Over 57 years, Shur-Gro has grown from a single-location fuel and crop nutrition dealership to a full-service crop input retailer with deep roots across Manitoba. What hasn’t changed is their commitment to putting farmers first, in the field and through every decision that impacts the bottom line. At its core, Shur-Gro is about partnership: working shoulder-to-shoulder with growers to help them navigate change, embrace innovation, and farm with confidence.
Ron’s entrepreneurial journey began in 1952 when he opened a Massey-Harris dealership with his father. Over the years leading up to the founding of Shur-Gro, they also became bulk fuel agents and purchased a dealership in Selkirk. After growing the fuel business to three locations, Ron sold it and became a Shell agent, selling fuel, crop nutrients, and farm supplies. That same year, he opened Shur-Gro.
By the early 1970s, the business was growing rapidly. It relocated twice before settling at its current location on Douglas Street in Brandon. As the business grew, so did Ron’s family. He and his wife raised three children, all of whom helped out at Shur-Gro. Ron credits the company’s continued success to his family and the many dedicated people who have worked at Shur-Gro over the years, including long-serving general managers.
Over time, Shur-Gro expanded from a single location to 13 throughout Manitoba. It has evolved into a full-service crop input business, offering fertilizer, crop protection, seed, agronomy services, custom application, and seed treating. As the company grew, so did its commitment to being more than just an ag retailer; it became a trusted on-farm partner.
"We do the full gamut here, we're an extension of the farm's team, filling the role of that extra hired hand where needed," said Blaine Cochrane, Sales Manager with Shur-Gro Farm Services Ltd. "We believe in a boots-on-the-ground approach, and it’s a priority for us to ensure our team is regularly on the farm and out in the field."
After studying business administration, Cochrane faced a familiar challenge for many farm kids at the time: the economics of staying on the farm weren’t feasible. But leaving agriculture wasn’t an option.
"I knew I wanted to be involved in agriculture. What exactly? I didn't really know. And I said I'd just get into it and figure it out and keep going."
That mindset led him into the livestock feed business, where he built a strong foundation in ag before joining the crop inputs retail side of the industry.
For Cochrane, the draw to agriculture has always been about the people.
"It’s the people. All the people are by far the best. Farmers are true, genuine people. They wear their heart on their sleeve, and they're the biggest risk takers known to man."
And being part of that world, supporting producers, earning their trust, and standing alongside them in good times and bad, is what makes the work meaningful.
"We’re part of that parcel. So, we're a piece of the farming puzzle. They're resilient, tough, demanding, firm, friendly and loyal too. It’s an honour to play a part in their success."
“Farmers have to be profitable, and there are so many factors that impact that: weather, politics, trade, tariffs, and taxes,” Cochrane explained. “It all adds to the cost of production.”
With rising costs, there’s pressure to grow more with less, more bushels per acre using fewer inputs, while still stewarding the land. Today’s farms are larger and often run by fewer people, making strategic efficiency critical.
Cochrane emphasizes the importance of implementing the 4R Nutrient Stewardship principles, adopting innovations, and using technology such as variable-rate application to support long-term sustainability and yield potential.
“Precision applications and cost-effective practices are becoming increasingly essential to maintain profitability. It’s not that farming was wasteful in the past; it’s just that we need to do things better now to combat rising costs. That means embracing new technologies and innovations, using thoughtful crop rotations to maintain soil organic matter for water retention and yield stability. And when it comes to crop protection, we need to be strategic with tank mixes. We can't afford to lose the effectiveness of the molecules we rely on today; so, it’s critical to stay creative, be innovative, and explore alternative solutions on the farm.”
The Shur-Gro team encourages progressive farm planning and data-informed decisions.
“Farming is like any business. We need to make sure we know what our costs are to make sound marketing decisions and stay operational.”
Cochrane stresses the importance of working with trusted advisors, asking questions, and making informed decisions.
“We only get a chance to grow one crop per year. Let's do it right.”
At Shur-Gro, success means helping farmers succeed, growing more with less and increasing profitability.
To maintain this level of expertise, the team participates in WinField United’s Agronomy Academy training program, engages in regular internal sessions with product partners, and spends significant time directly on the farm with growers.
“Being involved with farmers intimately on their own dirt is some of the best research we can ever have,” said Cochrane. “They’re invested in it. We’re invested in it. We try different things to be innovative, and sometimes things won’t work. But at least then we know. And then we know where we can go next.”
Yield trials are at the core of their field-level research, with seed variety performance being a top priority. The goal is always the same: more bushels per acre.
“We’re trying different varieties of seed, among other things, to see what works, or doesn’t work, in our area and what we could be doing better,” said Cochrane.
Stabilized nitrogen to ensure availability throughout the growing season is another area the team is closely watching. Cochrane is optimistic about upcoming trial results and how they’ll inform their recommendations. On the other hand, biological products remain a developing space with more questions than answers at this stage.
“There’s still a lot of work to be done on biologicals,” Cochrane explained. “There are so many products out there, and a lot of performance claims being made. At the end of the day, a product has got to consistently help produce more bushels per acre with fewer inputs and less cost.”
Return on investment is non-negotiable when it comes to product selection.
“The trick with a biological is that sometimes we can’t touch it, feel it, or smell it to see how it’s performing, and that can be a challenge. From a biological perspective, it needs to work reliably every year. And I don’t know if they can do that right now. That’s what’s still to be determined.”
“If the initiative is good for the community that we do business in, that we pay taxes in, that we employ people in, then we should give back. When we go to a community and have a place of business, we want that community to be successful, so we need to be doing our part.”
Shur-Gro makes it a priority to support the community hubs that bring people together. Whether it’s community centres, hockey rinks and ball diamonds, they do their best to be involved. They view these places as essential to the fabric of rural life.
They also believe in engaging with young people through programs like 4-H and Ag in the Classroom, introducing the next generation to the opportunities in agriculture. Telling and experiencing the story of farming helps build understanding, respect, and excitement for the industry.
“We’re big proponents of getting into classrooms and sharing the world of agriculture with young people,” said Cochrane.
This commitment to community is a daily practice embedded into how Shur-Gro shows up across the Prairies.
“I believe the future of the industry belongs to those who are willing to think outside the box, work alongside like-minded people, and take stewardship of the land seriously,” shared Cochrane. “Especially for a young person, there’s a huge opportunity in agriculture if they’re willing to invest their time and effort, get involved, ask questions, and work hard. It’ll be a lifelong career. You’re growing food to feed the world; one of the most sustainable and rewarding jobs out there.”
With the right mindset and commitment, Cochrane says the possibilities for the future of agriculture are limitless.
If Shur-Gro is known for one thing, it’s being a trusted, long-term partner in agriculture. They are invested in the communities and farms they serve. They’re in it for the long haul. Earning the right to be part of a farm’s success isn’t taken lightly. For Cochrane and the Shur-Gro team, that trust lays the foundation for strong partnerships and a bright future built together.
Becoming a Full-Service Retailer
Shur-Gro was founded in 1968 by Ron Helwer, who moved from Libau, Manitoba, to Brandon to start the business. At the time, it operated as a fuel and crop nutrition dealership. Ron brought with him a deep understanding of agriculture, having been raised on a mixed farm and working alongside his father and brother in various ventures.Ron’s entrepreneurial journey began in 1952 when he opened a Massey-Harris dealership with his father. Over the years leading up to the founding of Shur-Gro, they also became bulk fuel agents and purchased a dealership in Selkirk. After growing the fuel business to three locations, Ron sold it and became a Shell agent, selling fuel, crop nutrients, and farm supplies. That same year, he opened Shur-Gro.
By the early 1970s, the business was growing rapidly. It relocated twice before settling at its current location on Douglas Street in Brandon. As the business grew, so did Ron’s family. He and his wife raised three children, all of whom helped out at Shur-Gro. Ron credits the company’s continued success to his family and the many dedicated people who have worked at Shur-Gro over the years, including long-serving general managers.
Over time, Shur-Gro expanded from a single location to 13 throughout Manitoba. It has evolved into a full-service crop input business, offering fertilizer, crop protection, seed, agronomy services, custom application, and seed treating. As the company grew, so did its commitment to being more than just an ag retailer; it became a trusted on-farm partner.
"We do the full gamut here, we're an extension of the farm's team, filling the role of that extra hired hand where needed," said Blaine Cochrane, Sales Manager with Shur-Gro Farm Services Ltd. "We believe in a boots-on-the-ground approach, and it’s a priority for us to ensure our team is regularly on the farm and out in the field."
An Ag Leadership Journey
Cochrane joined the Shur-Gro team 15 years ago after a 25-year career in livestock feed manufacturing. Raised on a mixed farm near Hamiota, Manitoba, he’s always been rooted in agriculture.After studying business administration, Cochrane faced a familiar challenge for many farm kids at the time: the economics of staying on the farm weren’t feasible. But leaving agriculture wasn’t an option.
"I knew I wanted to be involved in agriculture. What exactly? I didn't really know. And I said I'd just get into it and figure it out and keep going."
That mindset led him into the livestock feed business, where he built a strong foundation in ag before joining the crop inputs retail side of the industry.
For Cochrane, the draw to agriculture has always been about the people.
"It’s the people. All the people are by far the best. Farmers are true, genuine people. They wear their heart on their sleeve, and they're the biggest risk takers known to man."
And being part of that world, supporting producers, earning their trust, and standing alongside them in good times and bad, is what makes the work meaningful.
"We’re part of that parcel. So, we're a piece of the farming puzzle. They're resilient, tough, demanding, firm, friendly and loyal too. It’s an honour to play a part in their success."
Partners in Profitability
At Shur-Gro, the focus is clear: provide the services growers need to thrive. One of the biggest challenges producers face today is profitability.“Farmers have to be profitable, and there are so many factors that impact that: weather, politics, trade, tariffs, and taxes,” Cochrane explained. “It all adds to the cost of production.”
With rising costs, there’s pressure to grow more with less, more bushels per acre using fewer inputs, while still stewarding the land. Today’s farms are larger and often run by fewer people, making strategic efficiency critical.
Cochrane emphasizes the importance of implementing the 4R Nutrient Stewardship principles, adopting innovations, and using technology such as variable-rate application to support long-term sustainability and yield potential.
“Precision applications and cost-effective practices are becoming increasingly essential to maintain profitability. It’s not that farming was wasteful in the past; it’s just that we need to do things better now to combat rising costs. That means embracing new technologies and innovations, using thoughtful crop rotations to maintain soil organic matter for water retention and yield stability. And when it comes to crop protection, we need to be strategic with tank mixes. We can't afford to lose the effectiveness of the molecules we rely on today; so, it’s critical to stay creative, be innovative, and explore alternative solutions on the farm.”
The Shur-Gro team encourages progressive farm planning and data-informed decisions.
“Farming is like any business. We need to make sure we know what our costs are to make sound marketing decisions and stay operational.”
Cochrane stresses the importance of working with trusted advisors, asking questions, and making informed decisions.
“We only get a chance to grow one crop per year. Let's do it right.”
At Shur-Gro, success means helping farmers succeed, growing more with less and increasing profitability.
Informed Recommendations
Staying current with the latest products and agronomic practices is essential for the Shur-Gro team as they work to help their growers produce more bushels per acre with fewer inputs. Their focus is on boosting farm efficiency through practical, informed decision-making.To maintain this level of expertise, the team participates in WinField United’s Agronomy Academy training program, engages in regular internal sessions with product partners, and spends significant time directly on the farm with growers.
“Being involved with farmers intimately on their own dirt is some of the best research we can ever have,” said Cochrane. “They’re invested in it. We’re invested in it. We try different things to be innovative, and sometimes things won’t work. But at least then we know. And then we know where we can go next.”
Yield trials are at the core of their field-level research, with seed variety performance being a top priority. The goal is always the same: more bushels per acre.
“We’re trying different varieties of seed, among other things, to see what works, or doesn’t work, in our area and what we could be doing better,” said Cochrane.
Stabilized nitrogen to ensure availability throughout the growing season is another area the team is closely watching. Cochrane is optimistic about upcoming trial results and how they’ll inform their recommendations. On the other hand, biological products remain a developing space with more questions than answers at this stage.
“There’s still a lot of work to be done on biologicals,” Cochrane explained. “There are so many products out there, and a lot of performance claims being made. At the end of the day, a product has got to consistently help produce more bushels per acre with fewer inputs and less cost.”
Return on investment is non-negotiable when it comes to product selection.
“The trick with a biological is that sometimes we can’t touch it, feel it, or smell it to see how it’s performing, and that can be a challenge. From a biological perspective, it needs to work reliably every year. And I don’t know if they can do that right now. That’s what’s still to be determined.”
Committed to Giving Back
As a locally owned company, Shur-Gro believes in giving back to the communities where they live and work, because that’s home. Their employees live in the same small towns they serve, so they understand the value of stepping up when it matters. Whether it’s supporting ag initiatives, youth programs, or local projects, their involvement is intentional, values-driven, and rooted in the belief that time and energy are among the most meaningful ways to make a difference.“If the initiative is good for the community that we do business in, that we pay taxes in, that we employ people in, then we should give back. When we go to a community and have a place of business, we want that community to be successful, so we need to be doing our part.”
Shur-Gro makes it a priority to support the community hubs that bring people together. Whether it’s community centres, hockey rinks and ball diamonds, they do their best to be involved. They view these places as essential to the fabric of rural life.
They also believe in engaging with young people through programs like 4-H and Ag in the Classroom, introducing the next generation to the opportunities in agriculture. Telling and experiencing the story of farming helps build understanding, respect, and excitement for the industry.
“We’re big proponents of getting into classrooms and sharing the world of agriculture with young people,” said Cochrane.
This commitment to community is a daily practice embedded into how Shur-Gro shows up across the Prairies.
A Future Full of Possibility
Cochrane sees endless opportunity in the future of agriculture for those ready to embrace creativity, collaboration, and hard work.“I believe the future of the industry belongs to those who are willing to think outside the box, work alongside like-minded people, and take stewardship of the land seriously,” shared Cochrane. “Especially for a young person, there’s a huge opportunity in agriculture if they’re willing to invest their time and effort, get involved, ask questions, and work hard. It’ll be a lifelong career. You’re growing food to feed the world; one of the most sustainable and rewarding jobs out there.”
With the right mindset and commitment, Cochrane says the possibilities for the future of agriculture are limitless.
If Shur-Gro is known for one thing, it’s being a trusted, long-term partner in agriculture. They are invested in the communities and farms they serve. They’re in it for the long haul. Earning the right to be part of a farm’s success isn’t taken lightly. For Cochrane and the Shur-Gro team, that trust lays the foundation for strong partnerships and a bright future built together.
