Agricultural construction requires specialized knowledge and experience, especially with the evolution of higher technology and innovation in rural areas. The specialization is reflected in the Canadian Farm Builders Association (CFBA), which seeks to promote the “construction of structurally sufficient, environmentally sound, efficient farm buildings in Canada.”
This selection of the Top 10 Ontario Farm Industry Leaders is influenced by the CFBA’s annual awards, though we are not ranking these leaders by the number of awards they have won; instead the listing here is alphabetical. We include references to both award winners and sponsors.
Agway Metals Inc.
The company has offices in Brampton and a plant in Exeter. It provides a diverse range of steel products for agricultural construction and sponsored several CFBA awards.
Bender Contracting Inc.
This Tavistock-based company provides in-house AutoCad drafting and design services, permit applications co-ordination, project management, construction supervision and its own carpentry crews. In the 2017 CFBA Awards, it received recognition as Builder of the Year: Poultry Division. (See special feature profile.)
Dutch Masters
Dutch Masters specials in the equestrian market, specifically horse barns, and has won many CFBA awards in this category over the years. (In 2017, it was one of three builders who tied in the Horse II Award, an equestrian facility valued at $250,000 or more. The Springwater, ON business is a founding member of the association.
Frey Building Contractors
This southern Ontario contractor (in Hawkesville) won the CFBA’s Hobby/Recreational Award. The company provides a diversity of design/build, general contracting and construction management services including equine and dairy facilities.
Gara Farm Buildings Inc.
The builder based in Belwood, also in southern Ontario, won the 2017 CFBA Commercial/Institutional Award and was one of three finalists in the Horse II Award. The company has been in business for 25 years and says its goal is to “meet and exceed the expectations of our customers.”
HFH Inc.
HFH Inc. won the Project of the Year award, and also picked up several other awards in the 2017 CFBA competition. These include the Dairy Award, Swine Award and Farm Storage Award. HFH also was one of three builders who tied for the Horse II Award.
HFH is a full-service builder based in Elora. It is preparing for a May 26 Open House at its new building and location.
POST Farm Structures
This builder based in Alma won the CFBA’s 2017 Horse I award. It has won many other awards over the years since it was established in 1974. “We believe ‘more than just a barn’ because we know that farmers make their living inside their barns, and that their barns contribute to their success,” the company says. And it lives by its word in achieving these objectives.
Tacoma Engineers
This structural engineer with offices in Guelph, Barrie and Waterloo, includes a focus on agricultural construction projects. In its profile, the company says: “When asked ‘What has made Tacoma Engineers a successful engineering firm for over three decades?’, it is difficult to answer without talking at length about our people, our clients and our common values. When challenged to succinctly summarize our response, one word rises above all others – Trust.”
Total Laminating Products (TLP)
Based in London, ON, TLP, manufacturers and delivers insulation products and accessories. “We strive to provide our clients with the best products and the most reliable service for over 30 years,” the company says. It was a sponsor at the 2017 CFBA Awards.
Vicwest Building Products
Vicwest has an extensive agricultural market focus and was also a significant sponsor at the 2017 CFBA Awards. “Vicwest delivers an incomparable combination of structural and protective products that take the guess work out of creating a durable farmstead,” the company says.