Peter Ratuski started it all the early 1930s when he bought his first pound of Indian-finished wild rice. As a recent newcomer to Canada, a grocer, and a proud father of a large family, Peter was anxious to succeed.
Starting the Tradition
Wild Rice soon became an annual fall purchase for Peter. The long, black kernels were purchased from the natives and quickly resold at his store. It soon became clear that this untapped market had a lot of potential. Quickly seizing the opportunity, Peter made his first attempt at processing wild rice in the early 1940's.
A Family Affair
There were six healthy children in the Ratuski family household at this time, and all remember well the early years of "ricing". Every fall would see a flurry of activity as all of the children helped weigh and package the rice. It was a family event now that would see the Ratuskis racing out to rice beds, buying green rice direct from the pickers, and rushing it back to the production line.
Shoal Lake Wild Rice
Wild rice continued to be an important fall activity for the Ratuskis through the late 1950s. At this time, more people were discovering the delicacy of this rare kernel and a year-round demand for wild rice was beginning to grow. With both his youngest sons (Benjamin and Bill) wanting to expand their wild rice operation.
The Ratuskis were now officially in the wild rice business - year round. By 1968, they had formed Shoal Lake Wild Rice Ltd. in an old flourmill. The flourmill burned down in February 1972. Plans for a new plant were laid out and in June 1972 construction of the new plant began. The new plant was complete with natural gas roasters, grading tables, and automatic packagers. This state-of-the-art plant would use gravity to cleverly move the rice from one processing stage to the next.
Committed to Growth
By 1973, Shoal Lake had expanded further and decided to tackle the US marketplace. After careful consideration, a wild rice company in Aitkin, Minnesota was purchased. With a strong line of Canoe brand wild rice products, Mille Lacs Wild Rice Corp. has just become the newest member of the Ratuski family business.
Over 60 Years of Experience
Today, Shoal Lake Wild Rice Ltd. still operates out of its headquarters in Keewatin, Ontario. Their state-of-the-art processing plant has become a reality and a third generation of Ratuski "ricers" has taken command of operations both in the US and Canada. The wild rice they produce and sell is seen on tables in countries around the world.
Chris, one of seven in Ben Ratuski's family, has taken his years of experience in the wild rice industry and is currently applying it to the US markets from the plant in Aitkin. His brother, Murray, is likewise assisting in the operation of the Canadian plant.
Shoal Lake Wild Rice is a much-envied example of a fine family business. It is small enough to be personal, yet big enough to be respected by its large international clients and competitors. They have earned this respect by maintaining a steadfast commitment to fine quality and dependability. Though Peter isn't around to see it, he would have been proud to see the traditions he started and the legacy he left. |
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