Beginning in the early 80s, First Choice Operations provided products and services for hog farmers. When Penner Farm Services purchased the company in 2002, it came with a relocation of the business to Red Deer from Manitoba. Ten years later, in 2011, they made another move that found them settling in Lacombe County to their current location in the Wild Rose Commercial Park.
This location appealed to them because it is in the heart of central Alberta farming country, is cost-effective for business, and provides excellent access. Because Penner Farm Services has clients across the province, a facility at the intersection of QEII and Hwy 12 allows for ease of travel for customers and for staff, who are mostly local to the Lacombe area.
In addition to supporting local people with employment, Penner Farm Services is committed to being involved with local events, organizations, and companies whenever possible. Occasionally they will also work with national organizations through an effort with the Manitoba team.
Like many successful businesses, Penner Farm Services has turned to diversification over the years. When the hog industry took a hit, they adapted their model to become a multi-species provider. Now, in addition to hog farms, they also support poultry, dairy, and grain farms. Their products also show this diversification as you can purchase anything from boots and gloves for staff, to automatic ‘Lely’ milking machines (as pictured).
Due to the increased business costs, more care has been taken to find savings that Penner Farm Services can pass on to their customers. Creative and unique solutions to the construction or renovation of barns also allow customers to benefit from more energy-efficient buildings, which results in cost savings over time. The new barn for Milk & Honey Dairy (also pictured) is a great example of the design work provided by the team.
Another creative practice the team has begun is to share producer stories. They work with current customers to educate the public about agriculture in its many forms. You can view some of the stories in video format by visiting the company website (https://pennerfarmservice.com/). The videos also serve as a marketing tool to teach about their various products and services. This practice, among others, solidifies their role as ‘agvocates.’
If you’ve never heard that term before, it refers to one who supports and champions the agriculture industry; an advocate for agriculture, and the use of the term is growing. Penner Farm Services is committed to being agvocates and do this in part by being involved with producer groups, committees, and organizations. This involvement fosters strong relationships based on a common goal to further the industry.
In recognition of this work, their history in the community, and their innovations in technology, Penner Farm Services was recently awarded the ‘Agricultural Business of the Year’ award for 2022 by the Lacombe & District Chamber of Commerce. Keep up the excellent work!
