Growing Together

The Next Generation at Plugged Run Farms Plugged Run Farms | MD of Peace No. 135, AB

Ariane Coté and Travis Alexander (with baby Scotty) of Plugged Run Farms

Born into agricultural roots, Travis Alexander, 26, and Ariane Coté, 29, of Plugged Run Farms were destined to follow in their family’s footsteps and produce successful crops together.

“I grew up farming with my parents in the Berwyn area, and from a young age, I’ve always known I wanted to be involved with the farm,” said Travis. “When I was 13, my parents helped me with my first 20-acre plot, which is how I got my foot in the door.”

The very next year, Travis exchanged his small piece of land for a full quarter section (160 acres). Not long after, Travis was farming thousands of acres.

Ariane’s story is similar, even if it turned out different than she expected.

“I was raised on a farm in Donnelly, and until I moved to Berwyn with Travis, I was actively farming with my dad,” said Ariane. “I always imagined taking over the family farm. Moving to Berwyn meant having to give that up, but luckily, I was coming to another farm that welcomed me with open arms.”

Now, the two of them, along with their six-month-old daughter, Scotty, farm approximately 5,000 acres with Travis’ parents, Bob and Kim, of BK Alexander Farms.

Focusing on “cash crops,” the team produces and harvests everything from lentils, wheat and oats to canola and fall rye.

When it comes to managing the crops and deciding what to plant, the duo consistently finds new ways to advance their operations.

“We’re always open to new ideas and are constantly figuring out how to improve the land we have,” said Ariane. “Last year, we did deep ripping, which is aggressively cultivating the land to break the compaction layers that have been built up over time. Since then, we have seen great results and are looking forward to seeing more down the line.”

Open to innovation, their goal is to never stop learning. Plugged Run Farms runs a large variety of trials across their farm every year. Their trials include different tillage practices, soil amendments, fertility and fungicides, so they can learn what works for their operation and how to get the best return on investment.

“Above all else, we always prioritize family first—yes we own and operate a business, and run it like a business, but we ensure everyone is aligned with the decisions being made and that we all have the same common goals for the operation,” said Ariane.

It takes a village to operate a large-scale farm, and everyone has their designated roles. Travis and his dad, Bob, are the decision makers and equipment operators.

Travis’ mom, Kim, wears many hats and does everything from running equipment and bookkeeping to making meals for the crew and ensuring everyone is looked after.

Ariane uses her extensive financial background to map out different strategies for the farm. She also operates equipment as needed and is a full-time mom.

“We also have a full-time employee, Andrew Harms, and he’s a jack of all trades. He helps run equipment and is the one we bounce ideas off of during every step of the process,” said Ariane.

Juggling the different aspects and seasons of the farm is no easy feat, but this tight-knit team have worked together long enough to know how to run a smooth operation year-round.

“Keeping our priorities top of mind has always worked best for us,” said Travis. “There’s always something to do, but we have it down to a science now.”

In the spring, Bob is the main seed drill operator, while Travis and Andrew take shifts as needed.

Once summer hits, most of their time is spent working on projects in the yard and prepping the equipment for harvest.

“Harvest is the busiest season. It’s all hands on deck. We run two combines, Bob is the designated grain cart driver and Travis is the one trucking all the grain back to the bin yards,” said Ariane.

Fast paced and rewarding, harvest is a time when everything comes together in quick succession.

“Harvest is always my favourite. You get adrenaline from harvesting your crop that you’ve watched grow all year, knowing it needs to come off quickly. Doing it as a team with your family, it’s a privilege only a few people get to have,” said Ariane. “I’m very lucky to be one of those people.”

When the frost begins, the family regroups, hauls their grain in and spends time servicing their equipment to prepare for the next year ahead.

Adding to their long list of responsibilities, Plugged Run Farms also partners with Chase Osowetski and Cortney Antypovich of Frozen Acres Farms. Together, they do custom work with deep tillage equipment throughout the Peace Region.

“We also work closely with Mac Fingerhut of MJ Ag. Solutions. With him, we have created a new business called MTM Ag., which services the Peace with wood ash applications,” said Ariane.

When they’re not working long hours in the tractor or combine, the two are heavily involved in their community.

“We love supporting and sponsoring events like the Cash & Cans Barrel Race hosted by the Berwyn Agricultural Society and the Harvest Moon Festival hosted in Grimshaw every year,” said Ariane.

Both Travis and Ariane appreciate where they live and work and are grateful to be doing what they love.

“We are so lucky to live in the Peace Region—the late summer nights, the calmness of small-town living, the people who always support each other—I think farmers are some of the best people to do that,” said Ariane.

By Dani Wearden | Photography by Tyrell Parenteau