Edmonton has been home to countless successful entrepreneurs, and Bryan Perkins is certainly one of them. Before making his mark in agriculture, he faced his share of hurdles. Let’s delve into the life and work of this remarkable individual, as explored on edmonton1.one.
Early Life
In 1908, Fred and Alice Perkins arrived in Alberta, seeking new opportunities for their family. They soon laid the groundwork for a farming tradition and a pioneering spirit that would deeply influence their grandson, Bryan Perkins. Their legacy lives on through Bryan’s incredible energy, sharp intellect, and innovative approach to his life’s work. On a farm steeped in history, he’s not only cultivated a promising future for the province’s agricultural sector but also become a highly respected leader across Alberta. Bryan was born in Edmonton on June 22, 1946. He spent his entire childhood on the family farm just outside Wainwright. From a young age, he and his siblings worked alongside their parents on the farm. Bryan also actively participated in local sports. After high school, he enrolled for the University of Alberta, earning a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 1969. Upon graduation, Bryan dove into farming and married Sharon, a kind and wonderful schoolteacher. After their children were born, Sharon dedicated herself to their family, actively supporting Bryan in managing the farm and growing their fertilizer and chemical sales business.
Leadership Roles in Major Organizations
Beyond running the farm, Bryan was a dedicated volunteer. He served with the Wainwright Credit Union, Wainedge Gas Co-op, and on the board of Grace United Church. He also coached, mentored, and managed local hockey and swimming teams. His keen mind, natural diplomacy, and strong public speaking skills made him an invaluable asset to numerous industry organizations. Perkins chaired the Agricultural Diversification Alliance, served as vice-president of the United Grain Growers, and was an early member and later president of the Western Hog Growers’ Association. As Bryan’s involvement in the agricultural industry grew, Perkins Farm flourished. In the mid-1980s, the family sold their fertilizer and chemical business to focus on hog farming and grain production. By the mid-1990s, Bryan began developing an innovative and highly successful farming approach that positively impacted hundreds of family farms across Alberta.
Founding and Managing a Unique Organization
Today, Perkins Farms Inc. spans the lands farmed by Bryan, Sharon, and their extended family. They are all part of a unique organization called Sunhaven Farms, which includes approximately 150 farm families. Each farm maintains its independence but belongs to one of four local farming groups that work together. These four groups, in turn, form the larger Sunhaven Farms organization. The grain produced by these farmers goes to the Venture Feedmill in Irma, which Sunhaven operates on a non-profit basis. The group also includes private individuals and local businesses. Bryan serves as president of Sunhaven and the smaller farm groups. This approach offers a multitude of benefits. It allows independent operators to pool resources and leverage economies of scale. It also reduces diversification risks, as all members can combine knowledge and apply it within the group in areas like nutrition, marketing, and agribusiness. They also collectively seek external expertise, expanding their shared knowledge base. Another advantage is Sunhaven’s collective scale, which enables a value-added approach to production, giving each farm access to larger markets and opportunities. Bryan acknowledges that this approach requires a willingness to collaborate and delegate some decision-making to the group. In his view, the benefits far outweigh any drawbacks. The group’s greatest strength lies in its collective energy and talent. Perkins enjoys interacting with community members who approach agriculture with great enthusiasm and a positive attitude. He finds immense satisfaction in seeing young farmers who are passionate about agriculture and committed to staying within the community. Bryan’s energy and enthusiasm for his profession haven’t waned over the years. He chairs the board of governors for the Prairie Swine Centre in Saskatoon, which conducts research in various fields, from animal welfare and nutrition to agricultural engineering. Perkins is also actively involved in fundraising for agricultural scholarships and the Swine Research Centre. Bryan’s focus on the future and his nurturing nature are evident. When asked what he wishes for his grandchildren, he emphasizes the importance of them appreciating nature and sharing love with their family and community. In Alberta, what the businessman values most is the strong entrepreneurial spirit of its residents and the diverse opportunities available for all walks of life, businesses, and professions.