Norman and Laura Shoemaker of Mossbank, Sask., were one of two couples named as Canada’s 2007 Outstanding Young Farmer Dec. 7.
Also receiving the award at the St. Hyacinthe, Que., event were Harry and Leony Koelen of Paisley, Ont.
Shoemaker Agro Inc. is a grain and pedigreed seed operation working more than 5,000 acres. The Shoemaker farm has been in Norman’s family since 1917 and he is the fourth generation to farm there.
The couple met while studying agriculture at the University of Saskatchewan. They started farming in Mossbank with Norman’s parents in 1993. Today the farm runs as a team with Norman and Laura sharing in the decision-making and the labour.
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The Shoemakers have sold most of their farmland, kept ownership of 960 acres and entered into rental agreements on the remainder. In 2002, to increase profits and use their agronomic expertise, they became pedigreed seed producers. Barley, chickpeas, lentils, wheat, canola and winter wheat were the major crops in 2007.
The Shoemakers have reduced energy consumption with direct seeding, while completion of an environmental farm plan has led to improvements such as GPS autosteer for the air seeder and a sharp shooter spraying system.
The Shoemakers are active in their community, especially with the Kinsmen and Kinette clubs. Their two children, aged nine and 11, keep them busy at the local rink.
In 1991, after earning a degree in pigs and poultry in Holland, Harry Koelen answered an ad in a Dutch farm newspaper and came to Canada to work on a large hog operation. Hard work and determination proved that dreams can come true as Harry and his wife, Leony, now own H. & L. Koelen Farms Ltd., consisting of 1,100 acres and housing 5,400 sows and 600 gilts on two locations.
The Koelens rent out their farmland but have agreements to spread their manure. The Koelens have made many improvements, including water computers and meters, decommissioning wells and containing compost area runoff. They have received many production awards and attribute much of their success to their 16 employees.
The Koelens have hosted more than 35 exchange students on their farm since 1991. Their five children, aged three to 12, help out in the barns on a regular basis.
There have been 69 winners of the Outstanding Young Farmer award since the program started in 1980. (In some years there were ties.) The West has had the most winners, at 29. Ontario has had 15 winners, the Atlantic region 13 and Quebec 12.
By province in the West, Alberta leads with 10, British Columbia-Yukon and Saskatchewan with seven each and Manitoba with five.
