Norman & Laura Shoemaker
Mossbank, Saskatchewan

Norman & Laura Shoemaker are the proud owners of Shoemaker Agro Inc., a grain and pedigreed seed operation that is currently working over 5000 acres.  The Shoemaker farm has been in Norman’s family since 1917 and Norman is the 4th generation to farm here.  Norman and Laura met while studying at the University of Saskatchewan where they both earned Diplomas in Agriculture.  After graduating & marrying in 1993, they returned to Mossbank to farm with Norman’s parents.  The farm ran as a partnership until 1999 when it was incorporated to facilitate the generational transition of the farm to Norman & Laura.  Today the farm runs as a team between Norman and Laura with both sharing in the decision-making and the labour.

Norman and Laura’s main goal in the beginning was to create a profitable business from very limited capital.  They achieved this by separating land ownership and running a profitable agribusiness.  They sold the majority of their farmland, retained ownership of 960 acres, and entered into rental agreements on the remainder.  In 2002, in order to increase profits and utilize their agronomic expertise, they became pedigreed seed producers.  They are able to alter their cropping rotations so that their products are pulled into the marketplace rather than pushed into end-use markets.  Barley, chickpeas, lentils, wheat, canola and winter wheat were the major crops in 2007.  The Shoemakers have reduced energy consumption with direct seeding and completion of the Environmental Farm Plan has led to the improvements such as GPS auto-steer for the air-seeder and a sharp shooter spraying system.

Norman and Laura are very active in their community especially with the Kinsmen and Kinette Clubs.  The activities of their 2 children, 9 & 11, keep them busy at the local rink.  Norman & Laura feel the flexibility of their farming operation will allow them to focus on their children’s well being which may include a love of farming to carry on the generations of farmers in their families.