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.
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