Dean and Catherine Manning were married in 1994 and have two children, Caylene and Andrew. 

Dean grew up on the family farm consisting of greenhouses, vegetables, and beef cattle. After completing university he spent 10 years in agriculture extension before going back to full time farming with Catherine. Dean has been active in volunteering in 4-H and in the agricultural community, presently sitting on the boards of the Nova Scotia Cattle Producers, Maritime Beef Council, and the Canadian Beef Cattle Research Council. 

Catherine grew up on a dairy farm, completed her BSc in Animal Science at NSAC and agriculture has always been a huge passion in her life. She is actively involved in the 4-H program, on both club, county, and provincial levels. She also serves as NS Director for the Maritime Angus Association. 

In 2021, Caylene graduated from the Applied Human Nutrition program at Mount Saint Vincent University and is now a Registered Dietitian. Andrew is studying Agriculture Business at Dalhousie Agricultural Campus and owns a small beef herd of his own. 

Painting of Manning Family Farm by Odile Têtu