DSAG: A local seed business growing strong

Following his agriculture studies at the University of Manitoba, and several years working as a chemical and research representative, Justin Daymond returned to his roots on the family farm just northeast of Cypress River.

What began as a necessity, diversifying a small mixed grain and cattle operation, soon evolved into something much more. Driven by both practicality and a genuine passion for connecting with others, he expanded his vision into a full-service seed and farm supply business: DSAG.

Now, just four and a half years in, DSAG has grown from a small start-up into a thriving operation built on local relationships, knowledgeable staff, and a deep understanding of prairie agriculture.

“I had worked as a chemical and research rep after university, while I wanted to operate the family farm, I knew I needed to do something more to make the operation sustainable,” Daymond said.

With farmland prices steadily climbing and the cost of larger machinery rising, expansion didn’t seem feasible. Diversification, however, made perfect sense, and Daymond admits he missed working directly with producers.

“I liked the retail side; talking to farmers and trying to help them,” he said.

The idea became reality when Daymond purchased seed bins and equipment from a closing business in Beauséjour and relocated them south. A partnership with Pitura Seeds in Domain also helped launch the venture.

Today, DSAG markets a wide range of bulk seed products, including wheat, barley, soybeans, and peas, along with bagged corn and canola seed. The company works with independent growers to produce seed that is cleaned and processed through its partner network.

Daymond is quick to credit the business’s success to the team around him.

One of the first major hires was Annabelle Desrochers of Baldur, who joined the company about three years ago. More recently, Andrew Johnston of Cypress River came aboard, bringing additional agronomy and sales expertise.

“Those two have really taken the business to the next level,” Daymond said. “Between customer service, sales, and agronomy, they’re a huge reason we’ve kept growing.”

Desrochers’ background in animal science has opened doors with mixed farms and livestock producers.

“She really understands feed, nutrition, and cattle operations,” he said. “Farmers can’t get enough of her knowledge.”

Johnston, meanwhile, has helped expand the company’s offerings, most recently introducing liquid fertilizers with micro nutrients. He has also expanded their basic soil sampling program to include zone testing and variable rate prescriptions.

The company also relies on part-time and seasonal staff, particularly for delivery support during the busy spring season. “Tom Vermeersch is here in the winter months and works from a customer list he calls on and follows up with them.”

Behind the scenes, Niki Daymond keeps the office organized and operations running smoothly.

“She’s the real manager,” Justin joked. “Billing, inventory, receiving, outgoing loads – she handles all the details,” he added sincerely.

In under five years, DSAG has built a customer base stretching throughout southwestern Manitoba, into communities near the U.S. border, and into Saskatchewan.

Daymond expressed gratitude for the early support from local producers.

“We’ve been very fortunate. Customers were willing to give us a chance, and they’ve stayed loyal.”

With continued growth, the next chapter is already underway.

A new seed storage and warehousing facility is being completed on the west side of Cypress along Highway 2. Once finished, the site will move operations closer to major routes, improving accessibility and visibility.

“It’s a better location for farmers to stop in, and it separates the farm from the retail side,” he said.

The new building is also designed to meet certified chemical warehousing standards, allowing for proper storage of seed treatments and future flexibility.

Like many in the agriculture sector, Daymond says producers are feeling pressure from rising input costs.

“Fertilizer has nearly doubled compared to last fall,” he said. “There are going to be people just barely getting by this year.”

Despite the challenges, optimism remains.

For Daymond, the formula for success is simple: good people, loyal customers, and staying connected to the farming community.

“As long as you’ve got good people around you, it keeps going. And we sure have hit the jackpot with our staff.”

PHOTO CAPTION: Justin and Niki Daymond operate DSAG, a farm seed and supply business near Cypress River and are expanding to a new location west of Cypress River on Highway No. 2. PHOTO SUBMITTED