Implement Success - Spring/Summer 2024

SPRING/SUMMER 2024

ImplementSUCCESS

Volume 21 Issue 1 | The Official Publication of AMC | Agricultural Manufacturers of Canada | a-m-c.ca

Canada’s

Changing Landscape in Agricultural Manufacturing

Trusted Partnerships Spark an Unexpected Boom From the Warehouse to Your Touchscreen Expanding for the Future of Ag

page 10 page 14 page 20

ImplementSUCCESS

Spring/Summer 2024 Volume 21 Issue 1

Features

In This Issue

AIC Supply Inc.

Reflections from AMC’s Board Chair

Trusted Partnerships Spark an Unexpected Boom page 10

page 5

Thank You to Our Corporate Partners

AMC Shift

2024 Convention Preview page 12

page 6

Message from AMC’s President page 7

Spindustry

From the Warehouse to Your Touchscreen page 14 Careers in Ag

​ nlocking the Future of Agriculture U with the Careers In Ag Mobile Skills Lab page 16

Innovation Spotlight page 22

AMC New Member Spotlight page 32

Advertisers’ Index page 38

Careers in Ag

Great People and Places to Work page 17 Olds College of Agriculture & Technology

Expanding for the Future of Ag page 20 AMC POWER

2023 Convention and Tradeshow Recap page 24 Agri-Trade Exposition

40 Years in Red Deer page 27 ROSTA Inc.

The Power of Product page 28 Neeralta Manufacturing Inc.

An Inch Wide, a Mile Deep page 29 Rapid 3D Ltd.

Taking Manufacturing to Another Dimension page 30

Strategic Priorities AMC is proud to be the only Canadian association dedicated exclusively to ensuring agricultural equipment manufacturers and their suppliers succeed in domestic and world markets by focusing on three strategic pillars:

AMC Cultivates Drive Opportunities for Growth It is our job to continually attract new experts to our brain trust to ensure our association, our members and our industry continue to develop, remain highly competitive and thrive.

AMC Advocates One United Voice for Our Industry AMC is an advocacy champion for our members.

With decades of industry leadership, Federal and Provincial government representatives listen when AMC speaks. Our advocacy work propels policy change that fuels progress and expansion, making our industry stronger.

AMC Collaborates National Catalyst for Thought Leadership

Published semi-annually for Agricultural Manufacturers of Canada (AMC), 204-666-3518 | www.a-m-c.ca.

Mission Statement to foster and promote the growth and development of the agricultural equipment manufacturing industry in Canada.

Editor: AMC Marketing: AMC Project Manager: AMC Layout: 6P Marketing ©2024 Agricultural Manufacturers of Canada. All Rights Reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the publisher. Published May 2024/PIM-AMC3380

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@Agricultural Manufacturers of Canada (AMC)

AMC is constantly creating new and innovative ways to serve our membership. We provide frequent opportunities for input and exchange where our industry experts can spark and incubate ideas.

Through events and our communications, we bring members together for networking, information sharing and collaboration that encourages knowledge to flow and business to grow.

Look for these icons to see how our Strategic Priorities are reinforced in our content!

Implement Success | Spring/Summer 2024

3

We specialize in providing high-performance hydraulic hose assemblies, tube assemblies, and hydraulic adapters tailored to meet the demands of the agriculture industry.

Connect with Alex Hammond, Director of Sales

(647) 334 7985

ahammond@tompkinsind.com

Visit our website: TOMPKINSIND.CA

REFLECTIONS FROM AMC’S BOARD CHAIR

As we embark on this journey through the evolving landscape of agricultural progress within the pages of Implement Success magazine, I am thrilled to highlight the remarkable achievements of Canadian agricultural manufacturing.

The statistics from 2023 speak volumes: Canadian agricultural implements worth an impressive $4.09 billion were exported to 148 countries across the globe. This outstanding performance underscores our industry’s pivotal role as a global export powerhouse and reflects the dedication and ingenuity of our members.

The increasing global demand for top-tier Canadian agricultural equipment highlights the critical role our members play in advancing technological boundaries. Through their relentless pursuit of excellence, Canadian agricultural manufacturing continues to set new standards on the world stage.

Our industry’s impact extends far beyond export figures. Canadian agricultural manufacturing is a cornerstone of our national economy, supporting numerous jobs and driving rural prosperity. The success of our members directly contributes to the livelihoods of communities across the country, fostering economic growth and stability.

Moreover, our role in the global food system is crucial. Quality agricultural implements produced by Canadian manufacturers enable farmers worldwide to enhance productivity and efficiency. With exports to 148 countries, we facilitate global food production, address food security challenges, and sustainably support growing populations.

As we navigate the year ahead, I am encouraged by the commitment of our entire membership to excellence.

Let us continue to innovate, adapt, and collaborate, leveraging our collective expertise to propel Canadian agricultural manufacturing to new heights.

Within the pages of Implement Success magazine, you will discover the stories that speak to the success of our industry and illustrate how we have collectively achieved domestic and global success. Their journeys reflect the spirit of Canadian agricultural manufacturing—resilient, forward-thinking, and driven by a commitment to quality.

As you explore this edition, let us celebrate the achievements of our industry and draw inspiration from the remarkable progress we have made. The future is bright, and together, we will continue to foster and promote the growth and development of the agricultural industry in Canada.

Here’s to a year filled with continued success, interprovincial collaboration between members, and shared achievements within the industry.

Bob Cochran Chair | Board of Directors | Agricultural Manufacturers of Canada

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@Agricultural Manufacturers of Canada (AMC)

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Thank You to Our Corporate Partners With a growing number of members, AMC collaborates with corporate partners to provide ongoing support, services and programs that help members’ businesses grow.

AMC CATALYST hkhenderson.ca

AMC COLLABORATORS

6pmarketing.com

aon.ca

cloverdalepaint.com/industrial

bkt-tires.com

fcc-fac.ca

mltaikins.com

AMC SUPPORTER

shopsupreme.ca

EX

EXECUTIVE

AMC BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Bob Cochran, Chair

DIRECTORS

Highline Manufacturing Director - Highline Brand 306-258-2233 bobc@highlinemfg.com

6

Kristal Allen, Director Dentons Canada LLP Partner 403-268-3065 kristal.allen@dentons.com

Torey Hadland, Vice Chair CLAAS of America Inc. Region Director - Canada 306-717-3225 torey.hadland@claas.com

Randy Bauman, Director Eldale Machine & Tool President 519-669-5195 randy@baumanmfg.com

Implement Success | Spring/Summer 2024

Kiera Young, Treasurer MacDon Industries Ltd. Executive Vice President 204-885-5590 kyoung@macdon.com

Glenn Buurma, Director

Penta Equipment President 905-334-6884 gbuurma@pentaequipment.com

Cor Lodder, Past Chair Walinga Inc. Director 204-745-2951 cor.lodder@walinga.com

Tara Chawla, Director

Versatile (Buhler Industries Inc.) Head of Marketing (204) 661-8711 info@versatile-ag.com

Heather Forbes, Director Rite Way Mfg. Co. Ltd. / Morris Equipment Ltd. President (306) 933-8585 hforbes@morrisequipment.ca

Paul Horst, Director

TubeLine Mfg / Horst Welding General Manager 519-669-9488 paul@horstwelding.com

www.a-m-c.ca

MESSAGE FROM AMC’S PRESIDENT

In this edition of Implement Success magazine, we’re honing in on the evolving terrain of agricultural manufacturing, an industry marked by innovation, adaptation, and resilience. As you delve into the pages of this issue, you’ll find yourself immersed in the narratives of industry pioneers and trailblazers, each contributing a unique chapter to the ongoing saga of agricultural progress where the producers of Canadian implements are leading the charge.

Step into the vibrant landscape of Canadian agriculture, where innovation is not just a choice but a necessity. From the snowy beginnings of Agri-Trade Exposition’s inaugural show to the global recognition it commands today, witness the evolution of an event that has become synonymous with excellence and opportunity. Discover how Neeralta Manufacturing’s journey from a modest repair shop to a pioneering force in grain equipment epitomizes the spirit of ingenuity driving our members forward.

But the stories don’t end there. Dive deeper into the world of 3D scanning with Rapid3D, a company at the forefront of technological advancement in Western Canada. Explore the pivotal role played by institutions like Olds College of Agriculture and Technology in shaping the future of agriculture through education and innovation. And journey with AIC Supply Inc. as they navigate unprecedented growth and continue to redefine industry standards with integrity and transparency.

These are just glimpses of the rich tapestry of stories waiting to be uncovered within the pages of our magazine. Join us as we celebrate the triumphs, navigate the challenges, and chart the course for a future where innovation knows no bounds.

While embracing the future of our industry, we are preparing to SHIFT perspectives and the business landscape for our membership. Get ready to dive into the heart of new ideas and transformation with AMC’s 2024 Convention and Trade Show, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on June 12 & 13.

Be part of the conversation, connect with industry leaders, and discover the next big thing in agricultural manufacturing at SHIFT. As we have made a shift with Convention this year, we have also adjusted the date of our biggest member event in Eastern Canada. We are taking you to new heights with ELEVATE: AMC’s 2024 Expo and Trade Show. Experience innovation this fall at our annual Expo at the Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation – Humber College in Etobicoke, Ontario, on November 6 & 7, 2024. Learn more about these events throughout the pages of this edition.

And, of course, the summer tradition of AMC’s golf tournaments in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Ontario continues.

The promise of fun on the greens is guaranteed, no matter where your golf ball lands. Join us in St. Andrews, Manitoba, on July 29 at Larters at St. Andrews Golf & Country Club, in Elbow, Saskatchewan, on August 20 at Harbor Golf Club, or in Woodstock, Ontario, on September 9 at Craigowan Golf Club. Visit our website or scan the QR codes on page 19 to register an individual golfer or your whole team.

In this edition’s Innovation Spotlight, delve into the groundbreaking achievements of AMC members Honey Bee Manufacturing Ltd., Custom Quality Manufacturing Inc., and Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence Canada. Discover how their novel processes and cutting-edge production outcomes are reshaping the landscape of our industry.

Our New Member Spotlight shines brighter than ever before, featuring the largest gathering of new member profiles in AMC Implement Success history. Dive into all 28 captivating overviews and get acquainted with our newest members. Stay connected with us on social media and through our Connection newsletter to ensure you never miss out on future announcements.

Donna Boyd President | Agricultural Manufacturers of Canada If you would like to learn more about any of our initiatives, refer a prospective new member, or explore being more active as an AMC member, please reach out to me at donnaboyd@a-m-c.ca or 204-666-3518 Ext. 102.

@AMCshortlinecda

@Agricultural Manufacturers of Canada (AMC)

Implement Success | Spring/Summer 2024

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INCREASING FOCUS ON PER ACRE EQUIPMENT COSTS Rising farm equipment prices, increasing interest rates and tighter farm profitability have farms placing a greater emphasis on their per acre equipment costs.

FCC Economics has derived a per acre estimate for a grain and oilseed operation in western Canada, but trends are similar across the country. The calculations are based upon new equipment prices and annual equipment capacities (Figure 1). Total farm equipment invested per acre is nearing $900 per acre in 2024.

Figure 1: Estimated per acre total farm equipment investment – grain and oilseed operation $ per acre

1,000 800

600 400 200 0

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

Source: Alberta farm input prices, Saskatchewan Farm Machinery Custom and Rental Rate Guide, and FCC calculations

fcc.ca/Economics

INCREASING FOCUS ON PER ACRE EQUIPMENT COSTS

According to Statistics Canada’s balance sheet of agriculture a grain and oilseed operation has approximately 68% equity in equipment implying the remaining 32% is financed. Coupled with rising equipment prices and higher interest rates FCC Economics estimates equipment debt payments on average are approaching $80 per acre based on a five-year equipment loan (Figure 2).

Figure 2: Estimated per acre total farm equipment loan payment

$ per acre

90

80 70

60 50

40 30

20 10 0

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Principle

Interest

Source: Alberta farm input prices, Saskatchewan Farm Machinery Custom and Rental Rate Guide, and FCC calculations

Add in fuel, repairs, and depreciation costs on top of equipment debt payments and the total average equipment cost per acre has now surpassed $100 per acre (Figure 3).

Figure 3: Estimated per acre total farm equipment costs

$ per acre

120

100 80 60 40 20 0

The bottom line

As new farm equipment prices remain elevated farms will continue to emphasize a greater focus on their per acre costs. On many operations they can spread costs over more acres, lengthen their equipment amortization or adjust their replacement cycle to optimize total per acre equipment costs. Understanding how each piece of equipment impacts the financial aspect of a farm is important. A solid equipment strategy and replacement cycle will lead to improved decision making, control costs and improve trade in values.

Leigh Anderson, Senior Economist

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Equipment Debt Payment

Fuel

Depreciation

Repairs

Source: Alberta farm input prices, Saskatchewan Farm Machinery Custom and Rental Rate Guide, and FCC calculations fcc.ca/Economics

INCREASING FOCUS ON PER ACRE EQUIPMENT COSTS

MEMBER FEATURE

Trusted Partnerships Spark an Unexpected Boom W

hen AIC Supply packed up shop in Winnipeg to move to a smaller facility in Île-des-Chênes, MB, President and Owner Sean Ralph expected business to slow down with it. The COVID-19 pandemic had shaken the world, and this was the company’s way of bracing for the hit. The last thing Ralph expected was a surge in business.

“Within a year, we tripled,” Ralph says.

“It caught everybody off guard.”

AIC Supply Inc. has focused on finding only top-quality farm components from recognized manufacturers since it was founded 10 years ago. AIC acts as a sales rep for these partners or as a reseller of their products to OEMs across Canada, depending on their needs. During the pandemic, it appeared its services were as needed as ever.

Operations Manager and Owner Kim Buxton says widespread COVID-19induced supply chain issues turned more and more business in the company’s direction as AIC’s stockand-release program alleviated logistical stress for its OEM partners.

“That was really where AIC was able to fill the need,” she says. We continued to focus on building trusted relationships with top suppliers and were able to meet the needs of our customers.

Business was booming, but there was little time for celebrations — Ralph and his team now had to find a way to deal with more stock than ever from a downsized facility. Capacity was at a premium. Individuals and business owners in the community

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Implement Success | Spring/Summer 2024

offered up their space to store AIC products, including the company’s then-landlord, who contributed by emptying out a Quonset for the company’s use.

“It all came together somehow,” says Ralph. “It was a lot of long hours.”

And we had to put a lot of trust in our suppliers.

In the end, AIC Supply got the help it needed at a critical time, thanks to its focus on strong relationships, integrity, and transparency. Ralph points to these as some of the company’s biggest strengths and most important values, applying equally to community members, OEMs, and the manufacturers the company represents.

This transparency is shown when AIC facilitates meetings between component manufacturers’ design engineers and the OEM’s. All three parties sit down to start discussing component designs to meet customers’ needs. This creates trust on all sides, Ralph says, and shows OEMs that AIC are true partners with their suppliers and manufacturers.

www.a-m-c.ca

Looking ahead, Ralph is confident AIC Supply can keep its growth going, with the company already having proven itself in the industry.

He sees opportunities with existing customers as well as through AIC Supply’s new division, AIC Tillage.

AIC Tillage uses AIC’s values and approach to provide the most powerful agricultural tillage tools on the market.

The manufacturer, in turn, is put at ease knowing they’re being directly involved.

“We’re not hiding anything. The OEMs have a comfort level when they see how close we work together. (It) creates a comfort zone for everybody involved,” Ralph says.

The OEMs have a comfort level when they see how close we work together.

This transparency and trust end up being two of AIC’s key criteria for the partners it works with — they must share common values.

@AMCshortlinecda

“We’re just beginning (with AIC Tillage),” he says. “It’s got a ton of growth. We’re excited about it.”

As it grows, the company makes efforts to support causes they care about through donations to places like the North End Women’s Centre in Winnipeg and other global organizations that help combat poverty. They want to make sure to always extend their values beyond the business and into community.

In the meantime, AIC Supply is still young, with plenty of energy and time to compete and grow. AIC has just moved into their new building, which was built in December of 2023. This new facility, along with the relationships that have been built, are key to the continued success of AIC. These, along with associations like AMC, are vital. “We’re really thankful for AMC,” Buxton says, “Coming out of COVID-19, I will never forget that first AMC convention and how refreshing that was to be able to network and connect.”

“We’re only 10 years old,” says Ralph.

“We have a lot of years ahead of us.”

AMC Cultivates

Drive Opportunities for Growth

AMC Collaborates

National Catalyst for Thought Leadership

From an industry-wide perspective, AIC is watching developments in AI as it changes the landscape of agriculture. Ralph sees the technology as an exciting solution for partners and industry players struggling to hire. “It lessens lead times, it lowers costs,” Ralph says. “But still providing a quality product. It’s all part of the big picture.”

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Implement Success | Spring/Summer 2024

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PREVIEW

Learn how PAMI pivoted in the face of challenges with a new business strategy, culture, and leadership organization that improved their bottom line, increased employee morale, and sparked a resurgence in the marketplace.

PREVIEW

In this session, Dean will discuss how data is being used to not only reduce your utility bills and environmental footprint, but also to improve routine preventative maintenance, implement pro-active predictive maintenance strategies, enhance life safety mechanisms and reduce insurance risk and loss.

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Learn how PAMI pivoted in the face of challenges with a new business strategy, culture, and leadership organization that improved their bottom line, increased employee morale, and sparked a resurgence in the marketplace.

GOLD

PREVIEW

This session will address the obstacles that significantly affect both profitability and investments in the agriculture sector.

These hurdles encompass a variety of factors, and successfully navigating them will hinge on enhancing productivity within the sector and identifying the necessary steps to achieve this goal.

12

Implement Success | Spring/Summer 2024

www.a-m-c.ca

Discover how to harness the Power of (Re) with Michelle Cederberg, exploring fresh starts and perspective shifts for renewed purpose and energy. Dive into her keynote, packed with insights from “The Success-Energy Equation,” that will inspire action and elevate your journey to success.

PREVIEW

PREVIEW

From an international getaway to Germany to 4 VIP seats at the Roughrider/Bomber Labour Day Classic at Mosaic Stadium, check out the Live Auction prizes available at SHIFT this June!

With your host, Grant Adolph, explore Versatile’s operations, where they excel in manufacturing topquality tractors and tillage equipment. Their team is excited to welcome AMC and showcase Canada’s only remaining tractor manufacturing facility.

PANEL DISCUSSION

Navigating Change in Agriculture: Insights from Producers, Manufacturers, and Dealers In this dynamic presentation, our panel will explore the everchanging landscape of the agricultural manufacturing industry.

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Neeralta

Manufacturing Inc.

SIGNAGE SPONSOR

Cummins

Sales and Service

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PROGRAM SPONSOR

AUDIO VISUAL PARTNER

MEDIA PARTNER FOUNDERS’ AWARDS SPONSOR

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Our distinguished lineup of panellists will provide invaluable insights from the perspectives of manufacturers, producers, and dealers on how they have managed through the shifting industry.

AIC Supply Inc.

Implement Success | Spring/Summer 2024

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MEMBER FEATURE

From the Warehouse to Your Touchscreen S

pindustry CEO Michael Bird knows all about the unique challenges manufacturers face when going digital — starting with online sales.

“There’s hundreds or thousands or tens of thousands of parts, and the parts interlock in certain ways. You need to buy this thing with this thing.

And don’t buy this one with this one,” Bird says. “It’s not like putting it into a simple Shopify site. You need a datafocused company.”

Spindustry is exactly that. Bird founded Spindustry as a web development agency in 1996, and today, the Iowa-based company focuses on helping manufacturers and distributors market themselves, manage their data, and build their e-commerce offering.

All three tasks tend to present challenges for even the best industry players. “(Manufacturers) are inventors at heart. They want to make the stuff.

The last mile of telling people is where they fall down sometimes,” he says. “We come in to help them tell their story better, and we help them

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Implement Success | Spring/Summer 2024

take advantage of all the data they have or don’t have.”

This pursuit took Bird and Spindustry to the 2021 Supply Summit & Showcase put on by the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association (FEMA). It was there that Spindustry connected with the AMC team, paving the way for Spindustry’s attendance at AMC’s Spring 2023 show. “We liked the idea of connecting with the ag community in another location,” Bird says.

But there was something else just as momentous at FEMA’s event that year. It was the year that Spindustry presented the findings of a largescale survey of American farmers.

In Spindustry’s survey, over 700 farmers described the top ways they do research before making an equipment purchase.

Four of the top five research activities took place online, including using search engines, looking up YouTube videos, and going directly to company websites. This was true regardless of whether the final sale was online or in person. The outcome was clear: going digital wasn’t optional anymore.

The updated webinar presenting the 2024 data refresh is coming soon. Scan to find out more and follow Spindustry.

The information was news to some, and confirmation for those already taking digital seriously, Bird says.

Spindustry got a great reaction, receiving several requests for followup webinars on the topic. Survey results were updated in 2024 with data from 300 more farmers.

As the agriculture industry continues to innovate, Bird sees Spindustry supporting the companies investing in these innovations. “Our mission is to get (manufacturers) up to current standards so that as these new opportunities come up like AI, they’ve got the data in place to take advantage of those things,” he says.

Bird stresses, “Going digital is not an all-or-nothing event. You can work with a digital strategist like us to figure out baby steps that can still mean big business to you.”

AMC Cultivates

Drive Opportunities for Growth

AMC Collaborates

National Catalyst for Thought Leadership

www.a-m-c.ca

Get the skilled agricultural workers you need.

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EXCLUSIVE

Unlocking the Future of Agriculture

with the Careers In Ag Mobile Skills Lab

I

n April 2024, Agricultural Manufacturers of Canada announced that it secured a $300,000 investment from the Government of Saskatchewan.

to virtually manipulating the latest technology, the lab will reveal the diverse pathways available at all levels of the agricultural ecosystem.

The purpose? To create a cutting-edge Mobile Skills Lab that promises to transform the way the next generation of Canada’s workforce thinks about careers in agriculture and agricultural equipment manufacturing.

Donna Boyd, President of AMC, emphasized the critical role of agricultural manufacturers in Saskatchewan’s economy.

“Saskatchewan thrives on innovation,” she said. “This investment ensures that agricultural equipment manufacturers continue to attract top talent.” Indeed, the Mobile Skills Lab aims to inspire the next generation of ag professionals.

Imagine a high-tech lab on wheels, crisscrossing the vast prairies of Saskatchewan. This innovative mobile lab will be more than just a showcase; it will be an immersive experience for anyone curious about the world of agriculture. Let’s dive into what makes this project so exciting:

Bringing Careers to Life

The Careers in Ag Mobile Skills Lab will visit schools, career fairs, trade shows, and communities across the province of Saskatchewan. Its mission? To ignite passion for agricultural careers.

Through virtual reality technology and interactive learning stations, individuals will step into the shoes of those who innovate, design, build, and manage within the agricultural industry. From workshop simulators 16

Implement Success | Spring/Summer 2024

Cultivating Talent

Saskatchewan: A Global Player

David Marit, Ministe .of Agriculture, proudly declared, “Our provincial agriculture manufacturers are some of the most competitive and innovative businesses you will find anywhere.”

And he’s right. When dollars flow into markets worldwide, the Saskatchewan brand stands tall. From combine harvesters to precision seeders, the province’s expertise is sought after.

The Mobile Skills Lab will reinforce this reputation, connecting people with rewarding careers and bolstering Saskatchewan’s international standing.

Lifelong Learning

The lab isn’t just for newcomers.

Whether you’re new to agriculture or manufacturing or already part of the industry, everyone has the chance to learn, grow, and be inspired.

Discover long-term career stability in an industry that ensures global food security through sustainable practices backed by innovative technologies. The Mobile Skills Lab will offer ongoing professional development opportunities through the use of virtual learning.

Get Ready for the Journey

This critical initiative is aimed at increasing the available workforce entering directly into careers and educational programs that feed the agriculture and ag manufacturing sectors. A career in agriculture offers the opportunity to be part of one of the most successful industries in Canada, one which protects the environment, ensures global food security, and fuels the future of food through innovation.

This summer, keep an eye out for the Careers in Ag Mobile Skills Lab in Saskatchewan. It’s coming to a town near you, ready to inspire, educate, and transform. Whether you’re a student

www.a-m-c.ca

dreaming of a future in agriculture or have a curious perspective - visit us and discover new possibilities.

Stay tuned as AMC develops plans to expand the Careers In Ag Mobile Skills Lab initiative.

GREAT PEOPLE AND

PLACES TO WORK

W

hen the COVID-19 outbreak was declared a global pandemic in early 2020, many people found themselves adapting to new circumstances. For Jordan Graber, it was an unexpected pivot to what would become a new career.

“Everything took me by surprise, because when I came into this, it was based on circumstances,” says Graber, Sales Representative at Bauman Manufacturing.

“I wouldn’t have found myself here otherwise. And it was better and bigger and more amazing than I could have thought.”

Graber studied social psychology in university with the intention of pursuing occupational therapy or becoming a teacher. When the pandemic and social distancing restrictions made it impossible to take on related roles that worked with people directly, Graber joined Eldale Machine and Tool/Bauman Manufacturing to develop web content and work on price books.

Though that work would be

temporary, the uncertainty of the pandemic led Graber to try working on the plant floor.

“I was just taking in everything that was going on, and I thought it was really interesting,” says Graber.

“Eventually I started working in machines, and then that turned into a lot of custom repairing, and then that turned into repairs on the CNCs as well as running hydraulic presses, lathes and things like that.”

“It just grew from there. And I liked it way, way more than I expected to.”

Graber found inspiration in how the machinery and parts made at Eldale played a direct role in helping farmers feed the world.

“What you see in the grocery store [isn’t] everything that’s behind it,” says Graber. “[Ag manufacturing] impacts so many people.”

By November 2021, after nearly two years with Eldale, Graber was torn between applying for a teachers’ college or continuing in a different role in agricultural manufacturing.

“I was at this standstill point where I was really loving the work I was doing, but I also felt that I wanted something where I could work with people more,” says Graber.

When a new role opened at Eldale’s sister company, Bauman Manufacturing, in the sales department, Graber applied and was hired, starting as a Sales Representative in January 2022.

“That was just the perfect fit,” says Graber. “It was something where I could interact with people and use problem solving and creative abilities.”

Bauman is an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) as well as an aftermarket distributor for leaders in PTO drive shafts as well as power transmission components, including chains, sprockets, pulleys, belts, bearings and more. In her role, Graber is constantly learning while setting up orders and responding to customer inquiries, helping them solve problems or find the answers they need.

“Every week, and every day, I’m learning something new,” says Graber.

“I’ve been very lucky in my role, because I’ve been able to build it in a way that allows me to learn as much as I can.

There’s always more and more to learn.”

While Graber’s original career trajectory might not have directly connected to agricultural

July 16-18th

at Ag in Motion Join us at the Ag in Motion Career Crawl on July 16-18, 2024 to find and meet the next generation of ag professionals who are ready to join your team. SCAN THE CODE TO LEARN MORE 

@AMCshortlinecda

@Agricultural Manufacturers of Canada (AMC)

Implement Success | Spring/Summer 2024

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EXCLUSIVE Great People and Places to Work – continued manufacturing, she explained a strong skill set and a willingness to learn provide a solid foundation for anyone looking to get started.

“There are so many pathways you can take,” says Graber, noting her sales manager had originally trained to be a veterinary technician. “The common thing is that you have a knowledge of agriculture, and you have a passion to contribute to it.”

While Graber isn’t sure what role her career will lead her to next, she is certain that it will be in ag manufacturing.

“I came to the realization that this is where I want to spend my career,” says Graber. “When I was searching for a career, I wanted something where no day is the same – I can learn, grow, and always find opportunities to develop my skills.”

“I definitely didn’t think I would find it [in ag manufacturing], but that’s exactly where I found it.”

AMC Cultivates

Drive Opportunities for Growth

Thank you to our Careers in Ag Sponsors We believe in agriculture, and we know that you do too. Through the power of collective action, your investment will change the future of our industry.

AMC Advocates

CAREERS IN AG INVESTORS

One United Voice for Our Industry

AMC Collaborates

National Catalyst for Thought Leadership

claas.ca

cwbweldingfoundation.org

rapid3d.ca

Attend Canada’s Farm Show Regina, SK for a chance to network with industry experts and potential employers to find out what it takes to launch your career in ag!

LAUNCH YOUR

CAREER IN AG

Career Fair and Ag Talk Panel 1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Thursday, June 20 CFS Launch Pad

STUDENTS GET A FREE PASS! USE PROMO CODE: STUDENT24

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Implement Success | Spring/Summer 2024

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Join us for a fun day of golfing and networking! Whether you’re aiming to expand your professional connections or admire your colleagues’ short game skills, these tournaments offer the perfect setting to connect and unwind.

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Don’t miss the chance to register a team of coworkers, clients, or a mix of both—it’s a fantastic opportunity to build relationships and enjoy some friendly competition. We can’t wait to welcome you to our tournaments in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Ontario this summer.

Etobicoke, ON NOVEMBER 6 - 7, 2024

Get ready to soar to new heights at ELEVATE: AMC’s 2024 Expo and Trade Show!

Experience innovation at Expo this fall at the Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation – Humber College in Etobicoke, Ontario.

Immerse yourself in the experience with a facility tour, thought-provoking speaker sessions, and abundant networking opportunities.

This year’s theme, ELEVATE, explores and celebrates our industry’s breakthroughs. Dive into the realm of research and development and technological advancement sprouting from the leaders in Canadian agricultural manufacturing.

Back by popular demand, Expo’s two-day trade show format establishes a bustling hub where members can showcase their innovations and forge connections with an engaged network from coast to coast.

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To register for ELEVATE: AMC’s 2024 Expo and Trade Show, contact AMC at 204-666-3518 or inquiries@a-m-c.ca

Implement Success | Spring/Summer 2024

19

MEMBER FEATURE

Expanding for the Future of Ag I

f the Government of Alberta’s multi-million-dollar grant to Olds College of Agriculture and Technology was ever a done deal, it was sure kept quiet.

College President Ben Cecil and Board Chair Al Kemmere attended the 2024 provincial budget announcement together in late February, neither having heard anything about the fate of their application.

“We worked hard on it; we knew it was potentially on the list,” says Todd Ormann, Vice President, Development for Olds College. “But we didn’t know for sure we were going to get it.”

Olds College, founded in 1913, started as a place to teach immigrants arriving from Europe how to farm on Canadian soil. Over the decades, it has grown into the institution it is today. Now, the College teaches over 2,500 students in agriculture and trades-related disciplines in its combination of traditional facilities and over 3,000 acres of farmland.

With its grant application, the College hoped to renovate and expand the W.J 20

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Elliot Agricultural Mechanics Building, a trades facility meant to host just 98 students that now sees over 2,000 in a typical year. It wasn’t the first time the College had requested project funding, so expectations were uncertain. “We have proposals going back as long as about 10 to 15 years ago,” says Beaudoin.

Fortunately, things worked out.

Alberta’s Budget 2024 included $63 million to renovate and expand the facility. It was a huge moment for the College. “It was the very last minute, when they were actually making the announcement, that they heard it,” says Ormann.

“We were so happy and honoured to be recognized,” says Dennis Beaudoin, Dean, Trades & Skills. Planning for the expansion is now underway, with construction expected to start early next year.

The grant will help Olds College not only improve its student experience, but also play its part in the changing landscape of Canadian agriculture today. “When we talk about mechanics, we always think of the guy with the wrench in his hand that gets out from underneath the combine full of dirt,” Beaudoin says.

“It’s not like that anymore. Now they’re going in there with white gloves.

They’ve got laptops, and they’re hooking those things up before they even touch.”

The expansion will also strengthen what Ormann says is already one of the College’s greatest advantages — the physical environment. Students come to Olds from much larger institutions to get practical work time and research in the field. “We have an instructor who did his PhD at McGill, but his actual work was here

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from farmer groups and organizations to members of the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry. They come to see the environment and the technology.

on campus. Like, I love McGill, but it’s now surrounded by city, right?”

“I see our students physically out in the fields with four-wheel drive tractors in the field,” Ormann says. “You can’t do that at many institutions today.”

Ormann says this advantage will only become more important over time, predicting that more of the College’s students will come from urban backgrounds soon. “You’re going to have to take a person that has not grown up on a farm, introduce them into an ag environment, and team them around ag,” he says. “That’s where Old College comes into play, because we have that physical infrastructure.”

These community relationships are more important to the College than ever because it trains the next generation of professionals in agriculture, with technology advancing at a remarkable pace. “We could never purchase something like that and expose our students to it every year, because it changes every year,” says Beaudoin. “We have incredible support from around our community.”

This focus on relationships and a forward-thinking attitude has seen Olds College, notwithstanding its size, attract attention from around Canada and the world. Last year, the College gave tours to over 1,200 people, ranging

Exposing students to the latest and greatest technology remains a big focus, and industry partnerships have proven crucial. The College recently received a brand-new autonomous tractor on loan from a community partner. “To drive that thing, you actually need an Xbox controller,” Beaudoin says. “It looks like the exact same thing. My kid is probably better at driving this thing than I am.”

HarvestFaster.ca

@AMCshortlinecda

This doesn’t surprise Ormann, who sees the College continuing to play an important role in the future of agriculture, training Canadians for an industry that gets more sophisticated every year — whether it’s mechanical innovations or the industry’s latest AI applications. The landmark investment in the W.J. Elliot Building renovation will be a big step toward fulfilling that role.

I see our students physically out in the fields with four-wheel drive tractors in the field, You can’t do that at many institutions today.

“The truth is, ag tends to lead,” Ormann says. “There’s been driverless tractors being optimized on the fields since the 90s. It’s been common practice since about 2006, 2007. You will see that ag will lead in some of these areas.”

“This is the institution that will teach that.”

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@Agricultural Manufacturers of Canada (AMC)

Sales@HoneyBee.ca

Implement Success | Spring/Summer 2024

21

INNOVATION SPOTLIGHT

Innovating Stubble Management

M

oisture retention is a critical practice for farmers in 2024. Dry conditions in many parts of the world leave many growers looking for ways to make the most of the moisture they receive.

Leaving stubble in the field after harvest is a proven way to trap winter moisture and improve future yields.

Honey Bee is reimagining stubble management with their new AirFLEX NXT draper header, which features cabadjustable skid shoes, allowing the farmer to establish a consistent stubble height in crops like wheat and canola – this can be done in seconds without leaving the cab of the combine. Honey Bee has paired these skid shoes with a new strut configuration that allows the header to achieve better floatation throughout the cutterbar’s full flex range.

This is all done in order to achieve a consistent stubble height in the field.

These innovations have been built onto Honey Bee’s proven AirFLEX platform which allows farmers to harvest faster, cut lower, and ensure all the crop gets to the bin.

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Leveraging Tech to Access Skilled Workforce

M

anufacturers are leveraging technology to streamline production, innovate faster, reduce costs, and deliver higherquality products in shorter timeframes.

However, all of these benefits depend on having access to a skilled workforce. At Custom Quality Manufacturing, we use innovative technology to support a diverse and accessible workforce.

Competition for skilled workers is intense in the manufacturing industry, especially in metal fabrication, where working with heavy and awkward materials requires strength, stamina, and intelligence. To broaden our pool of potential employees, we look for ways to reduce the physical requirements of the job. Our Mitsubishi auto-load laser tables and Yaskawa robot welders are examples of how we have implemented technology that enables us to select from a larger pool of applicants.

Our use of these innovations was intentionally focused to reduce the level of physical strength required while reducing fatigue and muscle stress during daily operation. This technology allows us to employ smaller women who possess the intelligence, work ethic, and stamina needed for projects that they would otherwise be incapable of due to sheer size. By alleviating these physical restrictions, we expanded our search for qualified applicants within our local community.

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Get the Full Picture: Focus on What Matters

T

he structured light scanner designed for workflow efficiency, built on optical zoom projection and dual stereo cameras.

A new way of 3D scanning. With the groundbreaking ability to adjust data resolution and measurement volume entirely through software settings, the SmartScan VR800 is something entirely new in the world of structured light scanning.

These functions can be applied in a variety of workflows, but what they all have in common is the capacity to revolutionize the productivity of optical 3D scanning quality inspection.

hub & spindle

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Resolution function allows the user to change the data resolution while maintaining a constant measurement volume. The user can switch in software between six different settings and combine data in a single project. The VR800 Smart Zoom function allows the user to adjust the measurement volume and resolution of the scanner while maintaining 5 million data points for high-speed processing.

The VR800 Smart Snap function puts the multi-camera setup to work in a different way that uses all four digital camera units to simultaneously collect both scan and orientation data. Target positions placed outside of the 3D scan area are snapped with the support of an LED flash and used for orientation of the 3D scan data collected by the inner camera pair.

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Implement Success | Spring/Summer 2024

23

EVENTS

POWER: AMC’s 2023 Convention and Trade Show W

hen the promise of winter arrives, Canadians are accustomed to dealing with the harsh reality of the cold.

However, when blowing snow sweeps across the prairie landscape, many reconsider any plans that result in leaving the house. POWER: AMC’s 2023 Convention and Trade Show in Regina proved that despite the challenges of the climate, our members are dedicated to coming together to celebrate success and share industry knowledge. POWER established that November on the prairies didn’t stand a chance against ag manufacturers!

The two-day event put the power in AMC member’s hands, focusing on empowering staff, powering up operations activities and dealer networks, and exploring alternative power sources and technologies.

Over 160 people from 100 member companies took in all that Convention offered.

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The highlights of those offerings were a variety of speaker sessions, an in-depth tour of Raven Industries, an evening of excitement at the Agribition, a sold-out Trade Show and, for the first time in history, a hackathon at the site of a North American agricultural trade

Despite the challenges of the climate, our members are dedicated to coming together. association conference.

At the inaugural AMC Hackathon event, students from multiple Saskatchewan Polytechnic campuses were tasked with generating solutions for the most significant challenge that manufacturing facilities face: reducing operating expenses.

Observing this challenge through

the lens of an agricultural equipment manufacturer, the students came together within interdisciplinary teams to research and propose their solutions to the AMC Membership in less than 28 hours.

The event concluded with team presentations and votes cast by members in attendance to determine the top three teams. The leading teams in the competition were awarded funds from the AMC Future Forward Scholarship.

POWER concluded with a recordbreaking achievement and a remarkable keynote presentation that was engaging from the kickoff.

The Annual Live Auction to benefit the Future Forward Scholarship was a resounding success. Inspired by the students who presented their solutions earlier in the day, members supported the initiative by more than doubling the funds raised at the previous year’s auction. A heartful thank you goes out to all members who contributed and bid on items. www.a-m-c.ca

PRESENTING SPONSOR

The final Convention presentation featured Randy Ambrosie, CFL Commissioner, presenting Tough Kindness. Members took in a vibrant and educational talk on tough love and how the notion of a challenge and kindness can help empower others to reach their potential in work and life.

PLATINUM SPONSOR

More than a great speaker, Randy engaged with members on a personal level by interacting with members during the Wednesday evening outing at Agribition and donating his time as part of a popular contribution to the live auction.

GOLD SPONSORS

Over 160 people from 100 member companies took in all that Convention offered.

C CLS Consulting Ltd. L Canadian Immigration Service Provider S

SILVER SPONSORS

Although Convention 2023 in Regina proved a powerful experience, we know that winter on the prairies shouldn’t be an annual challenge for attendees. This year’s Convention will be held during one of the warmest and most inviting months in Manitoba – June!

We look forward to welcoming you to SHIFT: AMC’s 2024 Convention and Trade Show in Winnipeg on June 12 & 13. To learn more about the event and register, visit the AMC website.

AMC Hackathon Competitors from Saskatchewan Polytechnic.

BRONZE SPONSORS

DELEGATE BAG SPONSOR

LANYARD SPONSOR

PROGRAM SPONSOR

SIGNAGE SPONSOR

visorPRO.ai

Neeralta Manufacturing Inc.

AIC Supply Inc.

Penta Equipment Inc.

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25

PODCAST

Welcome to

More Episodes • Launch Your Career in Ag

New Modern Slavery Legislation & Supply Chain Guidance for Manufacturers Modern slavery legislation is now in force in Canada and requires certain businesses to report on their efforts to prevent and reduce the risk of forced labour and child labour in their supply chains.

In this new episode, we’re bringing you Scott Exner’s guidance for navigating the new modern slavery legislation in Canada. As the leader of the ESG practice group at MLT Aikins LLP, Scott provides legislative context, advice for the May 31 reporting deadline, and an overview of considerations for the next reporting cycle in 2025.

• Cultivating the Ag Manufacturing Workforce • How Do Ag Manufacturers Tell the World About Their Products • E xploring the Sales Side of Ag Manufacturing • The Value of Mentorship and Having FUN Every Day

How to Subscribe Access the AMC Cultivate podcast on leading streaming platforms.

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

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Download your preferred episodes from these platforms for convenient on-the-go listening to indulge in insightful discussions and industry perspectives wherever you roam.

Add “AMC Cultivate” to your podcast playlist and stay connected and informed on the go.

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www.a-m-c.ca

ANNIVERSARY

40

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40 Years in Red Deer I

t was a Wednesday in October — the culmination of months of hard work.

Agri-Trade founder Pat Kennedy had given the pitch of his life the previous year to secure funding from the Red Deer Chamber of Commerce and succeeded. He was to put on Red Deer’s first farm equipment show, and in the fall, no less.

brings over 550 exhibitors and over 30,000 attendees annually, generating an estimated $300 million in equipment sales and tourism.

Visitors from as far as South Korea, Hungary, the UK, Australia, Nigeria, Brazil, Ireland, Uruguay, and Ukraine come to connect with the Canadian agricultural equipment market at the event, which consistently sells out.

Who would have known an early snowstorm would come to Red Deer that year?

“They said you could shoot a cannon through those halls the first day,” says Krissy Fiddler, Show Operations Manager for Agri-Trade Farm Equipment Exposition. Fiddler has heard the story told plenty of times.

In 1984, a nasty southern Alberta blizzard closed multiple roads and highways, preventing exhibitors and attendees from getting to Westerner Park in Red Deer for the first two days of Agri-Trade’s inaugural show. The situation wasn’t looking good — until Friday came.

“They came in droves,” Fiddler says.

Miraculously, the weather cleared up, or at least enough to allow for attendance. The team knew right away the show was a winner.

Red Deer, located right between Alberta’s two largest cities, was a uniquely apt location for the event.

“It’s in the heart of some of the best farmland in Alberta,” says Fiddler.

It’s like the tagline says: “Right Show, Right Time, Right Location.”

Jump forward to 2024, and AgriTrade is recognized across Canada and around the world. The show @AMCshortlinecda

prepared with specialists on site so producers can get the answers they need for the next growing season. AgriTrade is held just after harvest, so the growing season is still fresh in farmers’ minds. “Everybody knows what’s in the bin,” Fiddler says. “They’ve put everything away. They can celebrate.”

However, the real success comes from the Exhibitors and Attendees as they are who make the show.

The show, the industry, and the world have changed significantly in 40 years. The Expo’s growth has prompted Westerner Park to undergo major expansions and builds more than once, including a 70,000-squarefoot exhibition hall. “When those were built and ready to go, AgriTrade was right in there with more exhibitors eagerly waiting to get into the show,” Fiddler says.

In 2022, the German government brought a delegation of businesses to the Exposition for the first time, choosing Agri-Trade as their only stop in Western Canada. In that first visit, one of the German companies found their Canadian partners and sold out of all its inventory. The German Pavilion has since come back in 2023 and will return in 2024. “(AgriTrade) way more than exceeded their expectations,” Fiddler says.

Where do successes like these come from? Primarily from the exhibitors and attendees, who, through their connections, help define the show year after year. Exhibitors come

@Agricultural Manufacturers of Canada (AMC)

Meanwhile, technology continues to advance, with AI and manufacturing innovations changing the landscape of the agriculture industry at a mile a minute.

“Some of the stuff we have now still blows my mind,” says Fiddler.

“Wherever (the industry goes), we can’t even imagine how far it takes us.

Through fair weather and snowstorms, Agri-Trade will be there at the forefront, showcasing the best of Canadian ag manufacturing innovation and ingenuity — like it’s been doing since 1984.

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27

ANNIVERSARY

80

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The Power of Product F

our cords of rubber.

Two square tubes.

A 45-degree angle.

It sounds simple, but these three phrases describe the foundation for a decades-long enterprise that has seen ROSTA rise to the top. The Swiss company, based in Hunzenschwil, Switzerland, with a Canadian sales office in Goodwood, Ontario, is the world’s leading manufacturer of rubber spring and dampening systems thanks to this simple but powerful idea.

“There are a lot of products out in the market that look the same and make the same claims,” says Dale Woitte, CEO of ROSTA Canada. But they can’t achieve the same value we provide, which is a testament to the quality of the ROSTA solutions.

The idea came from a desire to simplify wheel suspensions used in trailer manufacturing in the 1940s. ROSTA’s signature rubber suspension unit was patented in 1942. The company was established in 1944, making this year the 80th anniversary of its founding.

ROSTA Canada is celebrating an anniversary of its own as one of six sales offices, with 35 years under its belt since the company came to do business on Canadian soil. The

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Canadian arm, though small in size, punches above its weight.

“We really have to be strategic with the small team,” says Woitte. “But we all contribute quite a bit, so we’re pretty proud.” Woitte says he has reason to expect a record year for the Canadian subsidiary in 2024, continuing the growth trend of previous years. The difference has always been ROSTA’s patented technology, unmatched quality, and the Canadian team’s dedication to service.

In the decades since the company’s founding, ROSTA has found its way into serving industries as diverse as timber processing, food processing, transportation, mining, recycling, and more. The company wholly owns its rubber manufacturing facility, with all ROSTA manufacturing occurring in Switzerland.

In agriculture manufacturing, ROSTA tension springs and other solutions provide reliable and durable tensioning and vibration dampening for maintenance-free belt and chain drive operation, among other applications.

Looking toward the future, ROSTA’s Swiss headquarters is investing in the development and testing of new

AI and other digital technologies, while ROSTA Canada sees great opportunity in working with more companies in the agricultural market, providing component solutions and production-ready assemblies for more clients.

The difference has always been ROSTA’s patented technology, unmatched quality, and the Canadian team’s dedication to service.

Woitte sees AMC playing a part in making those new connections as it fosters community in Canadian agriculture. “It’s such a tight-knit community,” he says. “Everybody in the agriculture industry within Canada is invested in everyone else being successful.”

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ANNIVERSARY

40

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An Inch Wide, a Mile Deep W

hen an Alberta grain and hog farmer started his small repair shop back in 1984, that was all it was intended to be — the community repair shop.

Bert Wierenga had apprenticed for three years at an area machine shop before opening Neeralta Welding and Sales’ first facility, just 40 by 60 feet outside the hamlet of Neerlandia.

The company, now known as Neeralta Manufacturing Inc., celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Neeralta has always stepped up to any challenge, with a solution-based mindset that has transformed it over the years into the grain equipment company it is today.

“We had a had a whole mix of operations,” says John Wierenga, Bert’s son and current owner of Neeralta.

John and his brother Rob have run the business since Bert sold it to the pair in 2009.

Not long after Bert started the business, he began to manufacture products as one-time experiments, including farrowing crates and dry sow stalls for the many hog farmers in the area at the time. Over the decades, the company ventured into work with sawmills, the oil industry, and elk handling equipment.

In 2008, Neeralta produced a grain bagger. With growing demand, the @AMCshortlinecda

product began to occupy more and more capacity in a shop serving several industries. Space was growing tight, and a decision had to be made.

“We said, ‘We’ve got to dig our heels in and push hard on a product that’s our own,’” says Wierenga. “We were getting real good feedback from the industry that we had a great product.”

The team decided to go all in. “Other people in the community completely took over the other services we were offering,” says Wierenga. “We could focus on what we were great at.”

Thanks to that focus, Neeralta’s customers know the company for its responsiveness to feedback of all kinds, and Wierenga says this trait has become one of the company’s biggest differentiators, especially at trade shows. “You get that direct feedback and react immediately,” he says. “Is there a problem? Is there a pattern? They know that we’re listening to their frustration.”

Farmers like to see that their feedback is getting somewhere, says Richard Vanderveen, Sales Manager. “We take farmers’ advice real-time, we put it into production, guys come back and see us the next year, and they’ll see their advice put into the new equipment.”

“Every time I come see you, there’s always something better. I’d never buy anything else,” he recounts one farmer telling him.

@Agricultural Manufacturers of Canada (AMC)

That kind of feedback is what keeps a business working and growing for decades. Forty years after Neeralta’s founding as a small repair shop, the company counts 24 employees in its current 10,000-square-foot facility and is one of the most trusted grain equipment companies in Western Canada. And with four grown children working in the family business, the future is bright.

We take farmers’ advice real-time, we put it into production.

Neeralta wants to grow sustainably, but like the rest of the industry, also has its sights set on constant improvement. The company has found its niche, after all, and it leads to further innovation.

“Stronger, better, and faster is what we’re aiming for,” says Vanderveen.

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Implement Success | Spring/Summer 2024

29

ANNIVERSARY

15

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Taking Manufacturing to Another Dimension O

ne sale at Edmonton’s Western Manufacturing Technology Show was all it took for Rapid3D to establish itself in 2009.

It was only the beginning — in the 15 years since, the Calgary-based company has become a top player in Western Canada’s 3D scanning market.

3D scanning is used today in manufacturing and other industries to help with complex measurement challenges, along with design and decision-making. “It’s all part of the digital manufacturing workflow,” says Rapid3D’s president and founder, Ira Laughy, “from the design to what gets delivered to your customers.”

Take the example of designing aftermarket cabs for a tractor. “If you took a scan of the tractor, you can just use that scan data as the basis for your designs,” says Laughy. “You don’t have to reverse-engineer the tractor or keep the tractor for three weeks or a month while you do your design.”

The data’s accuracy gives designers confidence as they work, streamlining component development through

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ease of use to get products to market faster. “3D scanning technology is being pushed further every day,” Laughy says.

Applications stretch into a range of other industries. The Royal Saskatchewan Museum, a Rapid3D client, can use handheld 3D scanners purchased from Rapid3D to scan precious artifacts and make exact reproductions suitable for public display.

3D scanning technology is being pushed further every day.

Today, the company has 15 employees, with staff in Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver and a record of over 3,000 projects completed. Laughy attributes Rapid3D’s success to its complete service and experience, great word of mouth, and familiarity and reputation built over the years. “If people see you year after year, people feel more

comfortable making that investment with you.”

In the end, 3D scanning is an invaluable tool in Western Canadian industry. Rapid3D’s purpose is to use it to help customers make confident and informed decisions.

3D scanning technology has made huge leaps in the years since Rapid3D was founded, with recent models like Creaform’s HandySCAN MAX Elite taking things to a new level of speed and accuracy for large part scanning.

Advancements in ag manufacturing tech have been no less momentous.

Laughy says it’s an exciting time to work with partners in agriculture.

“It’s becoming much more of a topic of conversation globally: how do you feed a growing population? With that comes a lot of technology and innovation,” says Laughy. “And farmers are innovative, adaptive, creative people. (They) make things happen.”

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MAKE A TRUE IMPACT ON THE FARM WITH HIGH PERFORMANCE AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT

ENGINEERED TOUGH

Scan for Homepage

(306) 543-4447 | (800) 667-3545

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31

New Member SPOTLIGHT Please join us in welcoming our newest members!

6P Marketing is a collaborative marketing agency that helps you create more passionate consumers and brand connections for better short and long term business results. We are 6P because it takes more than the old four Ps of marketing – Product, Place, Promotion and Price – to get ahead in today’s highly competitive marketplace. It takes two more P’s – People and Passion – to really succeed.

Canadian Fabricating & Welding is Canada’s only national, monthly magazine dedicated to complete coverage of the metal forming and fabricating industry.

Our topnotch editorial covers a wide range of topics, including bending, forming, cutting, fabricating, tube and pipe, and welding. canadianfabweld.com

6pmarketing.com

Brunswick Steel provides a wide range of steel and metal products to customers in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Northwestern Ontario. Our substantial facility houses an inventory of popular and less common items, as well as state-of-the-art processing equipment.

All orders are handled with the most outstanding efficiency. Combining this with our quick delivery makes Brunswick Steel your first choice when fulfilling your steel requirements.

CIA - Custom Interconnect Assemblies is an industry leader in the custom manufacturing of high-quality wire harnesses, custom cable assembly, and electro mechanical assemblies, as well as turnkey box and panel builds for a variety of markets, including: agricultural, automotive, construction, industrial, mining, oil/gas, trailer mfg., transportation, and other off-road equipment. ciassemblies.com

Founded in 1905, Canadian Metalworking is a monthly trade publication that covers all aspects of metalworking technology in Canada. During the year readers can expect in-depth coverage of milling, turning, grinding, EDM equipment, quality and measurement devices, and additive manufacturing technology, as well as software and IT designed for the manufacturer. canadianmetalworking.com

brunswicksteel.com CBM Lighting Inc. is a manufacturing and distribution company of lighting solutions intended for the agricultural and commercial sector. With over 30 years of experience, we carry our activities in Canada, the United States and Europe.

The company stands out with a range of specialized products adapted to the needs of its customers.

Corpay was created for today’s dynamic international business climate, and is the world’s largest non-bank provider of global payments. Our expertise includes connecting you quickly and efficiently to global payment gateways, powering international payments, and executing plans to manage currency risk, supporting the growth of businesses around the world. corpay.com

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www.a-m-c.ca

NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Customized Recruitment is a professional recruitment agency distinguished by its integration of superior search, agency, and in-house recruitment techniques.

Specializing in the agricultural sector, Customized Recruitment adeptly sources candidates for various positions within your organization, ensuring the acquisition of top-tier talent. Our services extend beyond mere recruitment; we serve as representatives of your company, ensuring that the entire process is executed with efficacy, efficiency, and unwavering ethical standards. customizedrecruitment.ca

DFP Manufacturing specializes in injection molding of engineered plastics and rubber. In May 2023, DFP started molding its first parts for the Agriculture industry in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

From concept to production, we can help with design concepts, 3D printing (before going into production of tooling), choosing the best plastic for your application, tooling design, procurement, and, of course, low—to high-volume production runs. DFP also offers assembly, final packaging, and shipping as per clients’ needs. dfpmanufacturing.com

Eastside is a family-owned composite solutions business that serves dozens of OEMs across North America. With tooling prototyping, assembly, coatings, and composites manufacturing solutions, we are one of Canada’s largest composite fabricators located in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

All communities need an organization charged with improving the local economy. Economic Development Brandon’s three person team takes this mission to heart every day. Economic Development Brandon is responsible for growing the local economy and population. Our priorities include helping local business solve problems, helping local business expand, attracting new business to the city, impact labour shortages through immigration and promoting Brandon as a great place to live.

Greenwave Innovations is a Saskatchewan-based energy management company providing electricity, natural gas and water submonitoring solutions. Our technology accurately identifies the energy efficiency opportunities that produce consumption and carbon emission reduction results.

We partner with our clients to implement predictive maintenance strategies, monitor the readiness of safety and emergency systems and reduce the risk of loss and insurance claims.

economicdevelopmentbrandon.com

greenwaveinnovations.ca

Incorporated in 2006, FPDI is a non-profit organization that facilitates partnerships designed to develop and deliver trainingto-employment programs to meet labor market needs internal and external to twenty-eight Manitoba First Nation communities.

Haven Steel Products is a privatelyowned company producing spring steel components. Our company fabricates, and heat treats components for the agricultural industry (tillage components), the construction industry (landscaping and mowing components), the trailer industry (leaf springs), and many other clients.

fpdinc.ca

havensteel.com

GHY International is a leading provider of Customs Brokerage and Global Trade Services to North American companies who trade internationally. Since 1901, our focus is Customs Brokerage and Trade Compliance. Unlike other Customs Brokers, this is all we do. Our Canadian and U.S. brokerage operations manage more than $9 billion of cross-border trade annually serving 2,000+ importers and exporters. Growth and continuity through four successive generations is an incredible milestone for any business.

K-Hart Industries is an agricultural manufacturer focusing on seeding and harvest equipment. Khart started as a farm based business in Saskatchewan in 1988, making the move to a larger footprint and operation in 2021, when the company relocated it’s office and manufacturing to Winnipeg and the surrounding area. khartindustries.com

ghy.com

eastsideindustrialcoatings.ca

@AMCshortlinecda

@Agricultural Manufacturers of Canada (AMC)

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NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT MNP LLP (Alberta Division) National in scope and local in focus, MNP is one of Canada’s leading professional services firms — proudly serving individuals, businesses, and organizations since 1958. Through the development of strong relationships, we provide client-focused accounting, consulting, tax, and digital services.

Our clients benefit from personalized strategies with a local perspective to fuel success at every stage. mnp.ca

At Niagara College’s Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre, you can access leading-edge technology, including equipment, software, and expert staff to support your innovation goals. We specialize in precision metrology, prototype design and development, and digital manufacturing (industry 4.0).

WAMIC is your competitive advantage. ncinnovation.ca/wamic

Pat’s Driveline is a Canadian driveshaft company and distributor of agricultural drivelines and their components. This includes the brands Weasler, Bondioli & Pavesi, Walterscheid, Eurocardan, etc. These drivelines include constant velocity PTO shafts and standard PTO driveshafts. Components include u-joints, safety shielding, quick disconnect yokes, profile tubing, torque limiting devices and other PTO clutches. Prototypes can be manufactured in-house. We also manufacture and repair driveshafts for all industries, including transportation, automotive, mining, off-highway equipment and agriculture. patsdriveline.com

MTM Energy Services Inc. is a privately owned hydraulic and industrial supply company. We supply hydraulic hose, fittings, adapters, quick couplers, premade hose assemblies, hose protection, oils and lubricants. mtmenergy.com

NORAMCO is a national distributor of electrical, electronic, datacom, fiber optic cable, cable accessories and wire. We offer large inventories of superior quality CSA cables manufactured in North America to manage our customers’ just-in-time requirements.

Custom cables are our strength. We will go to great lengths to source products you need. noramco.ca

We provide a manufacturing business which is geared towards cnc laser cutting and bending. Welding subassemblies is an other consideration for our business as well. pinehillmfg.ca

NGen is the industry-led, non-profit organization leading Canada’s Global Innovation Cluster for Advanced Manufacturing. One of five national networks supported by Canada’s ambitious Global Innovation Clusters Initiative. ngen.ca

Ways To Advertise

BOOK TODAY Heather Brekelmans advertising@a-m-c.ca

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a-m-c.ca 519-851-4249

Implement Success | Spring/Summer 2024

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Member Directory

Semi-annual magazine

Annually published list

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Connection, Champion and dedicated e-blast

Website Go-to industry resource

Website and Compass eNewsletter

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TIRES • WHEELS • HUBS • SPINDLES Ontario, Western Canada, USA Stephen Manley Communications/Business Development smanley@ampinard.com 613-577-9777 Quebec David Pinard, President david@ampinard.com 819-229-2204 English Customer Service claudine@ampinard.com Office 592, rue Houde, St-Célestin QC J0G 1G0 819-229-2204 www.ampinard.com

AGRICULTURAL • CONSTRUCTION • INDUSTRIAL @AMCshortlinecda

@Agricultural Manufacturers of Canada (AMC)

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NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT RW Laser & Custom Worx For 25 years, RW Laser Worx has been a fixture in manufacturing, undergoing a name change to RW Laser in 2013.

Situated in Alberta near Stettler, we expanded in 2019, accommodating our steady growth. We are excited to introduce a new Trumpf laser with automation and a high-speed press brake. Our new laser’s impressive 24k cutting power sets a benchmark in the industry with being able to cut 2.375 inch thick mild steel. rwlaser.ca

WABER is a sheet metal based fabricator offering production fabrication in carbon steel, stainless steel and aluminum.

Since 2000, WABER has been supporting OEMs in Manitoba by expanding the production processes, capacity and capabilities available to design and manufacturing teams. Our people, processes and technology enables cost effective production and supply of almost any sheet metal based component regardless of complexity, physical size and tolerancing requirements.

Winamac Coil Spring is a 75-yearold, third-generation family-owned and operated spring and wire form manufacturing company. 56% of our sales go to Agriculture OEMs and Ag aftermarket suppliers. Our products range from compression, extension, single and double torsion springs, wire forms and solid steel stabilizer bars. We have an excellent engineering team at the ready to aid in the design and function of every customer’s spring or wire form. winamaccoilspring.com

WELCOME BACK S3 PowerPin Inc. is the world’s largest supplier of tractor implement drawbar hitching components supplying around 250,000 drawbar hitching components annually to the AG equipment industry.

Power Pin is a privately held company and has been incorporated for over 30 years.

We are a company with steady manageable growth and carry no debt. We look forward to establishing additional key alliances with on-road partners for future growth. powerpin.ca

THG Automation is a collaborative robotic solutions provider focused on creating flexible, highly functional cobot welding and cutting systems for most types of manufacturing. Our systems are modular, future-proof and grow with your production needs. Compact systems are productiondense for tight-fitting facilities and can easily adapt to larger parts with the addition of a 7th axis. Canadian systems are designed in the US and sourced and assembled in Canada.

Wesmat Supplies - A SurfacePrep Company is a wholesale distribution company that services Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. We are Western Canada’s largest supplier of non-silica Abrasives, Foundry Supplies, and Blast Cleaning Equipment.

We take pride in providing our customers with the latest technology for the Surface Preparation, Foundry, Drilling, Inspection Equipment, and Waterjet Cutting Industries.

Lincoln Electric is the world leader in arc welding, robotic welding systems, plasma and oxyfuel cutting equipment and brazing and soldering alloys. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Lincoln has a worldwide network of manufacturing, distribution, sales and technical support covering more than 160 countries.

wesmat.com

lincolnelectric.com

Western Urethane is a Commercial, Industrial Roofing and Insulation contractor based in Saskatoon, SK servicing mainly Western Canada.

• SBS, SPF, EPDM, & Imbedded Fabric Roofing Systems • Spray Foam Insulation • Coating & Linings • Concrete Lifting (Foamjacking) westernurethane.ca

thgautomation.com

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ADVERTISERS’ INDEX Alberta Industrial Heat Treating Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Eldale Machine & Tool. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

A.M. Pinard et Fils Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Encore Metals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Atom-Jet Industries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

FCC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 & 9

Axalta Coating Systems Canada. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Honey Bee Manufacturing Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

BKT Tires (Canada) Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Outside Back Cover

Monarch Industries Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Busatis, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Northern Plastics Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

City of Camrose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Back Cover

Omega Drives Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Front Cover

CLS Consulting Ltd.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

The CTD Group - Canadian Tool & Die Ltd. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Daemar Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Tompkins Canada Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Degelman Industries LP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Walinga Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Dynamic Tire Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

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www.a-m-c.ca

JOIN THE ACTION INVEST in

onton 1 hour to Edm S markets

5 hours to U

trial land s u d in t lo e Larg ess with rail acc

166 ha 410 ac

The New Greenfield Industrial Park in Camrose Variety of site options available - options for larger parcels (up to 120 ha/ 300 ac) Suitable for ag processing, manufacturing and highway commercial Flexible servicing options Adjacent to existing large-scale processor Two development areas with potential for dedicated rail spur Skilled workforce available and high quality of life Outstanding transportation network (CN/CP rail, highway, international airport proximity) To discover how our community can support your growth, contact Economic Development:

learn more

780.672.4426 econdev@camrose.ca www.camrose.ca/invest