ST. PAUL - It has been 65 years since the Municipal Seed Cleaning Plant began processing product, which now includes cereal seeds, pulse crops, oil seeds and even specialty crops like quinoa and hemp.
On Nov. 5, producers and supporters of the long-running organization gathered at the St. Paul Recreation Centre to celebrate the history of the agricultural facility, which now stands along Highway 881 (north), just a few short minutes from St. Paul. But in 1957, when the seed cleaning plant first began, it was just a short walk from where Saturday's celebrations took place, located where the RCMP station now sits.
Over 65 years ago, farmers in the area recognized there was a need to work together.
"Seed processing and cleaning equipment are a huge investment. So is hauling grain long distances to get cleaned," reads the history of the seed cleaning plant. And so, the idea to pool resources and build a local facility came about. Like most organizations, there have been challenges over the years, including a fire in 1981 that destroyed the original plant.
But, a new plant was built on a new site and opened in the fall of 1982.
According to the minutes from the St. Paul Municipal Seed Cleaning Association's May 12, 1954 meeting, a board of directors was formed, and included Chairman Mr. L. Binette, Vice Chairman Mr. G. Poitras, Secretary Mr. S. Powers, and directors G.C. Berlinguette, L. Duchesneau, Charles LaFrance, Mr. Ovide Michaud, Mr. Oscar Amyotte, Mr. Robert Genereux, Mr. Albert Genereux, Mr. G. Hovelkamp, Mr. A. Lavoie, Mr. Roger Tessier, Mr. Kaspar Schoch, and Mr. Armand Lamothe.
Ten of the farmers present signed the application for incorporation. At the meeting, it was moved that the association be named "The St. Paul Municipal Seed Cleaning Association Limited."
"From a manager's perspective, I'm sure there were learning curves and challenges to overcome with the operations of a new facility and new equipment," said General Manager Ron Wirsta. "From what they had in the past to what we have now, it is obvious the individuals who started your association had established an excellent foundation that is very visible and viable today."
Then and now
A lot has changed over the years. "Our processing volumes have been increase from around 450,000 bushels when the new plant opened to around a million bushels now," said Wirsta. He added, "Diversity and marketing through exports and seed production have been the biggest driver of our processing increases."
Of course, weather plays a role in the operations at the seed cleaning plant - like it does in so many aspects of the agriculture industry. "Weather and harvest conditions are main drivers in separations and product upgrading for market access," said Wirsta.
While the list of directors in 1954 was quite long, the board of directors now includes seven producers, two County of St. Paul council representatives and the district agricultural fieldman.
The current board includes Chair Phil Amyotte, Vice Chair Andy Pomerleau who recently received his 25-years service recognition, Treasurer Marianne Caouette, and directors Cody Kurek, Bernard Chamberland, Dennis Bacque, and Normand Brousseau.
Wirsta and Mandy Paradis, seed cleaning plant employee and recording secretary, and Jules Brousseau, operations manager, are also involved. Making up the rest of the current crew at the seed cleaning plant is Cornelio Wiebe, Jimmy St. Arnault, and Zach Hawiuk.
Wirsta was hired at the seed cleaning plant in 1989 and stepped into the role of general manager just three years later. He says the biggest challenge over the years has been "diversifying" and keeping the business rolling and growing.
The plant is licensed to apply seed treating products that protect seed from several soil and seed born diseases, and have nutrients to help with root development to further help with plant growth.
But, the seed cleaning plant offers others services, such as a full line of pet and livestock food, which is something many people may not know, acknowledges Wirsta. The seed cleaning plant has a long-standing relationship with Masterfeeds.
Looking to the future, Wirsta says the association is looking at an expansion, but first will tackle a feasibility study and explore if it is the right step to take.
Overall, Wirsta says the staff at the seed cleaning plant are a big part of the success of the organization, along with the board. The long-time customers who walk through the doors of the facility are also crucial to the ongoing success of the plant that aims to bring dollars back to the community.
During Saturday's celebration, County of St. Paul Reeve Glen Ockerman spoke to those in attendance, congratulating the seed plant on 65 years.
"Sixty-five years for any organization is quite the achievement," said Ockerman, adding, the ongoing success shows stability. He noted the seed cleaning plant was always there "to meet other needs" for the whole community.
"Thank you from the agriculture community."
