About Manning Family Farm
Rooted in Family, Driven by Stewardship
Manning Family Farm is a multi-generational operation built on a deep commitment to agriculture, community, and environmental responsibility. Located in Falmouth, Nova Scotia, the farm is owned and operated by Dean and Catherine Manning, who were married in 1994 and have raised their family—Caylene and Andrew—on the same land that continues to shape their lives and values today.
A Life in Agriculture
Dean grew up on the family farm, gaining hands-on experience with greenhouses, vegetables, and beef cattle from an early age. After completing university, he spent 10 years working in agricultural extension before returning to the farm full-time alongside Catherine. Dean remains deeply involved in the agricultural community, volunteering with 4-H and serving on several industry boards, including the Nova Scotia Cattle Producers, Maritime Beef Council, and the Canadian Beef Cattle Research Council.
Catherine’s roots in agriculture run just as deep. Raised on a dairy farm, she went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from the Nova Scotia Agricultural College. Her passion for agriculture continues to guide her work on the farm and in the community. Catherine is involved in 4-H, Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture and the Maritime and Canadian Angus Associations.
The Next Generation
Agriculture continues to be a central part of the Manning family story. In 2021, Caylene graduated from the Applied Human Nutrition program at Mount Saint Vincent University and now works as a Registered Dietitian. Andrew graduated with his Agricultural Business degree from Dalhousie University's Agricultural College and works in in the field.
A National Leader in Environmental Stewardship
In 2021, Manning Family Farm was named the national recipient of the Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA)—a significant achievement that marked the first time a farm in Nova Scotia received this honour, and only the second in Atlantic Canada.
Presented by the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, this award recognizes beef producers who go above and beyond in their commitment to conservation and sustainable farming practices. Manning Family Farm stood out not only for their environmental efforts but also for their dedication to educating the public through an open-door approach to farming.
Stewardship at the Core
At Manning Family Farm, stewardship is more than a practice—it’s a philosophy that guides every decision.
“We are custodians of the land and the water and the air. Stewardship is looking after that for future generations.” — Dean Manning
“It’s about making sure everything we do works together to produce a healthy product—and that we’re proud of how we do it.” — Catherine Manning
The farm operates as a balanced, integrated system where crops, cattle, and natural ecosystems work together. Cattle graze on land unsuitable for crops, while their manure enriches the soil for vegetables and grains. Wildlife habitats and waterways are protected, allowing nature to thrive alongside production agriculture.
This approach not only supports biodiversity and soil health but also contributes to the long-term sustainability of the farm—ensuring it can continue to provide for future generations.
A Commitment to Community and the Future
For the Manning family, success isn’t measured solely by production—it’s measured by impact. Their goal is simple but powerful: to leave the land better than they found it, not just for their children, but for their community and future generations as a whole.
Through their work, Manning Family Farm continues to demonstrate that modern agriculture can be productive, sustainable, and deeply connected to the land it depends on.