This article appeared in the Summer 2015 issue of Pulse Crop News.

Ryan Kubinec, APG Director for Zone 3

Ryan Kubinec lives in the Westlock area. He was elected to a three-year term as an APG Director in 2012 representing Zone 3.

Pulse Crop News: Please tell us about your family and your farm.

Ryan Kubinec: My wife, Cory, and I have three active, young kids.We grow peas, wheat and canola north of Westlock, working together with my brother and parents.

PCN: What has been your experience with growing pulse crops?

RK: We grew peas on and off for years but have maintained a steady presence of pulse crops for the last 10 years or so.

PCN: What percentage of your crop was made up of pulses last year?

RK: Although I would like to say I give pulse crops a third of our rotation, we haven’t got there yet. We will pick a few fields with a suitable fit every year.

PCN: What are you planning to grow this year?

RK: Green and Yellow peas. Faba beans have been grown in our area for years but we haven’t ventured there.

PCN: What tips or tricks have you learned growing pulses that you could share with new growers?

RK: Having learned from some veteran pulse growers and personalities from our area, basic good agronomy is the key to all crops. Observing and responding to the evolving conditions is different every year.

PCN: What sparked your interest in APG?

RK: The members of Zone 3 were some of the leading producers in my area. Initially, the opportunity to learn and share my experiences in the pulse and ag industry appealed to me.

PCN: APG directors sit on various committees. You are a member of the Audit and Finance Committee, as well as the vice-chair of the Pulse Canada board. What attracted you to serve in these roles?

RK: I find the numbers tell a lot of the story in an organization. It is a role which allows you into the budgets and activity of every area of APG. Pulse Canada is a well-run and very influential voice for pulse growers. The opportunity to step up and help guide their activity is a time commitment that I value. Getting a national view of the industry and working with growers from across Canada definitely broadens your view of agriculture.

PCN: Is there an issue that is particularly important to you?

RK: Of course, the research and development of grower-related issues is a key APG activity. However, having a daughter who is celiac has led me to the consumer benefits and advantages of pulse crops. Next year, 2016, is International Year of Pulses, and will bring some much-needed positive attention to modern conventional agriculture. Major food companies are coming on board and this will give us an excellent opportunity to link directly back to a generation of consumers with a positive message about a healthy and sustainable product.

PCN: What was the biggest issue facing your farm last year?

RK: Last year our area had good yields with good quality that was easy to harvest. There are always issues along the way, but I will gladly take that scenario again.

PCN: What has been the biggest benefit of your involvement as a director?

RK: Getting to know the other directors and staff from the province and key pulse contacts from across the country has been the biggest benefit. Seeing how we all do things a little differently and learning along the way makes the time commitment well worth it.

PCN: Why would you recommend that pulse producers get involved with their zone?

RK: Getting involved gets your voice heard and the opportunity to influence outcomes of levy dollars. It is an investment that goes a long way to furthering overall grower profitability.

Thank you, Ryan. We are looking forward to continuing to benefit from your contributions to the Board.