In the heart of southern Alberta, where fertile soil meets fierce wind, sits Taber Home and Farm, a community-focused business that’s been growing right alongside the farmers it serves since 1983. It’s a place where modern agriculture and small-town values blend seamlessly.
“I could see that independents treat their customers better,” Duell recalled. “The switch to work for Taber gave me autonomy to make the best decisions for the customer. And this business has deeper roots, real ties to the community. I grew up in this town. What I do here affects my hometown, my neighbors, my friends.”
The company was created in 1983 when the local Co-op left town. Ten local farmers acquired the operation as shareholders to maintain essential services locally. Some of those original shareholders now have second-generation family members involved. Today, the business is supported by nearly 50 Prairie shareholders.
Whether it’s delivering crop protection products, supplying construction materials, or providing bulk fuel, one thing remains constant: exceptional customer service.
“We want to make things easy for our customers,” Duell explained. “That could mean product delivery, agronomic support, or a quote for a new farm building. Our goal is to be service-first in everything we do.”
In 2021, that vision was recognized when Taber Home and Farm won Business of the Year from the local Chamber of Commerce.
“We were recognized for being trusted advisors and for going that extra mile,” shared Duell. “That’s one of my most cherished moments, because of my team. They show up every single day committed to delivering exceptional customer service. To see their efforts acknowledged like that meant a lot to me.”
“Agriculture is very technical and advanced, but still grounded in relationships,” he explained. “Those relationships are key to the industry, and I think they always will be.”
His favorite part of the job? Getting to know the growers. Over time, those relationships evolve into deep friendships.
“Some of my favorite memories are of things like the celebrity golf tournament, where a bunch of farmers invited me to play. Our celebrity was Bruce Hart, he golfed in wrestling boots. It was hilarious to watch, but more than that, it meant something that they asked me to join them.”
Those bonds aren’t just nice-to-haves; they’re the backbone of long-term success in ag retail. And when the crop year ends, and farmers walk in to say thanks, it hits home.
“You know you’ve given everything to help them succeed. Not everything always works out perfectly, there are day-to-day challenges, but that appreciation from the grower, that’s what matters most.”
Duell’s advice to anyone starting in agriculture is simple but powerful: be real.
“Open up and let yourself be vulnerable enough to really get to know your customers, not just as clients, but as people. Ask about their families. Be there when they call after hours. Don’t treat that as an inconvenience, treat it as an opportunity to strengthen the relationship.”
Duell’s second tip is: you don’t need to have all the answers right away. Being honest about what you don’t know and committing to finding the answer builds credibility and deepens trust. Most farmers will respect your transparency and appreciate the follow-through. It’s not a setback; it’s an opportunity to strengthen the relationship.
“The technology in agriculture today is immense,” said Duell. “From drone and laser sprayers, to moisture probes and satellite imagery, to rapid in-field tissue sampling that gives results in five minutes instead of five days, everything is about enabling faster, better decisions.”
Taber runs 20–30 trials per year with customers, testing everything from seed varieties to crop protection products and, increasingly, biologicals.
The challenge? There are a lot of products out there, some great, some not.
“We’ve focused on field trials with customers to test biologicals for stress management. When applied at the right time, they show real promise. Following the correct application timing is everything, and we’re still weeding through the grey area.”
Duell sees a future where biologicals could even play a role in weed and insect control in Canada, as they already do in other parts of the world.
“Because of regulatory hurdles, it’s harder to bring new active ingredients to market. That means it’s more important than ever to be smart and strategic with weed management,” explained Duell.
His team is boots-on-the-ground, working directly with growers to scout fields and plan rotations, not just for this season, but for three or four years ahead.
“In southern Alberta, we see everything grown, from spinach to catnip, so herbicide rotation is critical. We help our customers make decisions today that won’t limit them years down the line.”
Nowhere is this clearer than in the potato market, a local specialty crop driven by the expectations of major buyers like McDonald’s, who require proof of sustainable land stewardship.
“We’ve embraced erosion control strategies like cover crops and moved from broad-spectrum applications to more precise recommendations. It’s all about applying what’s needed, where it’s needed, and nothing more,” said Duell.
Field-by-field management is key. Taber uses soil and tissue sampling, variable-rate applications, and targeted inputs to maintain soil health while maximizing yield.
“Back in the '80s, you’d see dirt blowing through the sky. Now, thanks to better practices and technology, that’s a rare sight.”
“If there’s a project that makes sense, we want to be involved,” explained Duell. “We’re incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received from our customers and communities, and whenever there’s an opportunity to give back, we do our best to do so.”
The company supports a wide range of clubs, initiatives, and local organizations. A key priority for the team is investing in the youth of Southern Alberta, whether it’s through sponsoring 4-H programs, local sports teams, classroom book donations, or school fundraisers. Their commitment doesn’t stop there. Over the years, they’ve helped fund the town’s water park, supported food banks across the region, contributed to the BMX park, and helped enhance the garden at the local seniors’ home. They've also backed important causes like STARS Air Ambulance and regularly take part in community events such as curling bonspiels and charity fundraisers.
In 2023, Taber Home and Farm became a regional winner in WinField United’s Raise the Barn contest, earning $8,000 for their local community project: a new home for the Taber Food Bank Vegetable Garden.
For nearly a decade, the garden has provided thousands of pounds of fresh produce to families in need. With its new location, it offers a chance to grow even more food and a greater community spirit.
“It was such an exciting opportunity to engage our community and support a project that truly makes a difference,” said Duell. “The produce grown in the garden doesn’t just support the Taber Food Bank, it’s also distributed to people in need across Southern Alberta. This was a meaningful way for us to give back and help those in our communities who need it most. It was especially rewarding to see the community rally behind the initiative, with our staff proudly promoting it and embracing the chance to represent Alberta on a national stage.”
“As reliant as we’ve become on technology, I hope we never lose the personal touch. Autonomous sprayers and combines are probably coming, but I hope we still make time to shake a hand, have a conversation, build a relationship.”
After nearly three decades in agriculture, Duell has no plans of slowing down.
“It’s the people part of this industry that keeps me going. If I didn’t get to work with people, I probably wouldn’t still be here. But I do, and that’s what makes it all worth it.”
Taber Home and Farm is an example of how independent ag retailers can thrive by staying grounded in their communities while embracing innovation. With a strong sense of purpose, a commitment to sustainability, and a passion for relationships, Taber Home and Farm isn’t just serving farmers, it’s building a stronger, more resilient agricultural community, one handshake and one harvest at a time.
Journey to Independence
Michael Duell, General Manager of Taber Home and Farm, has been with the company since 2010. After graduating from college in 1997, he spent 13 years at Alberta Pool during its various mergers, which eventually formed Viterra. After more than a decade at large companies, he felt drawn to the independent side of the agricultural business.“I could see that independents treat their customers better,” Duell recalled. “The switch to work for Taber gave me autonomy to make the best decisions for the customer. And this business has deeper roots, real ties to the community. I grew up in this town. What I do here affects my hometown, my neighbors, my friends.”
A One-Stop Hub for the Community
Taber Home and Farm is more than just an ag retailer. With 36 full-time employees, it operates three major business divisions: crop inputs, fuel, and lumber and hardware.The company was created in 1983 when the local Co-op left town. Ten local farmers acquired the operation as shareholders to maintain essential services locally. Some of those original shareholders now have second-generation family members involved. Today, the business is supported by nearly 50 Prairie shareholders.
Whether it’s delivering crop protection products, supplying construction materials, or providing bulk fuel, one thing remains constant: exceptional customer service.
“We want to make things easy for our customers,” Duell explained. “That could mean product delivery, agronomic support, or a quote for a new farm building. Our goal is to be service-first in everything we do.”
In 2021, that vision was recognized when Taber Home and Farm won Business of the Year from the local Chamber of Commerce.
“We were recognized for being trusted advisors and for going that extra mile,” shared Duell. “That’s one of my most cherished moments, because of my team. They show up every single day committed to delivering exceptional customer service. To see their efforts acknowledged like that meant a lot to me.”
The People Business
For Duell, agriculture has always been about more than just inputs and outputs, it’s about people.“Agriculture is very technical and advanced, but still grounded in relationships,” he explained. “Those relationships are key to the industry, and I think they always will be.”
His favorite part of the job? Getting to know the growers. Over time, those relationships evolve into deep friendships.
“Some of my favorite memories are of things like the celebrity golf tournament, where a bunch of farmers invited me to play. Our celebrity was Bruce Hart, he golfed in wrestling boots. It was hilarious to watch, but more than that, it meant something that they asked me to join them.”
Those bonds aren’t just nice-to-haves; they’re the backbone of long-term success in ag retail. And when the crop year ends, and farmers walk in to say thanks, it hits home.
“You know you’ve given everything to help them succeed. Not everything always works out perfectly, there are day-to-day challenges, but that appreciation from the grower, that’s what matters most.”
Duell’s advice to anyone starting in agriculture is simple but powerful: be real.
“Open up and let yourself be vulnerable enough to really get to know your customers, not just as clients, but as people. Ask about their families. Be there when they call after hours. Don’t treat that as an inconvenience, treat it as an opportunity to strengthen the relationship.”
Duell’s second tip is: you don’t need to have all the answers right away. Being honest about what you don’t know and committing to finding the answer builds credibility and deepens trust. Most farmers will respect your transparency and appreciate the follow-through. It’s not a setback; it’s an opportunity to strengthen the relationship.
Boots on the Ground, Eyes on the Future
While relationships are central, Duell and his team are deeply rooted in agronomic expertise and innovation. With seven agronomists and a team that spans multiple generations, Taber Home and Farm blends experience with fresh ideas.“The technology in agriculture today is immense,” said Duell. “From drone and laser sprayers, to moisture probes and satellite imagery, to rapid in-field tissue sampling that gives results in five minutes instead of five days, everything is about enabling faster, better decisions.”
Taber runs 20–30 trials per year with customers, testing everything from seed varieties to crop protection products and, increasingly, biologicals.
Biologicals: A New Frontier
“One of the most interesting trends over the last 18 months has been biologicals,” Duell noted. “We’re still early in understanding where they best fit, especially for managing plant stress.”The challenge? There are a lot of products out there, some great, some not.
“We’ve focused on field trials with customers to test biologicals for stress management. When applied at the right time, they show real promise. Following the correct application timing is everything, and we’re still weeding through the grey area.”
Duell sees a future where biologicals could even play a role in weed and insect control in Canada, as they already do in other parts of the world.
Managing Resistance, Planning for Tomorrow
One of the biggest agronomic challenges in southern Alberta today is weed resistance.“Because of regulatory hurdles, it’s harder to bring new active ingredients to market. That means it’s more important than ever to be smart and strategic with weed management,” explained Duell.
His team is boots-on-the-ground, working directly with growers to scout fields and plan rotations, not just for this season, but for three or four years ahead.
“In southern Alberta, we see everything grown, from spinach to catnip, so herbicide rotation is critical. We help our customers make decisions today that won’t limit them years down the line.”
A Commitment to Sustainability
As a business operating in one of Canada’s most unique growing regions, sustainability is not just a buzzword, it’s a necessity.Nowhere is this clearer than in the potato market, a local specialty crop driven by the expectations of major buyers like McDonald’s, who require proof of sustainable land stewardship.
“We’ve embraced erosion control strategies like cover crops and moved from broad-spectrum applications to more precise recommendations. It’s all about applying what’s needed, where it’s needed, and nothing more,” said Duell.
Field-by-field management is key. Taber uses soil and tissue sampling, variable-rate applications, and targeted inputs to maintain soil health while maximizing yield.
“Back in the '80s, you’d see dirt blowing through the sky. Now, thanks to better practices and technology, that’s a rare sight.”
Giving Back in Appreciation
Since its inception, Taber Home and Farm has operated with a strong commitment to community support. Over the last decade, the company has given back over $500,000 to southern Alberta communities.“If there’s a project that makes sense, we want to be involved,” explained Duell. “We’re incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received from our customers and communities, and whenever there’s an opportunity to give back, we do our best to do so.”
The company supports a wide range of clubs, initiatives, and local organizations. A key priority for the team is investing in the youth of Southern Alberta, whether it’s through sponsoring 4-H programs, local sports teams, classroom book donations, or school fundraisers. Their commitment doesn’t stop there. Over the years, they’ve helped fund the town’s water park, supported food banks across the region, contributed to the BMX park, and helped enhance the garden at the local seniors’ home. They've also backed important causes like STARS Air Ambulance and regularly take part in community events such as curling bonspiels and charity fundraisers.
In 2023, Taber Home and Farm became a regional winner in WinField United’s Raise the Barn contest, earning $8,000 for their local community project: a new home for the Taber Food Bank Vegetable Garden.
For nearly a decade, the garden has provided thousands of pounds of fresh produce to families in need. With its new location, it offers a chance to grow even more food and a greater community spirit.
“It was such an exciting opportunity to engage our community and support a project that truly makes a difference,” said Duell. “The produce grown in the garden doesn’t just support the Taber Food Bank, it’s also distributed to people in need across Southern Alberta. This was a meaningful way for us to give back and help those in our communities who need it most. It was especially rewarding to see the community rally behind the initiative, with our staff proudly promoting it and embracing the chance to represent Alberta on a national stage.”
Looking Ahead
Agriculture is always evolving, and Duell is well aware that today’s industry will look very different in 20 years. But one thing he hopes never changes is the human connection.“As reliant as we’ve become on technology, I hope we never lose the personal touch. Autonomous sprayers and combines are probably coming, but I hope we still make time to shake a hand, have a conversation, build a relationship.”
After nearly three decades in agriculture, Duell has no plans of slowing down.
“It’s the people part of this industry that keeps me going. If I didn’t get to work with people, I probably wouldn’t still be here. But I do, and that’s what makes it all worth it.”
Taber Home and Farm is an example of how independent ag retailers can thrive by staying grounded in their communities while embracing innovation. With a strong sense of purpose, a commitment to sustainability, and a passion for relationships, Taber Home and Farm isn’t just serving farmers, it’s building a stronger, more resilient agricultural community, one handshake and one harvest at a time.
