Get to know your agronomist.

Emily Faye
BScA, PAg, CCA, 4R, APA

Where it all began…

I grew up on two family farms near the small town of Wishart, Saskatchewan. Baba and Gido's farm, established in 1908, is the original homestead of our European ancestors. Gramma and Grampa's farm is a large operation of cattle and grain. I loved spending time on the farm- it meant spending time with family. Whether it was tractor rides with Dad or tagging calves with Gido, I was always eager to be involved.

 

The community of Wishart grew around a railway station that was built to serve the surrounding agricultural area. Railways played a critical role in the settlement of the prairies, as they allowed farmers to ship their grain to larger markets in Regina, Winnipeg, and beyond. Wishart, originally a small service point along the railway, began to develop a local economy focused on farming and transportation.

Wishart's population and prominence gradually declined after World War II. The development of modern transportation (better highways and trucking) reduced the dependence on railways, and many of the small towns along the railway lines, including Wishart, saw fewer people and businesses.

Today, Wishart remains a small community. The town no longer has the same economic prominence it once did, but it remains a symbol of the early rural settlement and agricultural development in Saskatchewan.

Though Wishart is small, it still embodies the history of Saskatchewan's growth and the legacy of its agricultural roots.

My Grandparents were highly influential in my life. They encouraged me to learn as many skills as possible, fostering my independence from a young age. I always had to keep up with my brothers- if they could do it, I was determined I could do it too. At age 11, my siblings and I joined the local Beef 4-H Club. I was incredibly proud of my heifer, Boo. Gido spent countless hours teaching us how to care for our calves and train them to lead. Not long after, I bought my first heifer and began growing my own small herd.

As a kid, I cherished the time spent in the shop with my family.

My bottle fed calf, Benny.

My curiosity extended to grain farming as well. I was always asking Dad and Grampa questions, eager to understand the intricacies of it all. But more than that, I wanted to operate and repair the big machinery. I loved spending time in the shop with my family, no matter the project. The best days were when we all worked together in the same field.

Harvest has always been my favorite time of year. With all the machines running, it was a chance for the whole family to work side by side. As a September baby, many of my birthdays were spent in the field, with supper and cake on the tailgate of the truck. And to top it off, Saskatchewan sunsets and northern lights never failed to impress.

Choosing a career path.

After high school, I pursued a degree in accounting at the University of Saskatchewan. By October, I knew I wasn't on the right path. I had no interest in the content I was learning. All I looked forward to was going home to the farm for the weekend. And that's when it hit me.

I never knew there was such thing as an agronomist. With a little research, I discovered that the College of Agriculture offered more than just vet programs. After Thanksgiving weekend, I decided to switch to a degree in agronomy. The next three and a half semesters flew by—I loved every aspect of the program. After 4 years, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Degree, majoring in Agronomy and minoring in Soil Science. I graduated my program in the top 15% of Canada.

My undergraduate thesis examined the impact of variable rate nitrogen on malt barley. The study used topography-based zones and three different treatments. Soil samples were collected both before seeding and after harvest, along with crop biomass samples before swathing, and grain samples during harvest. These samples were tested in the lab for quality, as well as graded by Canada Malt in Leross. Without the help and support of my family, especially my Dad, this project wouldn't have been possible.

The big move to Alberta.

After graduating, I worked with a few agricultural retail companies in Saskatchewan. In 2020, I made the move to Calgary with a bigger goal in mind: to share my knowledge and passion for agriculture with as many growers as possible. While in Alberta, my love for agriculture grew even stronger, and I also discovered the beauty and tranquility of the mountains. In my free time, I enjoy quadding, sledding, hiking, and camping.

Creating Emerald Agronomy.

In my first year of university, my Grampa jokingly asked, "So, you’re going to tell me how to farm, huh?" I laughed and responded, "No, Grampa. I will never tell you how to farm." That promise still stands. My goal is not to tell you how to farm, but to educate you, so you can make the most informed decisions for your operation. Ultimately, it’s your farm and your decision. I treat every grower like family- if I wouldn’t recommend something to my family, I wouldn’t recommend it to you.

The name "Emerald Agronomy" reflects my roots in the Rural Municipality of Emerald #277. Since my second year of university, I’ve dreamed of starting my own agronomy business where I could help growers with their unique challenges. No two farms are alike, and they shouldn’t be treated as such.

Farming is my passion—I live and breathe agriculture. With Emerald Agronomy, it’s not just business; it’s personal. I’m here to support you and your farm in any way I can.

With Emerald Agronomy, it's not just business. 
It's personal.