4R’s of Fertilizing Forages

Fertilizing your forage stand is a significant investment; protect that investment by ensuring you are utilizing the appropriate source, rate, timing and placement of fertilizer. This is known as the 4R’s of forage fertility.

The following considerations should be incorporated into your fertility plan:

Ideally, soil sample in the spring, at the beginning of the growing season, to assess initial soil fertility. Then use the results to create a fertilizer blend that also takes into consideration the targeted yield.

Federal bill includes new security powers to tighten border, immigration system

Proposed federal legislation would give authorities new powers to search mail, make it easier for officials to pause or cancel immigration applications and expand the Canadian Coast Guard’s role to include security activities.

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree introduced the Strong Borders Act in the House of Commons on Tuesday.

The government says the wide-ranging, 127-page bill aims to keep borders secure, combat transnational organized crime, stop the flow of deadly fentanyl and crack down on money laundering.

Canada's domestic tourism industry could net billions due to U.S. trade war: report

Canada's tourism industry might be in for a boost as Canadians boycott the United States and spend their travel dollars closer to home this year.

In a report released May 29, the Conference Board of Canada estimates the net economic benefit for the domestic tourism sector could be as high as $8.8 billion.

The think tank said its April travel intentions survey suggests roughly 27 per cent of Canadian respondents are considering a trip to the U.S. in the next few years - down from more than 50 per cent in the same survey last November.

Nigerian association gives back through community cleanup

Demonstrating their commitment to their new home, members of the Association of Nigerians in Portage la Prairie rolled up their sleeves this past weekend for a community cleanup initiative.

Targeting the green space around the Portage Homestead Co-Op and extending towards the nearby tracks, approximately 14 volunteers collected several bags of litter on Saturday morning.

Southport's iconic CT-114 gate guardian returns home

Southport’s skyline feels complete again.

The community’s beloved CT-114 Tutor aircraft, missing from its post for the past couple of years, now proudly stands reinstalled as the "Gate Guardian" at the entrance to the Southport Aerospace Centre, marking a joyful homecoming for a piece of local and national aviation history.

Pet rescue offers wildfire evacuees vital support

As wildfire evacuees continue arriving in Portage la Prairie, a local animal rescue is stepping up to help the four-legged members of their families.

Rest Stop Rescue, based in Portage, is providing a range of support to evacuees with pets.

The group is helping with everything from transportation to veterinary clinics, to securing medication and covering other urgent care needs. So far, they’ve assisted three evacuees.

Wildfire-hit areas in Manitoba, Saskatchewan not expected to get much rain

Officials in Manitoba and Saskatchewan say areas affected by wildfires aren't expected to see much relief in the weather forecast in the coming days.

More than 30,000 people in those provinces have been forced to leave their homes as wildfires threaten their communities.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said Tuesday that there would be challenging days ahead due to a lack of rain in the forecast.

Last days of school means first days of pool at Splash Island in Portage

Summer has officially arrived in Portage la Prairie, at least at Splash Island.

The popular outdoor pool on Island Park kicked off its season Monday, welcoming swimmers for the first official day of summer fun, proving that even cloudy skies can't dampen the spirit of the season.

Despite the grey and cool weather, the unmistakable sounds of splashing and laughter filled the air as a couple of local student classes were the first to break in the water for the year.

For those wondering how anyone could brave the cool temperatures, the secret is in the water.