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
From day one Buffalo Creek has held these four core values. The food we make is good and we take no shortcuts in doing so along the way. We’re proud of 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 Meade
Chief Executive Officer
At Buffalo Creek Mills, Ryan holds the position of Chief Executive Officer and is accountable for managing both the daily and long-term operations of the organization.
With 25 years of experience in the Canadian food and pharmaceutical manufacturing industries, Ryan has served in various roles, beginning as a buyer and advancing to positions of increasing responsibility in distribution, supply chain, and operations. In 2019, Ryan transitioned to a senior leadership position as head of operations, responsible for designing the company’s long-term strategy.
Tyson Fehr
Sales & Purchasing Manager
As the Sales and Purchasing Manager at Buffalo Creek Mills since 2022, Tyson plays a crucial role in ensuring that our finished products receive the necessary exposure in the market. He works closely with customers to meet their quality standards and expectations.
Growing up on a multi-operation farm, Tyson holds deep roots in agriculture. 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.
Ron Opocensky
Oat Purchaser
Ron has been the oat buyer at Buffalo Creek Mills since 2017 and brings with him more than 28 years of experience in grain buying. In his role at Buffalo Creek Mills, Ron is accountable for purchasing, scheduling, and selling the by-products of oats.
Having grown up on a farm, which he eventually owned and managed, Ron possesses extensive knowledge and experience in agriculture. He obtained his agriculture diploma from the University of Manitoba and has since built a successful career in commodity purchasing, sales, and agriculture.
Meaghan Fehr
Human Resources & Office Manager
Meaghan is the Human Resources & Office Manager at Buffalo Creek Mills and has been a part of our team since 2016. Her role involves managing all aspects of human resources and overseeing the day-to-day activities of the office. Meaghan is considered the primary point of contact when our CEO is unavailable.
With her broad knowledge of the industry, Meaghan can apply her skills to a wide range of activities within the company. Meaghan holds previous experience in both the banking and agriculture industries.
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 around the world, earning him valuable international experience. Along with this, Juan has a background in consulting within the food and milling industries on a global scale.
Mike Friesen
Quality Assurance Manager
Mike is the Quality Assurance manager at Buffalo Creek Mills and has been a part of our team since 2020. In his role, Mike is responsible for ensuring the compliance of our Food Safety and Quality Management Programs with the requirements of governing bodies. He works closely with these authorities to guarantee that our processes and products consistently meet the required standards and quality.
Mike possesses a Certificate in Management from the University of Manitoba and has a solid background in agriculture. He has held various management positions throughout his career.
Sam Winkler
Corporate Controller
Sam is the Corporate Controller at Buffalo Creek Mills and joined our team in 2021. In his role, Sam is accountable for supervising the company’s daily accounting tasks, including payroll, financial reporting, and financial analysis.
He holds a Diploma in Business and Administration from Red River College and an Advanced Certificate in Accounting & Finance from the Chartered Professional Accountants Administration. In addition, Sam has over a decade of experience in the business administration and accounting fields.