For over 40 years, we at LMC VistaSort have been a driving force in Canadian seed and grain processing—supporting producers across the Prairies and beyond with equipment, insight, and service that stand the test of time. What began with a simple goal—to bring precision seed cleaning technology to Canada—has grown into a trusted name known for quality, integrity, and innovation.
Today, we’re proud to say that LMC VistaSort is 100% Canadian owned and operated—led by Steven Chivilo, who has taken full ownership of the company his father helped build. With Steven at the helm, we’re entering an exciting new chapter that stays true to our roots while embracing what’s next. And while our name is set to change in the near future, the people, values, and principles behind it remain as strong as ever.
A Prairie-Born Partnership
Our story goes back to 1985, when Bernie Chivilo met Lewis Carter Sr., the founder of Lewis M. Carter Manufacturing (LMC) in the United States. The two struck up a friendship while working on a revolutionary LMC grain gravity separator. That relationship sparked the idea of a Canadian operation—and by 1986, LMC Canada was born, with Bernie introducing the Prairies to LMC’s industry-leading air screen cleaners, separators, and other seed equipment.
Joining him in those early days was his son, Steven Chivilo, then a student at the University of Saskatchewan. Steven learned the business from the ground up—travelling to customer sites, repairing and rebuilding equipment, and representing the brand at trade shows. It was a hands-on education that laid the foundation for the leadership role he would eventually take on.
A Turning Point — and a New Generation of Leadership
In 1995, we faced a defining moment. Bernie passed away suddenly from a brain tumour, and Steven was asked to take the reins. Determined to carry on his father’s legacy, he accepted—and with longtime friend Chris Hammel by his side, began steering LMC VistaSort into a new phase of growth.
Over the decades that followed, we’ve expanded our reach across Canada and around the world. From grass and forage seed to pulses and special crops, we’ve supported a wide range of producers with solutions built not just for performance, but for the real-world conditions of modern agriculture.
Building Big, Delivering Results
We don’t just sell equipment—we help bring full seed and grain processing facilities to life. Our track record includes some of the most advanced seed plants in Western Canada, including:
- Strathmore Seed Cleaning Plant – A flagship facility known for its high throughput and operational efficiency.
- Galloway Seeds – A producer-focused build blending performance with adaptability across multiple crops.
- Starland Seed Plant – A smart, future-ready facility built for reliability and growth in central Alberta.
These projects reflect our ability to tailor solutions to each client’s goals—delivering not just machines, but lasting value.
Going Global: Canadian Know-How, International Reach
While we’re rooted in the Prairies, LMC VistaSort has quietly become a global player, exporting equipment to Mongolia, Ukraine, Russia, Chile, Turkey, and China—strengthening our reputation for quality ag processing solutions.
Innovation with Purpose: The VistaSort Line
In 2011, we introduced our namesake innovation—the VistaSort Color Sorter. Developed through collaboration with global engineering partners, it was designed to give Canadian seed processors a high-precision, AI-powered sorting solution at an accessible price. Today, over 150 VistaSort machines are installed across Canada and the U.S., helping clients improve purity, reduce waste, and boost profitability.
The VistaSort line continues to evolve, with ongoing improvements in optics, automation, and real-time monitoring—part of what we call our Agriculture Intelligence approach: smart tools backed by deep, boots-on-the-ground experience.
And the evolution isn’t slowing down. With a new model set to launch soon, we’re pushing VistaSort even further—bringing next-gen technology and field-proven insight together like never before.
Looking Ahead: A New Name. The Same Commitment.
Now entering our fifth decade, we’re proud to say the company is fully in Canadian hands. With Steven Chivilo now the sole owner, we’re preparing for a rebrand that reflects both where we come from—and where we’re going.
The name may be changing, but our promise isn’t. We’ll continue to deliver the highest standard in seed and grain processing equipment, backed by a team that shows up, solves problems, and never settles for good enough.
What started as a father-son venture has grown into something bigger—but the spirit that shaped us from day one still runs through everything we do.
For us, this business has always been about relationships—and we’re just getting started.
Stay tuned for the next chapter. And in the meantime, visit lmccanada.com to learn more or connect with our team.
