Hanover Ridge Farm

Farm Overview

Hanover Ridge Farm is a third-generation farm owned by Matt and Julia Wallington, located near Tisdale, Saskatchewan. It is a 10,000-acre farm where they grow cereal crops such as wheat, oats, canola and fava beans. Along with Matt, the team consists of 3 full-time, 3 part-time and several seasonal team members. At the height of seeding and harvest, the team expands to 12. 

 

Challenge

The farm’s growth had plateaued and Matt felt like his professional development had also stalled. There was a desire to expand the farm and take on more acres, but Matt didn’t feel prepared to do so in a responsible and financially sustainable manner. Matt was concerned that if he didn’t do something, the farm would miss out on future opportunities that could help ensure its long-term success.

 

Solution

Matt enrolled in the Farmer Coach program to sharpen his financial, HR and operations management skills, network with other like-minded and progressive farmers and learn from the Hebert Group, a farm that has demonstrated the ability to grow sustainably. Matt was excited to dive into concepts that he knew would help his farm – HR, finance/accounting, and adopting a CEO mindset. He no longer wanted to be working “in” his business, but rather “on” the business.

 

Results

  • Farmer Coach helped Matt assess the farm’s finances 
  • Gained confidence and comfort in responsibly taking on more debt to grow the farm
  • Farm’s growth trajectory improved; took on an additional 2,000 acres
  • Improved ability to assess new land acquisition opportunities 
  • Matt is learning to relinquish control of farm operations and take on the role of Team Leader
  • Engaged Maverick Consulting to take on CFO role 
  • Established a Leadership Team that meets weekly
  • Hired and promoted from within Operations and Equipment Leads 
  • Hired an administrative assistant
  • Introduced a tiered reporting structure to improve effectiveness and communication
  • Identified what additional roles are needed as farm continues to grow (and what type of person fits that role)
  • Established a benefits and pension program for employees 
  • The farm succession plan is evolving, but the leadership team is open to non-family owners
  • Improved farm’s brand identity with team merchandise and website coming soon

 

“Farmer Coach is almost therapeutic for me. It’s so helpful to be in a room with like-minded producers experiencing similar challenges. It’s a great environment for us to identify our strengths and figure out collaboratively how we can overcome  challenges to make our businesses better.”

“Every session I’ve been to has been worth the time and investment. It’s a very high-value program. It’s helped me identify and focus on key strategies that allow me to work on, not in, the business.”

 

 

-Matt Wallington, Team Leader, Hanover Ridge Farm