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EDUCATION FOCUS BUGGING OUT AT LETHBRIDGE COLLEGE » PAGE 27
BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR LATE BLIGHT » PAGE 22
PICKSEED’S SUPERIOR FORAGE VARIETIES ON SALE NOW. See UFA.com/beef for full details.
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UFA 0191 Pickseed_AFE.indd File Name: UFA 10191 Pickseed_AFE
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Project: Pickseed Image Area or Trim: 3.08” x 1.83” Publication: Alberta Farmer Express
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V o l u m e 9 , n u m b e r 1 0 M ay 7 , 2 0 1 2
DiversificatioN: The key to success for Smoky Lake couple NUMBER CRUNCHING } Paying attention to costs and profitability of every crop and enterprise has been critical for Alberta’s 2012 Outstanding Young Farmer winners by alexis kienlen af staff | smoky lake
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aying attention to the details while letting their eyes drift to the sky. That’s the motto of Angela and Robert Semeniuk, owners of RAS farms and winners of Alberta’s Outstanding Young Farmers competition for 2012. The couple, along with children Gabrielle and Tristan, crop 3,400 acres near Smoky Lake, custom seed 1,000 acres, and custom broadcast fertilizer on more than 25,000 acres. “The size of our grain farm alone wasn’t enough — the custom business gives us greater flexibility and a second line of income to carry us through,”
“Show them a solid business plan and make them believe.” Robert Semeniuk
says Robert. “If there is an opportunity, we try to take it.” When he took over the farm from his parents 15 years ago, Robert had cattle but sold them in 2006. He started hauling grain in 2000, but quit two years later as profit margins were too slim. Custom work has proved to be a good fit, allowing Angela to quit her off-farm job three years ago and work full time on RAS farms. “Buying and renting land around here is very competitive,” says Robert. “Going into custom work was a way that we could generate income and grow.” The couple owns two fertilizer trucks and does custom application for nearby farmers. They needed a loan to buy equipment and spent a considerable time crafting a business plan — which was a hit with their lender, Farm Credit Canada. “Show them a solid business plan and make them believe,” says Robert. Their plan forecast spreading fertilizer on 9,000 acres in their first year, but they ended up doing 19,000 acres by the end of the season. That prompted them to buy a second floater and a fertilizer delivery truck in 2010. The goal for the 2012 season is 35,000 acres. The
see diversify } page 6
emergency PLAN
Angela and Robert Semeniuk, owners of RAS farms and their children Gabrielle and Tristan. Supplied photo
every farm should have one ready } PAGE 28
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