Significant milestone for Munro Farm Supplies Ltd.

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Published on Monday, March 19, 2018

By Eoin Devereux

Neepawa Banner & Press

2018 is a momentous year for Munro Farm Supplies Ltd., as it celebrates 60 years of service in southern Manitoba. Over the span of those six decades, it’s safe to say that the agricultural input retailer has seen a lot of changes and innovations to the farm industry.  

Ron Helwer, president of Munro Farm Supplies Ltd., and Shur-Gro Farm Services Ltd, said that they’re very proud to be a company that has not only adapted with the times, but thrived. He added that part of the reason for their ongoing success can be attributed to simply never taking a customer for granted.

“It’s important that we earn their business every time,” stressed Helwer. “Whether it’s a first time customer or someone we’ve dealt with for years, we look after them. When a farm would be sold or passed down to the next generation of farmer, we’d never take their business for granted. The same with an existing customer whose needs are changing. Farming changed with the times and we have as well.”

Ron Helwer. Submitted photo

Munro was started in 1958, when Vince Munro decided to get into the fertilizer business by opening a dealership in Westbourne. The company started from scratch, as Vince’s prior business expertise was as the owner of a café, barber shop and pool hall. One would think that’s not the most natural business progression, but Munro made it work by simply being dedicated to providing exceptional service.

As the years progressed, the reach of the business grew across the region. In 1972, a location in Portage la Prairie was established. Neepawa came on board in the mid 70s’ with a new facility following shortly there after in 1978.  When Shur-Gro Farm Services, which was started in Brandon by Helwer in 1968, acquired Munro Farm Supplies in 1990, the Munro brand, which had established a sterling reputation for itself over the years would continue. Additional Munro locations in MacGregor, Oakville and Elie followed in the late 90s’.

Neepawa yard manager Rick Levandoski has been a part of it for 25 years. He noted that he’s seen first hand how farming has changed a lot over the years. 

“It’s not as many small farmers anymore. There’s still the odd hobby farmer, but mostly it’s larger acres. We’re moving more fertilizer now though. In [1993-94], you’d get here in the morning, they’d be 16 one-tons [trucks] lined up and everybody needed three tonne of fertilizer. Now, there’s a half dozen or so, but they’re coming for 30 tonnes.”

Today, both Munro and Shur-Gro remain firmly committed to many communities across the southern portion of the province.  Neepawa location manager Cam Tibbett said it’s that commitment to local is a mindset that has been instilled from the top down.

“Our owner, Ron Helwer has always been adamant about being, not only being visible in the community, but being entrenched in the community and support local,” Tibbett stated. “Knowing everybody you do business with on a first name basis and running into them at local events or stores still means something. [Helwer] has preached that to his employees, because that’s the way he still does business.”

“With this company, we’re like one big family”

As part of Munro’s 60th celebration, as well as Shur-Gro’s 50th, a pair of events will be held. One in will occur in Brandon, where the Shur-Gro Farm Services head office currently resides; and the other will be in Portage la Prairie, where Munro’s former head office was once located. 

Helwer said the Brandon event has been scheduled for Apr. 12 and will see many suppliers and customers invited as a thank you for their ongoing loyalty. As for the second event in Portage la Prairie, it’ll happen sometime on July 11 and will be focused on the celebration of Munro’s 60th. Tibbett stated that for all the employees, these types of festivities, along with their annual employee oriented event have a special meaning.

“With this company, we’re like one big family. They do a very good job of striving to ensure that. We have a Christmas party every year, where Santa hands out gifts to all the kids. We have the annual golf tournament for employees that moves around southwestern Manitoba to different course,” Tibbett explained. “Although [Munro and Shur-Gro] has continued to expand and innovate through the years, adapting to the changes in the market, at its core it’s still a family business.”

As for the future, Helwer said while there are some big plans for the company moving beyond 2018, the core commitment of always earning the customer’s business, and more importantly their trust, will remain.