Nicole Smith
Director
March 5, 2025
Nicole Smith of Oak Lake, MB, was first elected to the FCL Board in 2025. Nicole is one of the directors elected by District 5 which is comprised of 29 member co-ops in Manitoba. Nicole has primary responsibility for 10 member co-ops.
Nicole was first elected to Kenton Consumers Coop Board of Directors in June of 2004. After an amalgamation in 2018, she later joined Valleyview Coop where she served as President of the Board for the last 4 years. She served on the finance, member relation and the governance committees.
Nicole has prioritized community service over the last years by helping with senior suppers, pancake breakfast and North Country community meals. She has also judged 4H speeches and helped with the Oak Lake Ag Society Fair.
Nicole and her husband Leigh own and along with their son Nic, manage a beef and grain farm North of Oak Lake, Manitoba. Nicole’s primary responsibilities are managing day to day financials, and she stays hands on with tasks such as moving and processing cattle, assisting with calving, operating the combine and grain cart and other logistical tasks. Additionally, she keeps the family organized and well fed, ensuring everything runs smoothly on and off the farm.
Nicole has completed Series 3 of the Director Development Program and holds her Co-op Director.D Designation. She is a graduate of The University of Manitoba where she holds a Diploma in Agriculture. Nicole served seven years on a Provincial Board for The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba where she served as a member of the complaints department.
Nicole and her husband have 3 children; Nicholas, Ainsley and Georgia. Nicole’s passion for farm life is passed down to her kids. Life on the farm has taught her to be resilient, resourceful and versatile. In her spare time, she enjoys travelling with her husband, quilting, gardening and side by side rides searching for wildflowers and checking cows.
As an FCL Director, Nicole is a member of the Board’s Sustainability Committee.