulted in a commercially available confection sunflower hybrid bred for Manitoba growing conditions. We’ve grown small trials of it before, but we’re planning a full field this year. I’m excited for that.

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

I hope farmer members check out our website or come to CropConnect or any of the other events we put on. The point of those events is to get the information we pay for with our check-off dollars into the hands of farmers. I hope farmers access that information and see the value in it. If they’re interested, they should consider joining a committee or getting involved to help guide the organization.

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

These are our check-off dollars that we’re paying into the group. Farmers should be the ones directing how they’re used. There is also a benefit to pooling our money this way to fund projects and research we wouldn’t be able to as individual farms. The system only works if people are involved. If someone questions the value of the organization, getting involved is a good way to understand the scale of the work that’s going on.

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

We’ve been on an expansion path since we took over. We’ve come to a nice size now where I think we can focus on getting better with the land we have and improving the farm for the next generation, which might be coming back in 10 or 15 years. I’m excited for that and hopeful we can hand it off in the best shape possible.

Do you have any hobbies outside of farming?

I’m on the rink board in town, which takes up some of my winter. I also enjoy yoga and reading.

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

You can’t go wrong with a sandwich. I could eat them every day.

What is your favourite TV series, movie or podcast right now?

Right now, I’m watching The Drew Carrey Show with my husband.