Much like our Land O’Lakes cooperative story, WinField United Canada was founded by ag retailers as Grow Community of Independents in 2010. Since becoming WinField United Canada in 2017, they continue to provide their farm customers with access to the latest innovations in adjuvants, biosolutions, crop nutrition, crop protection and seed. Over the years, they have formed deep partnerships across Canada’s agriculture sector, expanding their footprint and services along the way.  

Through those partnerships, WinField United Canada has grown to become a leading retail-owned distribution and service company that supports a network of locally owned ag-retailers. Key services provided include wholesale distribution, operational services, digital transformation, Spray Clinics, Project Connect, Answer Plots and WinField United Academy. Combined, they create the engine that enables the power of WinField United traits and genetics, and knowledge of local products to support farmers navigating Canada’s growing conditions. Dave Van Dam, general manager of WinField United Canada, often tells the sales team, “Adjuvants in every conversation.” In 2024 the crop protection, seed distribution and crop nutrition businesses generated CA$1.2 billion.  

Giving back to local communities 

“Part of our WinField United Canada’s mission and vision is very similar to the Land O’Lakes vision around supporting rural communities," says Dave. "Half of our owners in Canada have retail locations in towns of less than 500 people. In a lot of cases, they are either the only employer or one of a handful of employers in the community. Their success is critical to the success of the community.” 

The WinField Canada team supports their local communities with a focus on four pillars of community investment: Mental Health, Hunger, Education and Community. Each year, they host two hallmark events: Raise the Barn and Journey 5km.  

Raise the Barn

With Raise the Barn, independent ag retailers partner with a local charitable organization and submit a project that addresses a need within one of their pillar areas. In 2024, $10,000 was awarded to four regional winners. One of the organizations, Redfern Farm Services of Souris, Manitoba, received an additional grand prize of $20,000 through public voting for a total of $30,000 towards their community project. They partnered with Westman Mental Wellness and Suicide Prevention Association to provide affordable weekly counseling services, helping individuals navigate long wait times—sometimes up to six months—for mental health appointments. The project also works to address overall access to mental health support within their community.

Journey 5km

Journey 5km by WinField United Canada was created to support mental health and combat burnout of staff and partners before the busy growing season. Participants sign up to participate in the run/walk/roll 5 kilometers, have open discussions about mental health, and check in with their family, friends and co-workers. 

Learn more 

Visit the WinField United Canada site to learn more about the team.