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It was a week of high temperatures and high humidity according to the weekly Manitoba crop report.
The temperatures province-wide ranged from the high 20s to the 30s, and the damp year so far has led to consistent and substantial humidity.
There was fairly minimal rain with this heat though, especially in the northwest and southwest region, as The Pas and several locations in the southwest saw no rain at all.
Even with this hot and drier trend, extending the total accumulated rainfall to July 21st still has over 135% of normal precipitation since May 1st.
The warmer conditions certainly advanced crop growth across much of the province, but it has had some drawbacks as well.
Oil seed crops made a lot of progress, but in the extreme heat, some canola showed increased amounts of flower blasts. This was reported both by Agronomists and Producers alike
Flax fields are either just beginning to bloom, or have reached full bloom, and aside from saturated/flooded areas, crops are rated as good. As well, sunflowers range from late vegetative to R2 growth due to planting and water stress conditions.
Fall rye was in the late dough stage to dry down stage with harvest anticipated to start in about ten days, assuming the weather allows.
Some Corn has begun to tassel but primarily ranges from V8-V10.
Spring wheat is between anthesis and hard dough, with most oats and barley at the milk stage. Spring wheat quality is rated mostly fair to good with 5 to 10% of the crop being reported as poor in the Southwest, Northwest, Central, and Interlake regions.
Field peas are in the R3 to R4 stage and For the most part, fields are looking good. However, there are fields affected by the excess moisture and doing poorly.
Also, Soybeans are in the R1to R2 stage and have seen rapid growth over the last week due to the hot humid conditions.
Forages are running into some issues in low-lying areas, but roughly 90% of dairy producers in the Eastern region have completed the first-cut harvest of alfalfa fields and
35% have completed the second cut. Some producers have opted to use grass intended for hay as bale silage.
Rain showers continue to make it difficult to produce good quality, dry hay, and Corn silage fields have responded well to high temperatures with staging at V8-V10.
Pastures and Cattle are both in generally excellent condition, though there is still a risk of foot rot and intense fly pressure in low-lying and wet areas.
Here in the Northwest region, little rain, high temperatures, and some smokey conditions were prominent, leading to substantial growth.
Winter wheat and fall rye crops are mostly in the soft dough stage and look good in most areas not affected by excess moisture.
Most of the spring wheat is headed out and in grain development. The earliest fields are moving into the soft dough stage and the remainder behind that. Some crops that were lodged by previous storms have luckily recovered.
The majority of the canola crops are in the flowering/podding stages, however, later seeded fields are in the rosette/bolting stage. Crops are more advanced in Swan River/Roblin and behind in the Dauphin area due to excess moisture in spring.
Soybean crops are in the R1 stage and mostly looking good. The recent heat has helped and advanced the crops quickly. There are crops in the Dauphin area that were stressed from excess moisture and are in the vegetative stage.
Progress moves along, but not without its challenges. with another hot muggy week, growth is sure to progress well, but we'll see if extreme temperatures rise again to cause issues.
Until next week, Stay safe, and thanks to all the producers working hard out there!
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
The Federal Government has cut funding for projects that search the grounds of previous residential schools.
Communities could previously receive up to $3 million through the Residential Schools Missing Children Community Support Fund, but funding will now be capped at $500,000.
In statements from the Assembly Of Manitoba Chiefs, Deputy Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy notes this decision is not only disheartening, but disrespectful to the survivors and families affected by the system.
Furthermore, Kennedy states the decision to cut funding without discussions with First Nations leadership is a “missed opportunity” for Canada to strengthen relations and respect the rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Several Indigenous communities across the province are still in the process of uncovering the dark histories that potentially lie under these residential schools.
You can find The Assembly's Full Statement At Their Website.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
It's proudly referred to as the "Greatest Show in the NorthWest".
The annual Northwest Round Up and Exhibition goes this Thursday to Sunday, and promises something for every member of the family, according to Swan River Valley Agricultural Society President Lesley Sembaluk.
"We have a nerw guy coming in as well to the livestock barn, who will be doing a petting zoo. We will also have pony rides, we have a livestock exhibition with some 4-H members bringing in their animals. We have the outdoor show ring for light horse events, we have chariots and chuckwagon races, a parade, and rodeo events."
Another highlight is the RCMP Musical Ride, which will be returning to the Round Up with shows on both Saturday and Sunday afternoon.
Sembaluk adds festival goers will also notice some recent renovations to the fairgrounds.
"We have some new ramps in place, as well as the grandstands being painted. And we also had a brand new multi-purpose outdoor show ring that was fully sponsored by New Era Ag Technologies that was built this year as well."
After selling out their midway wristbands in advance, Sembaluk says they have received a few more from Select shows, which will go on sale ton Wednesday only from 10 until 4 at a cost of $30 each.
Weekend passes for the Northwest Round Up are $75 for adults and $45 for youth.
There is no admission cost to get onto the grounds on Thursday, but there will be a $10 cost for Thursday's Grandstand show.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
On Tuesday morning at about 10:50, the Dauphin RCMP were called out for service.
The force responded to a serious motor vehicle collision on Highway 5, near Gilbert Plains. Officers are still on scene as of 1:50 p.m.
More information will be provided Wednesday.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
It is seen by many as the unofficial kickoff to Ukrainian Festival weekend in Dauphin.
The annual Parkland Chamber Street Fair and Dance is set for Thursday, August 1st along 1st Avenue North West.
The day begins with a pancake breakfast at 7 am, and continues until the final performers exit the stage at midnight.
Chamber Executive Director Stephen Chychota says one significant change for this year will be the location of the performance stage.
"We are not going to be on the street anymore. We are going to be right in the (CN) Park, so we are really excited about having a different platform and a different layout for that. We are also really excited to bring back the Kids Zone, and our partner for that this year is McDonald's. The McDonalds Kids Zone is coming out with a new layout and some really neat features."
Chychota adds the new location and setup for the stage will give them more room for vendors and food trucks along the street.
"Now that we do not have that Countryfest stage hanging out there anymore. It has been helpful and thank you to Countryfest for having that stage for us to use for the previous years, but that trailer has moved on to bigger and better things and we do not have access to it anymore. So we will be working with the platforms that we get from (DRS). And also for the bands they will be at different points during the day hanging out in a bit more shade inside of taking it all in in that trailer."
There is no cost to attend the street fair.
A reminder though that First Avenue NorthWest will be closed that entire day to vehicle traffic from Main Street to the Watson Arts Centre.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
In Dauphin court today (Tuesday), a local woman returns to face charges associated with a May 2022 traffic stop in the R-M of Dauphin.
36-year-old Brittany Bungay faces drug and firearm-related charges.
Also in court today, 38-year-old Travis Malcolm returns in connection with charges from an April assault and firearm complaint on the Ebb & Flow First Nation.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The North West Metis Council Has expanded the reach of its healthcare, with the Medocare Pharmacy Opening today.
Suzie Lalopoulou is the Pharmacy Manager with this new location, and she's proud to serve this community.
"We're just so happy to be here and so excited to be part of the community, and so excited to be in the heart of it. Glad to be here!"
She also details how Metis citizens in our area can access the many services they provide.
"Of course, any one can fill prescriptions here, we"ll take any kind of insurance. Medocare is a pharmacy partner of the Manitoba Metis Federation prescription drug program. if that's something people want to enquire about they can come in and we would get them in contact with the appropriate people to set that up, and once that's set up then that is a program we provide. "
Expanding from its Winnipeg location, Medocare now offers prescriptions, immunizations, and many other services right out of the Northwest Metis Council Building.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
Wild Fires area growing problem in our nation, encroaching on towns and cities, and destroying most everything in their path.
In a news release today, the federal government announced a new plan to replace important documents for free.
this will include permanent resident cards, Canadian citizenship certificates, Canadian passports and other travel documents that are lost, damaged, destroyed or inaccessible due to wildfires.
Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship notes these measures are designed to simplify the process of replacing these documents for anyone struggling with the fires.
These special measures are in effect until November 30, 2024. If you've lost documentation due to a wildfire, visit the Government of Canada Website
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
Further Details have become available on the structure fire last Thursday on 4th Ave SE in Dauphin.
Dauphin's Fire Chief Cam Abrey informed us of what took place.
"The fire has been determined to be accidental in nature. There was one injury of an occupant who was transported to Dauphin Hospital for medical attention, and unfortunately the loss of some of the pets of the occupants."
Abrey also mentions that crews were in a tough spot between the flames, and the +30 degree day.
"Crews were on scene for approximately 5 hours in order to bring the fire under control and to ensure that there was no extension that would continue to burn. They remained on scene in the heat of the day. We did have a couple of cases of heat exhaustion with the members as well, so keeping tabs on them and working closely with EMS to make sure they didn't become super-heated"
A large portion of fires in Canada start in the kitchen, and Abrey has some helpful reminders to help mitigate that.
"We would encourage the public to ensure your smoke alarms are in working condition, and that you have sufficient smoke alarms installed throughout your home. We'd also like to remind the public that any time you're using any kind of appliances or you're cooking, to remain in the kitchen and keep an eye on what you're cooking at the time."
On top of that, Abrey recommends unplugging appliances when they're not in use, as electricity still flows through them.
A big thanks to all the emergency crews at this unfortunate event.
We can never offer enough thanks to the people who risk their health and safety to help others experiencing some of the worst days of their lives.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
A 23-year-old female from Dauphin has a future court date after a single-vehicle collision on Saturday morning.
At 11:25 on Saturday morning, the Dauphin RCMP, alongside the Dauphin Fire Department, and EMS responded to the collision near the intersection of 1st Avenue NE and 2nd Street NE, in Dauphin.
A westbound white GMC Acadia left the road to the south which resulted in the driver striking a tree which caused extensive damage to the vehicle. The driver, who was the lone person in the car, was trapped inside as a fire started in the engine area. A passerby used a fire extinguisher to put out the blaze and then DFD members extricated the driver from the vehicle. The driver was taken to the Dauphin Regional Health Centre for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver was driving while prohibited and has been issued a future court date. It is suspected that alcohol was a factor in the collision and the investigation continues.
The Dauphin RCMP would like to thank the passersby who stopped and assisted. Their quick action and stopping the fire prevented further injuries.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
This week is recognized as National Drowning Prevention Week, so the Lifesaving Society of Manitoba gave some tips on drowning prevention.
Dr. Christopher Love is Lifesaving Society Manitoba's Water Smart and Safety Management Coordinator. He said the goal of this week and today is to raise awareness of the problem, and the ways to prevent drowning tragedies from happening.
"Annually every year in Canada we have approximately 450 who die due to drowning, and in Manitoba, it's on average 24 deaths per year. That's just the fatalities, that's not including any injuries that also occur due to drownings across the country."
He said some of the common, standard tips from anyone going around the water are:
- Never go alone
- Wear a life jacket when it's appropriate to do so (ie. when boating)
- Learn how to swim
- When children are swimming, have active adult supervision
- When the children are six years of age and under, you should be within arm's reach at all times.
- Be sober when around the water
Love also went into more detail when it comes to staying sober whether you're on a boat or just floating around.
"We're not trying to be killjoys and we're not saying don't have fun," said Love. "What we're saying is booze and boating don't mix, alcohol and swimming don't mix. You will become much more likely to become a statistic if you're under the influence when you're in or on the water."
With another very hot week ahead, you're encouraged to enjoy some time on the water; however, do so safely. Stay sober and if you're swimming with young children, make sure they are within arm's reach at all times and always swim with a friend.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
