Michael and his son Aiden working hard out in the fields getting ready for another growing season.
Photo Credit: Michael Sotas

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Grain farming has been a cornerstone of Manitoba’s agricultural industry for many generations, helping to shape the diverse cultural heritage that this region is known for. From canola and wheat to barley, oats, and flax – these grain farms have been an integral part of Manitoba’s agricultural heritage.

For one particular Manitoban family, farming goes back as far as the early 1900’s when Michael Sotas’ great grandparents immigrated to Canada from the Ukraine and settled North of Rossburn, MB. The family stayed there until 1974 when Michael’s grandparents and his parents moved to the newer homeyard East of Birtle.

“My grandparents, parents, uncle, and my aunt farmed together as a partnership until 2006, which was when my wife and I moved back home from Spirit River where we had been living for the last 8 years,” said Michael.

It was 2006 when Michael and his wife Jacy took over the family farm, making Michael the 4th generation farmer of his family. Strictly a grain operation, they typically grow peas, wheat, and canola on their 5,500 acre parcel.

Sotas Holdings Inc. officially received its name in 2014 and currently, Michael’s son Aiden is gearing up to become the 5th generation farmer when it’s time for him to take over the operation.

RME Shoal Lake has been the farm’s dealership since 2006, marking a 17-year partnership. According to Michael, the branch has been wonderful to deal with over the years.

“Shoal Lake RME provides a full service/sales one-stop-shop. It has all the resources on hand for purchasing and trading in equipment and the parts and service departments are unbeatable in my experience. No need to go anywhere else,” he said.

Working specifically with RME Ag Equipment Sales Consultant Mark Swereda since 2006, Michael said Mark is an integral part of his operation and he can always rely on Mark to find solutions to problems regarding upgrading his equipment.

When asked to describe Sotas Holdings Inc., RME’s own Mark Swereda said he describes them as “Driven to Succeed.”

“I’ve helped with their harvest by running a combine for their farm for many years, now, and I plan on continuing to go back and lend a helping hand. Mike gives us complete service, parts, and sales and that is truly a definition of a client that’s loyal to the brand and the dealer,” said Mark.

Part of Michael’s impressive fleet include two combines, a Case IH 8230 and a Case IH 8240 with 35-foot Macdon Flex headers, a Case IH 4440 Patriot Sprayer, a Case IH 540 CVX 4WD, a Case IH 310 CVT MFWD, a Case IH Maxxum 150 FEL, and a 2016 70-foot Seedhawk drill.

When it comes to keep his machines up and running, Michael said the RME Shoal Lake Parts and Service department are top notch.

“Parts and Service get an AAA rating from me. I very seldom have down time in the field but when I do, it’s usually within the hour I have a service tech in the field.”

RME is proud to have worked with Sotas Holdings Inc. for so long and hopes to continue providing excellent customer service to the operation for years to come. By doing , RME provides the support they need, when they need it, to keep them in the field and producing optimally each year.

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