To listen to our Top 4 Under 40 podcast interview with Mark Ronald, click here.
At just 18, Mark Ronald entered the world of egg farming, and now, nearly a decade later, he stands as one of the industry’s most notable young leaders. Named Manitoba Egg Farmers’ 2022 Egg Farmer of the Year, Ronald’s journey from farm novice to seasoned professional highlights his determination, adaptability, and commitment to innovation.
Today, as a 2024 honouree in Canadian Poultry’s prestigious 4 Under 40 program, Ronald is celebrated for his contributions to the egg farming community and beyond.
Starting at such a young age, Ronald dove headfirst into farming through Manitoba’s New Entrant Program, a unique initiative designed to help aspiring farmers launch their careers. Recalling his early steps, Ronald explains how he went from initial hesitation to full commitment in a matter of days. “A friend of mine, who’s also an egg farmer, told me about the program and encouraged me to apply. I kind of laughed it off at first, thinking, ‘Why would I want to be a chicken farmer?’ But I really looked up to him, so I decided to check it out,” he says. That decision would change his life, leading him to submit his application the very next day.
Learning the ropes
Although Ronald grew up on a farm, his family primarily focused on grain crops and potatoes, and by the time he was involved, livestock was never part of the equation. Transitioning into poultry farming was a steep learning curve, but he embraced the challenge with the help of mentors. “I didn’t grow up with livestock, so it was a big learning curve for me,” he reflects. “But I had some great people around me – the guys at the feed mill and the service folks who’d come out to the barn – they really helped me get my feet under me.”
Despite these initial challenges, Ronald’s determination and passion for farming shone through. Over time, he built a successful operation centered around a state-of-the-art enriched housing system, which he adopted back in 2016 – just before the formal introduction of new housing codes for the egg industry.
“At the time, it was pretty new, and we had to make a few adjustments once the codes were finalized, but it’s been great,” he says.
Adversity and innovation
Ronald’s path in egg farming hasn’t been without its challenges. One of the most difficult moments came in the summer of 2021, when Manitoba experienced a sudden, extreme heatwave. “On Father’s Day weekend, the temperature spiked to 38 degrees, and we had some pretty big losses from heat stress across the province,” he recalls. The event was a turning point for Ronald. “I remember thinking, ‘I’m going to do whatever it takes to make sure this never happens under my watch again,’” he says.
Determined to prevent future heat-related losses, Ronald analyzed the airflow in his barn and implemented several changes to improve ventilation. “I doubled my stir fan capacity and was really intentional about where the air was being moved,” he explains. His modifications proved successful, creating a more stable and comfortable environment for his flock.
This commitment to continuous improvement extends beyond just cooling systems. Ronald’s background in aviation – he was pursuing his pilot’s license at the time he began farming – has inspired his approach to farming, particularly when it comes to redundancy. “In aviation, redundancy is everything, and I’ve applied that thinking to the farm,” he explains. “For instance, I’ve set up two separate feed lines in the barn so if one goes down, it’s no problem. We just switch to the other one.”
Ronald is also preparing to upgrade the lighting system in his barns. Currently, his facility uses traditional screw-in bulbs, which create uneven lighting between the different tiers of his enriched housing system.
“At the moment, the discrepancy between light on the fourth tier and the first tier is huge,” he admits.
This fall, however, he plans to install a cutting-edge LED lighting system to address the issue. “I’m really looking forward to seeing how the new system works,” he says.
Mark Ronald volunteers regularly with Youth for Christ and Faith Bible Camp, dedicating his time to mentoring young people.
Beyond farming
Beyond his achievements on the farm, Ronald is also deeply involved in his local community, driven by his strong faith. “My life was changed through my faith and through the Lord Jesus, and that’s where the motivation comes from to look beyond the farm and beyond myself,” he says.
Over the past few years, Ronald has devoted much of his time to working with at-risk youth in Portage, Manitoba. He began volunteering at a local youth drop-in center run by Youth for Christ (YFC), and today, he leads outreach efforts at the center. “It’s a safe place for at-risk kids in the community, and for some of them, it’s the only meal they’ll have that day,” he says. “When you see that kind of need in your own community, it really changes your life.”
In addition to his work with YFC, Ronald spends his summers volunteering at Faith Bible Camp and engaging in outreach programs in Winnipeg. These experiences, he says, have opened his eyes to the challenges faced by the most vulnerable members of society. “We’ve been downtown in Winnipeg working with the homeless, and it’s heartbreaking to see the level of brokenness there,” he shares. Despite the difficulties, Ronald is committed to continuing his work and making a positive impact on those around him.
Looking forward
With nearly a decade of farming experience under his belt, Ronald has his eyes set on the future. He’s excited about the upcoming placement of his new flock this fall and the continuous upgrades to his farm’s infrastructure. As an egg farmer committed to innovation, community, and family, Ronald exemplifies the qualities of a leader in Canadian agriculture.
As he reflects on his journey, Ronald remains grateful for the opportunities he’s been given and the lessons he’s learned along the way. “Every challenge is an opportunity to grow,” he says, “and I’m always looking for ways to do better – whether it’s on the farm or in the community.” With his unwavering dedication, there’s no doubt that Ronald will continue to make a lasting impact on both fronts for years to come.