CANORA – Lewis Cattle Oiler Co., a company with roots dating back to 1966, is celebrating 60 years in business, marking a milestone for a brand that has supplied cattle producers across Canada and the United States for generations.
The company manufactures and distributes cattle oilers, devices used to help control flies and mosquitoes in cattle herds during the summer months.
Bill Leslie, who has been involved with the company for 35 years and now oversees Canadian distribution with his wife, said the business has changed significantly over the decades, but its commitment to producers has remained the same.
The company’s story began in 1966, when its founder moved north from the United States after marrying a Canadian woman. Today, manufacturing takes place in Texas, while the Canadian operation focuses on distribution.
Lewis Cattle Oiler’s signature product allows cattle to treat themselves for flies and other biting insects as they pass beneath the device, helping improve comfort and productivity during the summer months.
What was once a manufacturing operation employing more than 20 people has shifted over time. Leslie said the shop is quieter now.
“We don’t do nearly as much manufacturing as we used to,” he said. “It’s more relaxed now and not as busy in the shop as it used to be.”
The business now relies on a network of distributors across the country, with dealers in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Ontario and as far west as Vancouver Island.
Leslie’s connection to the industry has been built largely through personal relationships with ranchers and cattle producers.
“When I was younger, I’d go out and deal with all the farmers directly on their ranches,” he said. “A lot of them were surprised to see me out there working on the ranch when I owned the business.”
That hands-on approach helped establish long-term relationships with customers, many of whom appreciated seeing company leadership in the field rather than behind a desk.
As Lewis Cattle Oiler Co. marks its 60th anniversary, Leslie said the brand remains strong and will continue serving producers across North America.
At 63, he and his wife, 65, have begun discussing retirement and are considering reducing inventory levels as they look ahead. Because products are distributed through dealers and consignments, maintaining stock represents a significant financial commitment.
Still, Leslie said the company’s future is secure.
“The company won’t be going away,” he said.
For Leslie, the anniversary is not just a celebration of longevity, it is a reflection of the producers who have supported the business through decades of change.
