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people are doing deals much more than
they once were. my grandfather would
sell his grain twice a year; my dad would
make five to eight deals; and now, on
larger farms, it can go up to 20 deals. that
growth is an indication of the amount of
risk that producers face, meaning they’re
looking to diversify.
GW:
You seem keen on price
transparency.
Turner:
I think transparency is key. If
you’re upfront and honest, why wouldn’t
you benefit? the more open you are, the
better you’ll be. It’s kind of like a hand-
shake deal, and we give the opportunity
to have that handshake with someone,
whether you are a buyer or a seller.
we do our due diligence. producers who
show the quality of their grain, and who
are upfront and honest, will benefit. peo-
ple remember those guys who are shady—
it leaves a bad taste in your mouth.
GW:
Where did the inspiration come
from to start your business?
Turner:
It really came from trying to find
that better deal—trying to help those
looking for different varieties. every extra
bit counts, even if a farmer gets a few
cents more for his bushel. I found a gap in
the market, as there was an opportunity
to help the bottom line for producers.
GW:
What’s the most exciting part?
Turner:
I would say seeing a deal go
through where a guy gets paid more than
he would through traditional methods. we
are doing our job when that happens.
GW:
Do you ever have second thoughts
on what you do?
Turner:
I never doubt what I do, but I’m
constantly re-evaluating. If you don’t do
that, you’ll never improve. I think I’m my
own worst critic.
GW:
You have clients who are both in
the U.S. and Canada. Tell us what the
biggest difference is between the two
ag scenes.
Turner:
I think western canada is more
landlocked. the u.s. has a solid river sys-
tem, where grain can be delivered quicker
down to places like new orleans and
north carolina. canada is going to have
to constantly improve the railroads be-
cause we don’t have the ability to truck all
of the grain. But we still remain one of the
largest producers, being the breadbasket.
GW:
What do you like most about the ag
industry?
Turner:
It’s constantly evolving. there
are new varieties, new chemicals, new
tech and new equipment. It continually
looks to grow, as guys are always looking
to maximize yields. It’s also the people in
small towns. they become the fabric, you
know—everyone in the community plays
an important role.
there are a lot of opportunities, and
I think people are always looking to do
better.
GW:
Farmers are quick to adapt to new
technology. How important is technolo-
gy to keep them competitive?
Turner:
It’s the same premise as constant
re-evaluation. tools are a way of bettering
yourself. It’s easier to use a ratchet than
a normal wrench. But get perspective on
everything in the game. test things out
before you buy or loan something. there
might be something that works for you
that might not work for someone else.
tech isn’t for everyone. You don’t have
to adapt. But it’s more along the lines of,
“why wouldn’t you try it out, if it’s going
to make your operations better?”
GW:
Do you have any advice for ag en-
trepreneurs with startup ideas?
Turner:
It has to be something you know
a lot about, and you have to sell it. prod-
ucts rarely sell themselves.
If you’re not willing to push the pace or
work, somebody else will be working, and
they will win. If you’re an entrepreneur,
you’re in charge of the ball.
see if there is a need for your business
before you start it. Identify your audience
by doing surveys of potential clients. ask
yourself, “how would I stack up against
competitors?”
have a long-term goal, but also make
short-term goals along the way. those
goals can be daily or weekly. get them
done as soon as possible.
Winter
2015
Grains
West
18
FATHER AND SON:
Brennan Turner and his father Derek Turner, during Agri-Trade in
Red Deer this past fall. Turner attributes much of his success to both parents, Derek Turner
and Joan Pankratz-Turner, who supported him and his goals growing up.