RealAg Shops, Ep 3: Building for the future at Smith Family Seeds - Pilot Mound, Manitoba

A practical design that immediately improves efficiency on the farm is usually a top priority when building a new shop, but ideally, that building will continue providing value for the next thirty-plus years, across multiple generations.

Walter Smith would still fall into the category of "young" farmer, but after ten years of running a seed business, farming and planning, he built his new shop in 2022 with his children and the future of the family farm in mind.

This episode of RealAg Shops features a tour of the new facility at Smith Family Seeds, east of Pilot Mound, Manitoba.

"We did our best to make sure that the next generation can't complain too much about their dad's decisions," says Smith.

While there were still a few lights and a mezzanine railing being installed, the 99-percent-finished shop features an approximately 80' x 80' area with high ceilings for working on equipment. A clear 19' x 53' main door on the south side providing plenty of access and natural light.

The work area continues into a two-lane wash bay designed for parking two super-Bs inside. A large curtain between the wash bay and work area can easily be opened to expand the workspace or closed to keep humidity out of the rest of the building, while dramatically reducing noise in the shop.

In addition the main part of the shop, which covers a 80' by 120' footprint, there's an office and parts storage area that Smith says will increase the efficiency of their farm as they've been able to consolidate tools and parts from more than three smaller shops and yards.

For example, one of the many practical features is a mezzanine that not only functions as parts storage, but also as an ideal spot for working on combine unload augers at waist-height rather than on ladders.

From air compressor lines to ceiling/wall materials to layout, Smith explains the thought process that went into the shop in the video above.

Check out the video below for a full tour of the new shop at Smith Family Seeds, brought to you by Princess Auto!

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