Portage

Agriculture Canada modelling expects above average yields for most crops

 Agriculture Canada is predicting solid yields for most crops on the Prairies, based on computer modelling that was done at the end of July.

“At the national level, the CCYF (Canadian Crop Yield Forecaster) model predicts above-average yields per unit area for 11 of the 12 spring-planted crops compared to the average yields of 2020-24,” says an executive summary of the Agriculture Canada predictions, published on a website called Canadian Crop Metrics.

World Humanitarian Day is designated as day to honour people who risk everything to do good.

Being a humanitarian should be the world’s safest job, instead, it has become one of the most dangerous.

From conflict zones to disaster-stricken regions, aid workers face increasing threats, including violence, abduction, and harassment. According to the Aid Worker Security Database, 265 aid workers have died this year so far increasing the likelihood that 2025 will surpass 2024 as the deadliest year on record (383 deaths) for humanitarian workers.

Manitoba potato growers have officially started harvesting this year’s crop, with early reports indicating healthy yields across the province.

Susan Ainsworth, general manager of the Keystone Potato Producers Association, says conditions have been favourable for farmers.

“It’s been a really good season. We had good temperatures and moisture to get the crop off to a good start,” Ainsworth notes. “The quicker we can get that crop established, the better the yields, and that’s why the crop looks really good.”

Portage la Prairie city Councillor and Deputy Mayor Joe Masi recently joined the Bear Clan Patrol for the first time, taking part in their weekly walk around the city. Masi says he already knew about the group’s work but saw first-hand how committed the volunteers are. 

“They really are a great group of volunteers that help our community,” notes Masi. “They build relationships, offer support, and create a stronger Portage la Prairie.” 

The Federal Government announced the designated and buffer areas for the 2025 Livestock Tax Deferral Program this week.

The Livestock Tax Deferral provision allows livestock producers in prescribed areas, who are forced to sell all or part of their breeding herd due to drought, excess moisture or flooding, to defer a portion of their income from sales until the following tax year.

The Rural Municipality of Woodlands is alerting residents after experiencing a cybersecurity incident on August 19, 2025.

Officials are working with IT experts to assess the scope of the attack and determine whether any personal or municipal information was compromised.

Residents are urged to exercise caution in the meantime.

“Do not open emails that seem suspicious,” the RM notes. “Watch for strange links or attachments. Contact our office if you're unsure about any message you receive from us.”

A program aimed at protecting seniors from increasingly sophisticated phone scams is already making an impact in Portage la Prairie, and further steps are being implemented to increase that awareness.

Local resident Daryl Gobert says his own family has been targeted multiple times by scammers posing as relatives in distress or offering fraudulent prizes. He credits the awareness campaign, spearheaded by Colin Wilcox and supported by local businesses, with helping his loved ones recognize the warning signs before money was lost. 

Iryna Braun works as a settlement worker at the Portage Learning and Literacy Centre and says more families continue to choose Portage as their new home. She notes that many prefer smaller, safer communities over larger centres such as Winnipeg. 

“I believe Portage is still popular for newcomers,” notes Braun. “Lots of them are coming because of recommendations from friends, and they find it to be a safer place.” 

Neepawa RCMP are asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect linked to several thefts in town, along with the unauthorized use of a credit card.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Neepawa RCMP at 204-476-7340.

Crime Stoppers can also be reached anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 or through a secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of Mary Cook (nee Bergen), aged 74, who passed away peacefully at home on July 30th, with family by her side. Mary was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunty, cousin, and dear friend to many. Born in Dryden, ON, Mary lived a life filled with love and selfless dedication to her family.