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The second week of the Crop Report saw a slower start than average to the season.
Some cooler temperatures and much-needed rain brought seeding to a halt last week but offered greener pastures and some well-needed recharge for dugouts.
Ethelbert saw the most moisture in the Northwest region and the second most across the province with 35.4mm total.
The only location that saw more rain was Windygates in the central region at 37mm.
In fact, All areas in the Central and Interlake regions have accumulated more than 100% of normal precipitation since May 1. The least was seen in the Pas at only 4.1mm.
Seeding progress across the province has been delayed by the recent rains and currently sits at approximately 4% of the acres seeded.
The Northwest Region saw a good start to the week with field operations beginning across most of the region.
Cool, wet weather set in midweek bringing precipitation to most of the region, leading to adequate levels of soil moisture.
Most field operations were paused during the rain, although a few were able to resume shortly after. The weekend brought good drying weather as well as good progress to either start or resume operations.
Overnight temperatures dipped below 0°C with Alonsa station reporting -3.7°C. With the warm, dry weather over the weekend, most operations are underway now in terms of field preparation, spraying and seeding. Some standing water in fields will require a couple more days of drying.
Field pea seeding is making good progress across most of the region at approximately 25% complete, being more advanced towards the Roblin area. Spring wheat seeding is also nicely getting started and is approximately 10% complete across the region. Winter wheat and fall rye conditions vary across the region. There have been only a few claims for winterkill damage.
The recent rain was a boon to pastures, as rains have helped stimulate growth and the landscape is beginning to green up.
Hay fields are in good shape, although icy conditions experienced this winter may have taken their toll on alfalfa plants in some locations. Cooler weather led to a slightly slower start for alfalfa crops, and it's projected that fields affected like this may be compromised if the bulk of the crop doesn't recover.
Livestock producers are reporting that they will have adequate feed up until the summer months, but most also report little if any carry-over feed will be left.
water levels in dugouts have recharged well with the week-long drizzle, but it has created some very muddy corals.
Some beef producers have transferred to pastures a bit early, while others have opened small paddocks to get their animals into more space with less mud.
Consistent 20+ temps and lots of sunshine are sure to look and feel great for everyone.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
Residents in the Russell area will have the chance to sample foods from 15 different nationalities and cultures later this week.
Russell Culturefest is set to return this Friday night, the first time the event is being held since 2016.
It will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 at the George Buleziuk Centre, with tickets now available at the town municipal office and at the Filipine Store in Russell.
They are $15 for adults and $10 for children aged 6-12, with kids 5 and under admitted for free,
Besides the great food, there will also be numerous cultural performances, including Ukrainian dancers and the Waywayseecappo Pow Wow dancers.
A portion of the proceeds of this event will be donated to a local non-profit group in the Russell area.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Several provincial parks in the Southern part of Manitoba are set to open for campers this weekend.
Among them are the Asessippi campground and day-use areas near Russell.
Other parks in the Parkland, including Manipogo, Rainbow Beach, Lundar Beach, and parks within the Duck Mountains are not slated to open to campers until next weekend.
Reservations for campsites, cabins, and group-use areas can be made online at www.manitobaparks.com, or by calling 1-888-482-2267.
You are also encouraged to purchase and print your provincial park vehicle permit before you head out.
You can get those online www.manitobalicensing.ca
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The annual State of the City lunch is set for next Tuesday at the Watson Arts Centre.
The event, presented by the Parkland Chamber of Commerce, will have Dauphin Mayor Dave Bosiak give an update on what is happening and what is on tap in the city.
Chamber Executive Director Stephen Chychota says it is one of their biggest and highly anticipated lunches of the year.
"I can not speak exactly to the Mayor's presentation, but if you take a look at anywhere in the south end of the city and you will see there is lots happening. And then there is also what's to come. So I think the Mayor will touch on what we have been seeing over the past 12 moinths."
Tickets are now available through the Parkland Chamber's website.
Chychota encourages anyone interested in attending to purchase their tickets by this Friday.
"That just helps with things and makes sure we have enough space in the room because there is only so many tables and chairs that we can fit in there, So the sooner rather than the later (for ticket purchases) would be the best. What ends up happening is that businesses will register their entire team or a big group of it, so they are buying several tables at a time which ends up just snatching up all the seats pretty quickly."
The lunch begins at 11:45 AM on May 14th.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
You'll likely hear an alarm on your phone, or over our airwaves later today, but don't panic!
A test of the Alert Ready system, a National Public alert system is scheduled for today at 1:55 pm.
This system is designed to provide potentially life-saving alerts when it come to amber alerts, or natural disasters like fires, floods, or tornados.
These tests are crucial to make sure that regardless of the situation, citizens can be informed of any major emergency that might be heading your way way.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
Mental health is a topic that not everyone can be comfortable talking about, but it is a factor in everyone's life.
The Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program, started on March 1st, 2022, acts as an open line of communication for farmers of all varieties to vent about the things troubling them.
The staff is a group of counselors all from agricultural backgrounds who can offer insights and empathy that therapists outside of the field wouldn't understand.
Gerry Friesen, CAO of the Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program wants to send a clear message to the producers who feel like they're struggling.
"It's okay to not be okay. It's okay to reach out for help. Without the farmer, there is no farm, so let's get on that road to being mentally well."
Modern farm management is constantly growing, bringing more important decisions and tight deadlines to an already stressful line of work.
Friesen spoke on his past struggles with depression and stress in his agricultural career and knows how important it is to have someone who understands what you're going through.
"if a family member, or a neighbor or a friend isn't enough, do not hesitate to reach out for some professional help. That doesn't mean that you're sick now, what it means is that there's stuff happening in your life, and by being proactive and reaching out for that help, you will be able to cope better and that will make your life better."
You can call 204-232-0574 for up to 9 free, anonymous appointments.
For more information on this program, or to book an anonymous appointment, visit their website manitobafarmerwellness.ca.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
Despite rain over the past week, the province says the risk of wildfire remains high across Manitoba.
According to the office of the Fire Commissioner, overall conditions remain extremely dry, with several communities across the province seeing a notable increase in human-caused wildfires so far this year.
Manitobans are reminded that wildfires can spread quickly in open areas due to windy conditions and matted grass and dry dead vegetation.
You should never burn on windy days, along with using burn barrels when you can, and never leave any fire unattended.
Other tips for reducing wildfire risks include clearing combustable items like leaves and pine needles from roofs, gutters, and under decks and porches, as well as never using plant pots, peat moss, or vegetable gardens to dispose of smoking materials or ash.
If you happen to come across a wildfire, you are encouraged to call 9-1-1 or the TIP line at 1-800-782-0076.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Several measures introduced recently to beef up security and reduce crime in Swan River appear to be working.
Swan River Mayor Lance Jacobsen says security cameras were installed at several points across the town last fall, and plans are in the works to add more in the future.
"We are looking at installing more of them in the community, in places where we need them to be installed. And getting more businesses involved, I think that is the other part of it, and having them install cameras wherever they can in a strategic manner."
A security patrol vehicle has also been purchased and put on the road, and Jacobsen says he met recently with volunteers who have been taking the vehicle out on the streets.
"They are saying it does work and that it is having an impact on just the presence if being around in the community. We still have other issues that are ongoing but I hope that with the steps and with the other three municipalities on some other initiatives that we are working on with the RCMP that will help to combat some of the larger organized issues, along with drug enforcement as well."
In April of last year, the province provided 50-thousand dollars towards supporting community safety and crime prevention programs in Swan River.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Manitoba Blue Cross (MBC) is getting set to celebrate its 50th anniversary and the Parkland will be a part of the celebrations.
On Tuesday, May 14, MBC will be in town at the Aspen Lodge on 200 1st Street SE from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. It will be a come-and-go function and will include games, snacks, and prizes. You can also pick up a free gift at the three-hour event.
Nikki Makar is with Manitoba Blue Cross and she says next Tuesday will be a special day.
"We are coming to Dauphin to say thank you for allowing us to be a part of the community for the last 50 years," said Makar. "50 years for Manitoba Blue Cross means we have been here as fellow Manitobans providing coverage that is amongst the best in the industry."
MBC also isn't going anywhere anytime soon.
"We're going to continue being in the community," ended Makar. "We come out and visit whenever we can and we always assure that we're giving back to the community. This visit, we will be donating to the Dauphin & District Food Bank."
So from 2 to 5 next Tuesday, make sure you head to the Aspen Lodge in the Parkland Rec Complex to celebrate 50 years strong for Manitoba Blue Cross.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
After a controversial presentation at a school board meeting in the Mountain View School Division, the board of trustees has made further statements.
In a recent release, Board Chair Gabe Mercier welcomed a Governance review announced earlier by the province's Minister Of Education.
Mercier offered the board's full cooperation in sharing any information regarding this review, though a date has not been named for when this review is to take place.
A trustee by-election was slated to take place at the end of June, but due to the pending review, it has been pushed back to the start of the 2024-25 year.
For our previous coverage of this developing situation visit, Our Previous Article Here.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
You may have seen the pop-up on the south end of town, work is about to begin on the new Petrocan Gas station.
This station is owned in partnership by the Pine Creek and Ebb & Flow First Nations.
The land titles were officially signed over last summer at city hall between Chief Wayne Desjarlais of Ebb and Flow, Chief Derek Nepinak of Pine Creek, and Mayor David Bosiak.
The Groundbreaking ceremony will take place May 15th at 11 am, and everyone is invited to attend.
The Anishinaabe Aki PetroCan gas station is slated to open sometime this fall.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
