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For the first 20 years of his career, Phil Friesen was a successful dairy farmer. Through superior genetics and high-quality feed, his herd became one of the top seven producing dairy herds in Manitoba. Always striving for improvement, his innovative mindset continued as he transitioned his farm into a commercial hay business.
During a dairy tour in Wisconsin, Phil noticed an inefficient method farmers were using to spread small square bales onto their ginseng fields. He believed there had to be a better, more efficient way. Recognizing both a problem and an opportunity, he saw potential in supplying large square bales—if only there were a machine that could spread them efficiently.
After researching existing equipment, Phil realized that no such machine existed. Rather than settling for what was available, he decided to create something entirely new. With an idea in hand, he approached Harvey Bergen, a skilled machinist with years of experience in farm equipment manufacturing. Together, they developed an innovative big square bale spreading machine.
What started as a practical solution for Phil’s own business quickly gained attention. Farmers who purchased his straw also wanted access to his machine. Demand for both the equipment and the bales skyrocketed, leading to the founding of PhiBer Manufacturing, Inc. on January 19, 1996, and the launch of its first product—the StrawBoss.
Over the years, Phil and Harvey continued to refine and expand their product line, designing industry-changing machines such as the Bale Grab, Swath Turner (later renamed the Super Merger), and the 04 Series Bale Accumulator. In 2002, Phil’s eldest son, Derek, joined the company, later transitioning into a design role. His first project, the Triple Cutter, launched in 2008, further solidifying PhiBer’s reputation for innovation.
What began as an idea between two friends in a 750-square-foot mechanics garage in southern Manitoba, Canada, has since grown into a global manufacturing company. With 12 original machine designs, partnerships with industry giants like Case, New Holland, and John Deere, and groundbreaking innovations such as the DASH sprayer loading system, PhiBer continues to push the boundaries of agricultural efficiency.
Despite this growth, PhiBer remains true to its roots. The same vision that drove Phil to solve challenges on his farm continues to shape the company today. Talented employees, close customer partnerships, and daily farming experiences fuel PhiBer’s success.
At PhiBer, innovation doesn’t happen in a corporate boardroom—it’s born in the fields, from farmers, for farmers.
