When Scott Lindsay and Layne Conway first tossed around the idea of starting a new ag retail business, they were at a curling bonspiel, not exactly your typical boardroom setting. But then again, Core Ag Inputs Warner isn’t your typical ag retailer.
What began as a casual conversation over curling quickly turned into a business venture that would transform the way they served southern Alberta farmers. By July of 2019, with the support of the Core Ag Ltd. network, Core Ag Inputs Warner was born. Their mission was to deliver excellent agronomy, build strong relationships, and support the rural communities they know and love.
After years working with larger companies, they were ready for a change.
“It was the right time,” Lindsay said. “We saw an opportunity to do business for ourselves, and to do it differently. More locally focused. More personal.”
From their first location in Warner, the business has grown steadily. In 2021, they leased a warehouse in Lethbridge to better serve the region. By December 2024, they completed construction on their own warehouse and office southeast of Lethbridge, officially opening a full second location.
Today, the team includes six full-time staff in Warner, five in Lethbridge, and additional seasonal help during the busy months.
“A lot of customers have become really good friends,” he said. “I’ve made some amazing memories, like taking growers on Brier trips across Alberta and Saskatchewan. But more than that, it’s the everyday conversations, being part of their decision-making, and getting to know their families.”
One of his favorite moments in the year is the annual baseball night Core Ag Warner hosts at the Lethbridge Bulls Baseball Club.
“We rent out patios, invite all our customers, and a lot of families come. It’s great to see the next generation coming along.”
“Everyone in the ag world is connected to these groups in one way or another,” Lindsay said. “We feel it’s our responsibility to support them where we can.”
Small towns and rural farming communities face mounting challenges, including population decline, rising costs, and fewer volunteers. That’s why helping local curling clubs or sponsoring local fundraisers isn’t just good PR, it’s a part of their purpose. That’s also evident in their involvement with events like the Wrentham Curling Club's annual wing night, where Core Ag staff help cook and serve to support the cause.
“It’s about keeping these communities strong. If we can play a part in that, we will.”
“We’re not just a voice on the phone,” explained Lindsay. “We’ve got two brick-and-mortar locations and a team that’s out in the field, crop scouting, planning, and problem-solving.”
From crop protection and seed solutions to detailed farm planning, their agronomy services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each farmer. The team also conducts soil testing for disease presence, weed seed testing, and partners with researchers on product trials. These efforts help local growers stay ahead in an ever-evolving agronomic landscape.
One of the most pressing challenges in their area is herbicide-resistant kochia.
“We don’t have many options to switch groups or modes of action. It takes time to get new products through the PMRA process, so it’s a challenge,” said Lindsay. “Our team works with farmers to create effective crop plans, meeting together before the season begins to review the annual farm plan and discuss ways to switch groups or rotate crops where feasible, or utilize different products as needed to make the best of what products are available now.”
“Not all products are created equal,” he said. “Helping farmers understand what they’re buying, and what will really work on their farms, is a big part of what we do.”
It’s also why the Core Ag Warner team is deeply invested in continuing education. Lindsay and Conway actively support learning opportunities for their team, including Certified Crop Advisor designations, research facility tours, and sales training.
“We’re more than happy to invest in continuing education for our team,” shared Lindsay. “We have great partners who help provide training opportunities. WinField United has been a great resource for us. We have sent staff to their research facilities in the US to learn about spray formulation and testing. Just this past winter, some of our team went to South Africa with WinField to see firsthand how farms are operating there. It’s about staying ahead of what’s next.”
“We're trying to get our heads wrapped around biologicals right now,” said Lindsay. “We’re working with manufacturers again this year to test how these products perform in our area. We did a little bit last year, and we’re taking that further ahead this year.”
With so much information and hype surrounding biologicals, the team is taking a practical approach: figure out what works, what doesn’t, and where to focus their energy moving forward. While inoculants are already a regular part of their offering, they’re expanding their scope to better understand the broader category of biological solutions.
In addition to biological trials, Core Ag Warner runs an annual large-scale irrigated canola trial and side-by-side dryland plots to evaluate new products under different conditions.
True to their community-first and hands-on approach, the team makes trials interactive and engaging. One of their signature events is their annual Poker Run farmer event, where they showcase new products from five different manufacturers at five field demonstration sites.
“It’s a grower event where we partner with five different manufacturers each year,” Lindsay explained. “Growers collect a playing card at each stop, and we finish the day with supper on a farm. The person with the best poker hand at the end of the day wins a prize.”
It’s a fun way to blend education with community and reinforce Core Ag Warner’s commitment to helping their customers succeed with real, local data.
“Protect your soil at all costs,” Lindsay advises. “Leave some stubble if you’re able, and minimize harrowing or tilling, as our winds are brutal."
“The growers in our area have learned to adapt to our ever-changing weather conditions and strong westerly winds. Farming practices have changed drastically since I was a kid, and we do a much better job now of protecting our soil from wind erosion.”
And if he could grow any crop without the limitations of the environment, peas would still top the list for Lindsay.
“They're a fantastic crop, good for the land and great for soil health,” he said. "It’s all price-dependent, of course, but peas are one of those crops that do bring a lot of value back to the farm."
“Our older team members have deep relationships and decades of knowledge. The younger ones are tech-savvy and eager to learn. It’s a really good blend.”
He also takes pride in how independently and collaboratively the team works.
“They jump in to help, often before they’re even asked. It makes me proud. We’ve built a culture of trust and support, and we try to have a little fun along the way too.”
Whether it's serving on local boards, volunteering with sports leagues, or joining curling bonspiels, their team can be found actively participating in the communities they serve.
“There are so many doors opening right now,” said Lindsay. “The industry is looking for an abundance of good people, and there’s no shortage of ways to get involved.”
Technology is one of the biggest drivers of change. From precision tools to automation and digital platforms, advancements are coming fast, and they’re reshaping how things are done on the farm.
“We’ve entered a very interesting time in agriculture,” he said. “Some innovations are going to challenge how we think and push us to approach problems in new ways. Others are simply going to make life easier and more efficient. Either way, technology is going to shape the future of agriculture in a big way.”
At Core Ag Warner, embracing that future means staying open, adaptable, and always willing to learn.
“We’re making it a priority to educate ourselves and move with the change, not against it.”
At the end of the day, Core Ag Inputs Warner is about more than just ag retail, it’s about people, passion, and purpose. From bonspiel fundraisers to biostimulant trials, Lindsay, Conway, and their team have built a business grounded in relationships, driven by agronomy, and focused on the future.
What began as a casual conversation over curling quickly turned into a business venture that would transform the way they served southern Alberta farmers. By July of 2019, with the support of the Core Ag Ltd. network, Core Ag Inputs Warner was born. Their mission was to deliver excellent agronomy, build strong relationships, and support the rural communities they know and love.
Back to the Roots
Both Lindsay and Conway are lifelong farm kids who jumped straight into ag retail after high school. Lindsay spent 15 years with UFA and another five with South Country Co-op, while Conway gained his experience at Southern Agri Services, which eventually became part of Nutrien.After years working with larger companies, they were ready for a change.
“It was the right time,” Lindsay said. “We saw an opportunity to do business for ourselves, and to do it differently. More locally focused. More personal.”
From their first location in Warner, the business has grown steadily. In 2021, they leased a warehouse in Lethbridge to better serve the region. By December 2024, they completed construction on their own warehouse and office southeast of Lethbridge, officially opening a full second location.
Today, the team includes six full-time staff in Warner, five in Lethbridge, and additional seasonal help during the busy months.
A Business Built on Relationships
For Lindsay, the most rewarding part of the job isn’t just seeing the crops grow, it’s the relationships he’s built with farmers over the years.“A lot of customers have become really good friends,” he said. “I’ve made some amazing memories, like taking growers on Brier trips across Alberta and Saskatchewan. But more than that, it’s the everyday conversations, being part of their decision-making, and getting to know their families.”
One of his favorite moments in the year is the annual baseball night Core Ag Warner hosts at the Lethbridge Bulls Baseball Club.
“We rent out patios, invite all our customers, and a lot of families come. It’s great to see the next generation coming along.”
Supporting Rural Communities
Core Ag Warner’s community commitment runs deep. From 4-H and local sports teams to ag societies, curling clubs, and schools, their support is both financial and hands-on.“Everyone in the ag world is connected to these groups in one way or another,” Lindsay said. “We feel it’s our responsibility to support them where we can.”
Small towns and rural farming communities face mounting challenges, including population decline, rising costs, and fewer volunteers. That’s why helping local curling clubs or sponsoring local fundraisers isn’t just good PR, it’s a part of their purpose. That’s also evident in their involvement with events like the Wrentham Curling Club's annual wing night, where Core Ag staff help cook and serve to support the cause.
“It’s about keeping these communities strong. If we can play a part in that, we will.”
Agronomy at the Core
Agronomy is a key part of the business, and Core Ag Warner takes pride in its hands-on, boots-on-the-ground approach.“We’re not just a voice on the phone,” explained Lindsay. “We’ve got two brick-and-mortar locations and a team that’s out in the field, crop scouting, planning, and problem-solving.”
From crop protection and seed solutions to detailed farm planning, their agronomy services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each farmer. The team also conducts soil testing for disease presence, weed seed testing, and partners with researchers on product trials. These efforts help local growers stay ahead in an ever-evolving agronomic landscape.
One of the most pressing challenges in their area is herbicide-resistant kochia.
“We don’t have many options to switch groups or modes of action. It takes time to get new products through the PMRA process, so it’s a challenge,” said Lindsay. “Our team works with farmers to create effective crop plans, meeting together before the season begins to review the annual farm plan and discuss ways to switch groups or rotate crops where feasible, or utilize different products as needed to make the best of what products are available now.”
Staying Ahead of What’s Next
Agriculture is evolving fast, and Lindsay knows it. Supply chain challenges, generic product influx, and volatile markets have made decision-making more complex at all levels.“Not all products are created equal,” he said. “Helping farmers understand what they’re buying, and what will really work on their farms, is a big part of what we do.”
It’s also why the Core Ag Warner team is deeply invested in continuing education. Lindsay and Conway actively support learning opportunities for their team, including Certified Crop Advisor designations, research facility tours, and sales training.
“We’re more than happy to invest in continuing education for our team,” shared Lindsay. “We have great partners who help provide training opportunities. WinField United has been a great resource for us. We have sent staff to their research facilities in the US to learn about spray formulation and testing. Just this past winter, some of our team went to South Africa with WinField to see firsthand how farms are operating there. It’s about staying ahead of what’s next.”
Testing, Learning, and Having a Little Fun Along the Way
The Core Ag Warner team continues to explore and evaluate biological products through ongoing field trials.“We're trying to get our heads wrapped around biologicals right now,” said Lindsay. “We’re working with manufacturers again this year to test how these products perform in our area. We did a little bit last year, and we’re taking that further ahead this year.”
With so much information and hype surrounding biologicals, the team is taking a practical approach: figure out what works, what doesn’t, and where to focus their energy moving forward. While inoculants are already a regular part of their offering, they’re expanding their scope to better understand the broader category of biological solutions.
In addition to biological trials, Core Ag Warner runs an annual large-scale irrigated canola trial and side-by-side dryland plots to evaluate new products under different conditions.
True to their community-first and hands-on approach, the team makes trials interactive and engaging. One of their signature events is their annual Poker Run farmer event, where they showcase new products from five different manufacturers at five field demonstration sites.
“It’s a grower event where we partner with five different manufacturers each year,” Lindsay explained. “Growers collect a playing card at each stop, and we finish the day with supper on a farm. The person with the best poker hand at the end of the day wins a prize.”
It’s a fun way to blend education with community and reinforce Core Ag Warner’s commitment to helping their customers succeed with real, local data.
Sustainable Thinking
For Lindsay and the team at Core Ag Warner, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a mindset built into the way they support their farmers. One of the most effective strategies they rely on is simple but powerful: use a good group rotation for your products and a good crop rotation overall. These rotations not only support soil health but also help manage disease and build long-term productivity into the land.“Protect your soil at all costs,” Lindsay advises. “Leave some stubble if you’re able, and minimize harrowing or tilling, as our winds are brutal."
“The growers in our area have learned to adapt to our ever-changing weather conditions and strong westerly winds. Farming practices have changed drastically since I was a kid, and we do a much better job now of protecting our soil from wind erosion.”
And if he could grow any crop without the limitations of the environment, peas would still top the list for Lindsay.
“They're a fantastic crop, good for the land and great for soil health,” he said. "It’s all price-dependent, of course, but peas are one of those crops that do bring a lot of value back to the farm."
The Power of a Good Team
One thing Lindsay is quick to celebrate is the Core Ag Warner team. With staff ranging in age from 24 to 70, the team brings together the best of both worlds, veteran experience and next-generation enthusiasm.“Our older team members have deep relationships and decades of knowledge. The younger ones are tech-savvy and eager to learn. It’s a really good blend.”
He also takes pride in how independently and collaboratively the team works.
“They jump in to help, often before they’re even asked. It makes me proud. We’ve built a culture of trust and support, and we try to have a little fun along the way too.”
Whether it's serving on local boards, volunteering with sports leagues, or joining curling bonspiels, their team can be found actively participating in the communities they serve.
Looking Ahead
Agriculture is constantly changing, and with that comes tremendous opportunity.“There are so many doors opening right now,” said Lindsay. “The industry is looking for an abundance of good people, and there’s no shortage of ways to get involved.”
Technology is one of the biggest drivers of change. From precision tools to automation and digital platforms, advancements are coming fast, and they’re reshaping how things are done on the farm.
“We’ve entered a very interesting time in agriculture,” he said. “Some innovations are going to challenge how we think and push us to approach problems in new ways. Others are simply going to make life easier and more efficient. Either way, technology is going to shape the future of agriculture in a big way.”
At Core Ag Warner, embracing that future means staying open, adaptable, and always willing to learn.
“We’re making it a priority to educate ourselves and move with the change, not against it.”
At the end of the day, Core Ag Inputs Warner is about more than just ag retail, it’s about people, passion, and purpose. From bonspiel fundraisers to biostimulant trials, Lindsay, Conway, and their team have built a business grounded in relationships, driven by agronomy, and focused on the future.
