Open Farm Day 2018 Recap

Open Farm Day took place across the province yesterday.

The rain affected how many people took part in the day.

Manitoba Association of Agriculture Society is still pleased how the day went despite the lower attendance numbers.

One thing that people who took part in Open Farm day really enjoyed was seeing Rural Manitoba and farm animals.

For next year, Wendy Bulloch, MAAS Open Farm Day Coordinator, hopes to get the word out even more about Open Farm Day for their 10^th anniversary.

Details: Contributed by Isaac Wihak; Published: Sep 17, 2018 - 2:10 pm

The search for 6-year-old Emma O'Keeffe is over. She was found safely within the city of North Battleford, Saskatchewan, at around 7:45 this morning and is now receiving medical attention.

The RCMP wish to thank the public for their assistance in the matter. Further updates will be provided as they become available this morning.

Details: Contributed by Alec Woolston; Published: Sep 17, 2018 - 8:33 am

The open-air fire ban for the municipality of Roblin has been lifted. Town officials would like to thank the public for their patience during the ban.

They would also like to remind residents that open-air fires for stubble, brush, crop residue, and grass fires still require a burning permit from the municipal office. There is no cost for the permit.

Anyone who may have questions can contact the municipal office in Roblin at 204-937-8333.

Details: Contributed by Alec Woolston; Published: Sep 17, 2018 - 8:14 am

A province-wide AMBER alert has been issued as of just after midnight. RCMP are looking for 6-year-old Emma O'Keeffe, who is believed to have been abducted at a strip mall in North Battleford, Saskatchewan.

The suspect is believed to be in a 2010 Mercedes Benz GL350 Bluetec SUV with Saskatchewan license plate 897 HMX. It's unknown where the suspect is headed at this time. Police also do not have a description of the suspect at this time.

Emma suffers from epilepsy and autism, and is non-verbal and unable to walk. She also requires medication every 12 hours. She is 3'6", weighs 44 pounds, and has brown, jaw-length hair. She was last seen wearing a navy-blue long sleeve t-shirt, black jeans, pink socks, no shoes, and a diaper.

Anyone with information is asked to call 911, their local emergency number, or 1-877-762-6237.

missing emma okeefe.jpg

Details: Contributed by Alec Woolston; Published: Sep 17, 2018 - 5:14 am

This morning at around 9 o’clock in the Dauphin area there was some heavy rain, thunder and even hail.

Although hail season is typically June to September in the prairie provinces, mid September hail doesn’t happen very often.

Details: Contributed by Isaac Wihak; Published: Sep 16, 2018 - 12:19 pm

Open Farm Day is tomorrow.

It’s a good way to ask professionals about the farming industry and for seeing how things work on the farm.

Wendy Bulloch, MAAS Open Farm Day Coordinator, says host sites take part in Open Farm Day out of the goodness in their hearts and their belief in the industry.

There are a few host sites to the west of Dauphin, past Grand view and in between Roblin and Russel.

To look at all the locations of host sites you can check out http://www.openfarmday.ca/host-farms

Details: Contributed by Isaac Wihak; Published: Sep 15, 2018 - 11:09 am

The power outage in the north end of Dauphin has been resolved.

Hydro crews are now just fixing up minor outages.

Details: Contributed by Josh Sigurdson; Published: Sep 14, 2018 - 8:05 pm

The Terry Fox Run, Walk or Ride event is tomorrow. It's recommended you show up at 11:00 a.m. For the event, you can walk or run, as well as bike or roll. All pets and people are welcome to join in.

Stephen Roznowsky, Terry Fox Organizer for the Parkland, wants to make it clear that donated money goes straight to the organization. Any costs for events come out of his pocket or businesses that donate to fund the event.

Pledging doesn’t end until the end of the month so if you pick up a pledge form now you still have time to collect pledges. If you go to terryfox.org you can still find pledge sheets to print off.

Details: Contributed by Isaac Wihak; Published: Sep 14, 2018 - 1:03 pm

Premier Brian Pallister, along with Ag minister Ralph Eichler, and Municipal Relations Minister Jeff Wharton were in Neepawa for an announcement. The Manitoba government is supporting an expansion project at HyLife Foods Ltd.

The province is supporting the expansion in Neepawa and a new feed mill in the R.M. of Killarney-Turtle Mountain through tax increment financing estimated at $9.5 million over 22 years.

Manitoba and the Government of Canada provided an additional $2 million to the expansion through Growing Forward 2, a joint-funding program that ensures Canadian producers and processors are able to innovate and capitalize on emerging market opportunities.

Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler says investing in rural Manitoba is helping bring jobs to smaller communities.

“In the last two years, there’s been over 1.1 billion in new investments in agriculture and processing industry in Manitoba. in Manitoba, this is creating economic activity for new jobs here in Manitoba and communities. As well as creating markets for locally grown foods and crops. Hylife investment of 176 million results in 165 new jobs at the company’s processing facility, hog barns, and feed mills.”

“Through this project, there has been a significant positive effect on Manitoba’s economy by using local trades and services during the construction of these facilities. People around the world want more protein and Manitoba is open for business to provide that protein. It’s companies, like Hylife, that position Manitoba pork as high quality, high-value commodity in growing the world market and solidifies Manitoba’s position as leader in the pork processing sector.”

“I wish them continued success and of course all Manitobans are right on side to help provide those jobs, the economy, and the workforce to meet that demand.”

HyLife is the largest hog production company in Canada and among the top 15 in North America.

Details: Contributed by Isaac Wihak; Published: Sep 14, 2018 - 12:54 pm

Premier Brian Pallister is in Neepawa this morning for an announcement about HyLife Foods.

Ag minister Ralph Eichler, and Municipal Relations Minister Jeff Wharton will also be there.

HyLife Foods is one of Canada's leading pork producers.

The announcement will take place at 11:30.

CKDM's Benjamin Schwab will be there.

Details: Contributed by Josh Sigurdson; Published: Sep 14, 2018 - 9:29 am

Pride Weekend starts this evening out at Riding Mountain National Park.

There will be a free movie showing tonight for adults with free snacks.

Tomorrow afternoon from 1-4 kid family-friendly activities will be starting with the return of DJ Mama Cutsworth.

Cal Martin, Visitor Experience Manager at the RMNP, says the response to last year’s Pride Week was so great they had to do it again this year.

The event is now a weekend during school instead of a full week in the summer because accommodations out at the park will be easier to find and families still have the option to head out for a day on the weekend.