Parent Seed Farms

Parent Seed Farms Ltd., situated in the heart of Manitoba's renowned Red River Valley, is a processor and exporter of pulse crops and quality seeds. The company was founded in 1967 when Norbert Parent Sr. began cleaning seed grains on the second story of a machine shed on the farm. In 1969 work began on a new building that would serve as a full tim... e seed plant. In 1971 Renald Parent took over the operation from his ailing father and continued to supply the quality seeds that enabled the company to expand on a steady basis. A growing interest in the production of special crops coupled with the expanding export market demand created new opportunities for the company. Therefore, in 1980 Norbert Parent, a brother, was hired to develop and manage a special crops program. This product line added enough workload to keep the company operating 24 hours a day for most of the year. Norbert is presently V.P. of Marketing, and markets whole green and yellow cooking peas and birdfood. Paul Parent was hired in 1991. He took over the planting seed program from brother Renald who is now busy with full time management of the company. Paul is responsible for the purchase and resale of planting seeds. Parent Seed Farms Ltd. began its evolution to the third generation of ownership in 1993 as Norbert and Robert Parent began purchasing a portion of the company shares from Renald. In 1994 Peter Klippenstein, an experienced bean trader, was hired to manage the edible bean program, a new direction for the company. Plans for a specialized bean processing facility were conceived - this would be a first for Manitoba. Peter markets, exports and trades beans internationally. 1995 was an exciting year for Parent Seed Farms Ltd. as the new bean facility became a reality by creating 14 jobs and contributing to the local economy. Bruno Sabourin joined the team in 1998 and trades pulse crops such as lentils, split peas and canary seed internationally.Read More