Leaving a Legacy: An Inside Look at the Manvilles’ Farm
Fairness, honesty and grit are three words that come to mind when thinking about Kansas farmers. The Manvilles are no exception, as they embody what it means to be hardworking, passionate soybean producers. Bill and Brett Manville, fifth- and seventh- generation farmers, run a thriving operation in Winchester that specializes in soybean, corn, pasture and cattle production.
Originally from Chicago, Bill’s family moved to his mother’s hometown in Kansas when he was a boy. At just eight years old, Bill began farming with his uncle. Years later, after taking agriculture classes at Emporia State University and Kansas State University, Bill came back to the family farm to become head of the operation.
“When I was a kid, there were three soybean farmers in the county,” Bill said. “We tried to plant soybeans to see how we would get along and we’ve been planting soybeans ever since.”
Bill takes pride in including conservation strategies on his land. This ensures the land will continue to produce for future generations. Both Bill and his uncle received local sustainability awards in their years of farming. When asked if he would have done anything differently over the years, Bill smiled.
“If I could change anything, I would change my age so I could do it all again!” he said.
The Manvilles implement no-till practices and recently began planting cover crops on their farm.
“To me, sustainability is using the tools the way they’re meant to be used and using them for as long we can,” Brett said.
Today, Bill’s grandson Brett plays a pivotal role on the family farm.
“When I was younger, I didn’t know if farming was something I wanted to do,” Brett said. “When I went to college, I took a couple of agronomy courses and found I was passionate about agriculture.”
On their farm, the Manvilles plant soybeans in 15-inch rows and occasionally 7.5-inch rows. Typically, soybeans are planted in 30- and 7.5-inch rows. Each of those spacings has noteworthy traits like faster growth and better weed control. The Manvilles have found planting in 15-inch rows helps them reap both benefits.
Before each planting season, the Manvilles pre-treat the soybean seeds so their crops will be less prone to pests and diseases. Brett also follows strict instructions when applying any additional chemicals and ensures any runoff drains properly.
“Typically, we like to take action a little earlier and try and prevent them rather than wait until we see pests,” Brett said. “If we see them, that means they’ve already done damage.”
The Manvilles also run a seed dealership, a venture Bill started in 1983. Between the farm and the seed business, Bill and Brett have two priorities: to produce a sustainable crop and provide quality seeds to his customers. To ensure the most profitable crop, Brett visits with customers to decide which seed type will make the best fit for their individual operations. This includes determining what their yield target is, the type of soil on their land and how much water that soil will retain.
As a young farmer, Brett is excited to see where the future of the soybean will go. No matter what changes and obstacles they will face as a family farm, he knows they will implement changes accordingly.
Brett currently has two young daughters. His hope for them?
“I hope that my children will grow up and see me doing something that I enjoy. Whatever they do, it doesn’t necessarily have to be involved with agriculture, but I hope that they see that you can go to work, and love what you do every day. I hope they pick something they are really passionate about and pursue that,” he said.
The Manvilles clearly have a passion for their craft, the land and helping others.
This article was written by Maddy Meier, an intern with the Kansas Soybean Association.
Meet More Kansas Soybean Farmers
