About BCM
The Buffalo Creek Mills Story
Buffalo Creek Mills was born from the desire to make a positive impact within the community of Altona, Manitoba, serving its local producers and customers. Not only do we know the oat farmers in the area, but we have developed and fostered relationships with many local and national buyers as well.
To this day, we are in the thick of oat production. We continuously get to know all our local oat producers—the ins and outs of their processes, the exact specifications of what they need, or simply how their day is going.
Today, we have extended our lines of communication to various international food producers around the world, able to ensure their specific food needs are met. With our state-of-the-art facility, we have the flexibility to customize our stabilized oats to whatever specifications they may need.
Behind all the oat products that sit on the shelves of your local grocery, there are the people that made it all possible. That’s why when you work with Buffalo Creek Mills, you’re more than just a customer; you’re our partner. We serve you in whatever way we can. Buffalo Creek Mills prides itself on being able to deliver customized yet consistent oats, and as part of our process, we make sure to establish a working partnership with you.
These collaborative relationships have been the focus of Buffalo Creek Mills since the beginning and continue to define how we do business.
OUR VALUES
At our core, Buffalo Creek Mills holds to our ideals of how a business should operate. When it comes to making a difference in the world, we take no shortcuts. Rather, we work hard to uphold what we believe in:
Life is better with friends
Every workday is an opportunity to build a positive relationship that is treasured and long-lasting, which is why we partner with the people we do.
Our food is good food
The only food we make is the food we’d be proud to serve to our friends.
Hands are made for helping
We enjoy working hard together, but more importantly, we enjoy working for each other.
Community is important
We are part of a community that cares for each other, that works together to build a brighter tomorrow.
KEY CONTACTS
Ryan Penner
CEO
Ryan is the CEO, shareholder, and leader of Buffalo Creek Mills (BCM) since its inception and is responsible for the overall function and growth of the organization. Though he is a professional civil engineer (retired) by trade, his entrepreneurial side had him pursue the family business of agribusiness.
While Ryan has spent almost two decades as an engineer, he formed BCM out of a desire to make a positive impact within the community of Altona, Manitoba. Additionally, Ryan is a board member for the Town of Altona local economic development group (SEED).
Meaghan Fehr
Human Resources & Office Manager
Meaghan is the Human Resources & Office Manager at Buffalo Creek Mills, where she manages and is responsible for all Human Resource affairs. She is accountable for managing the office through daily activities and coordinating corporate initiatives and improvements.
With a well-rounded knowledge of the industry, Meaghan’s position allows her to apply her skills to various activities and tasks within the company. She has worked at Buffalo Creek Mills since 2016 and has previous experience in roles within the banking and agriculture industries. Meaghan is the primary contact when Buffalo Creek Mill’s CEO is absent. Feel free to contact her at any time for employment inquiries or opportunities.
Juan Arriola Lopez
Director of Operations
With over 25 years of experience in operations and management of industrial facilities, Juan is responsible for overlooking the entirety of Buffalo Creek Mills operations. This includes the management of our raw grain, milling, packaging, warehousing, shipping, and maintenance departments.
Juan’s previous experience is centered on the management of operations with studies in industrial engineering and milling maintenance. His passion has elevated his career to a global level, taking on positions in countries such as Guatemala, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, and of course Canada earning him valuable international experience. Along with this, Juan has a background in consulting within the food and milling industries on a global scale.
Phone: (204) 324-7274
Ron Opocensky
Oat Purchaser
Ron has been an oat buyer at Buffalo Creek Mills since 2017, but he has more than 26 years of experience as a grain buyer. He received his agriculture diploma from the University of Manitoba. Since that time, he has accrued a professional background in commodity purchasing, sales, and agriculture.
Ron grew up on a farm, of which he became the owner and manager. His day-to-day tasks at Buffalo Creek Mills include buying, scheduling, and by-product sales.
Sam Winkler
Corporate Controller
Sam joined the Buffalo Creek Mills team in 2021. He is responsible for overseeing all financial aspects of the business, including the day-to-day accounting tasks, payroll, financial reporting, and providing analysis to management.
Sam has been in business administration/accounting for over a decade. During this time he oversaw finances in a private company and most recently in the municipal government sector. Sam received his Diploma in Business and Administration through Red River College, followed by an Advanced Certificate in Accounting & Finance through the Chartered Professional Accountants Administration!
Mike Friesen
Quality Assurance Manager
Mike is the Quality Assurance Manager here at Buffalo Creek Mills. He joined the team in 2020 and is primarily responsible for the Food Safety and Quality Management Program. Mike works closely with governing bodies to ensure that Buffalo Creek Mill’s processes and products meet required standards and quality.
Mike has strong roots in the agriculture sector as he spent his childhood growing up on a grain and cattle farm. Mike attended the University of Manitoba with a focus on management and accounting earning his Certificate of Management. Since then Mike has upheld a variety of management positions. He thrives on bringing teams together to improve the workplace and working towards a common goal.
Tyson Fehr
Consumer Products Accounts Manager
Tyson is our Consumer Products Account Manager at Buffalo Creek Mills and has been a part of our team since 2022. Tyson is responsible for making sure our finished ready-to-eat oats are exposed to the market. He works closely with our customers, to ensure quality is reached and expectations are met.
Tyson growing up on a multi-operation family farm- has deep roots in agriculture, where he still spends some of his time. As a graduate of the University of Manitoba- Tyson has a knowledgeable background in Grain Procurement as well as Grain Marketing, with experience in both fields. His passion lies in markets, derivatives, and trading.