PembinaValley

The Municipal District of Taber administers public land that had been previously turned over to it by the Alberta government.

Alberta municipal leaders are eyeing the Municipal District of Taber as it grapples with striking the right balance between stewardship and the responsibility of raising an appropriate amount of revenue for its agricultural lands on behalf of ratepayers.

BASF Agricultural Solutions Canada recently announced the 12 organizations that will each receive a portion of the $160,000 Growing Home with BASF prize fund. 

Following a competitive public voting period, the first, second, and third-place winners have been determined for Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario.

Organizations that finish in first place will receive a $25,000 donation and have the opportunity to celebrate their win with the local community; second place will receive $10,000, and third place will receive $5,000. 

Land grant universities mainly handle extension work in the United States; in Canada, it’s described as more of a ‘mish-mash’

WINNIPEG — Canada’s system of getting the latest and most useful information to farmers is very different from what happens in the United States.

South of the border, there are more than 200 land grant universities across the U.S.

All universities teach students and do research, but land grant universities have a third mission — extension.

SASKATOON — Canada’s two national railways are about to enter a stretch of prolonged labour peace with the major unions representing their workers.

“It’s a period of calm,” said Mark Hemmes, president of Quorum Corp., which is Canada’s grain monitor.

“It’s satisfying to know that at least we’re going to have a couple of years of grace where we don’t have to worry about (work stoppages).”

The program supports four agricultural societies in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba by awarding $10,000 grants each to projects that support rural communities.
 
Garrett Ganden, President and CEO of Rocky Mountain Equipment, says they take pride in being embedded in rural communities in Western Canada.

Last year’s grant recipients were:

The Forestburg Ag Society in Northern Alberta, which received a credit towards a Case IH Farmall tractor to groom its indoor riding arena used for barrel racing and rodeo practice

Another case of avian influenza has been detected, this time in Alberta in a non-commercial, non-poultry flock in Leduc County. 

The premise is under CFIA quarantine and subject to restrictions, bringing the total number of AI cases in Alberta now to two.

Two cases have been found in Manitoba, three in Saskatchewan, and three in British Columbia, including an ostrich farm.

There are now 19 premises across Canada infected with AI.

Numerous countries are dealing with avian influenza.

As heavy rainfall continues to impact our region, the City of Winkler is warning drivers to be extra cautious when encountering flooded roads.

“We started putting out road closure signs in intersections that are prone to flooding to protect motorists,” said Wendy Klassen, Assistant City Manager for the City of Winkler. “A lot of times, people aren't aware of how deep the water is and drive through assuming it's shallow. Once they have gone too far, it can be too late, and they have damage to their vehicles.”

Local fire departments continue to help battle the wildfires burning in Eastern Manitoba. 

The latest round of fire fighters to pack up and head out are from the Boyne River Mutual Aid District and includes five members from Carman-Dufferin with two apparatus, two members each from Elm Creek and Ste. Claude, five fire fighters from Miami along with a tanker truck, and a crew from the Rosenort Fire Department along with a side-by-side vehicle. 

The South Central Cancer Resource (SCCR) Fashion Show returned Thursday night—bigger and more impactful than ever. Hosted at the Meridian Exhibition Centre in Winkler, the event drew nearly 500 attendees, offering an expanded space to match the growing support for this annual tradition. While fundraising totals are still being finalized, early signs suggest this will serve as a profitable event for the ongoing efforts of SCCR. 

May Long Weekend is here — the unofficial kick-off to summer. And while the forecast is calling for cooler temps and a bit of rain across the Pembina Valley, that’s not stopping anyone from making the most of it.

We hit the streets to ask you what your long weekend plans are — rain or shine. Some are still heading to the lake, others are planning cozy movie marathons, taking part in local events, and some have cancelled their initial plans due to weather. (understandably).