Sebben Drainage: Four generations of tiling across South Easthope and beyond

Hamilton Sebben, left, and his son, Brian (second from right), in 1981 with one of their early drainage machines. Brian Sebben says there was always plenty of good local help to get the job done. Photo courtesy of the Sebben family

By Gary West

For more than six decades, the Sebben family has been helping Southern Ontario farmers make the most of their land through effective tile drainage.

As farmland prices continue to rise – often topping $40,000 per acre across Perth, Oxford and Waterloo counties – many farmers are investing in tile-drainage systems to boost production rather than buying additional land.

Sebben Ag. Drainage Ltd. has been part of that story since 1961. The company began when Hamilton (Ham) Sebben purchased his first Speicher wheel machine and, together with his son, John, started installing clay tile for friends and neighbours along Pork Street. They called their small business the Pork Road Tile Drainage Company.

In 1971, Ham’s younger son, Brian, joined the operation, prompting a name change to H. Sebben and Sons. Decades later, when Brian’s son, Kyle, entered the business in 2008, the company became Sebben Ag. Drainage Ltd. Today, Kyle and Brian Sebben work together as partners, with Kyle Sebben managing day-to-day operations while Brian Sebben lends his expertise and advice from a lifetime in the field.

Over the years, the Sebben family has installed millions of feet of drainage tile across southern Ontario. They’ve worked on countless local farms and employed many area residents. One of those long-serving team members is Kevin Bender of Tavistock, who continues to operate the company’s plow after many years on the crew.

Brian Sebben recalls one particularly memorable season when a group of Tavistock Braves hockey players joined the crew to stay in shape during the off-season. The team went on to win the Ontario championship that year, and Brian Sebben likes to think the hard labour in the fields had something to do with it.

The drainage business has evolved significantly since the Sebbens began. Clay tile has long been replaced by plastic, and today, the family uses a 550 Wolf Plow, capable of draining many acres in a single day. Computer technology and GPS mapping have further modernized the process, allowing Sebben Ag. to provide clients with accurate drainage maps once the job is complete.

Brian Sebben says they’re grateful for the ongoing support of local farmers.

“A business is nothing without its customers, and we’re thankful to have worked with so many great people over the years.”

Now in its 64th year, Sebben Ag. Drainage remains proudly family-owned and operated, continuing the tradition of quality workmanship and personal service. With Kyle Sebben’s young children – Brooklynn, Bentley and Blake – already showing interest in the work, the fourth generation of Sebbens may soon be ready to carry the legacy forward.

In 1961, clay tile cost 4.5 cents per foot and was installed for the same price. Today, plastic tile costs about 52 cents per foot, with installation at 28 cents per foot – proof that while technology has changed, the Sebbens’ commitment to hard work and service has not.