Water world
Canola crooks
Preventing flooding by holding on to water » PG 3
These thieves even brought their own auger » PG 19
SERVING MANITOBA FARMERS SINCE 1925 | Vol. 75, No. 14 | $1.75
April 6, 2017
manitobacooperator.ca
Ice-clogged culverts, ditches and tributaries latest flood headaches
Farmers hit hard by vegetable processor’s financial difficulties BY LORRAINE STEVENSON Co-operator staff / Winkler
V
egetable producers in Manitoba have been dealt a huge blow when a Portage la Prairie vegetable processor was forced into receivership late last month. News of Canadian Prairie Garden Puree Products’ (CPG) financial predicament was bad enough, but also comes at the worst possible time, said Garry Wiebe, who farms with his son
Publication Mail Agreement 40069240
See VEGETABLES on page 6 »
Plugged drainage outlets have led to overland flooding, even if most major rivers have yet to spill their banks BY ALEXIS STOCKFORD Co-operator staff
M
ultiple municipalities are fighting overland flooding, even as flood outlooks in many areas have decreased from initial projections. The problem is widespread, with five states of local emergency declared. Swan River declared an emergency when ice jamming caused the river to rise, threatening the town. The municipalities of Dufferin, Grey, La Broquerie and Two Borders faced similar challenges. In Carman, ice along the Boyne River and its diversion around the community have caused some of the worst flooding in decades. Carman Mayor Bob Mitchell said flooding has affected as many as 400 people and flooded about 40 basements. Schools were closed April 3 due to flood conditions. He said about 150 volunteers turned out April 2 to sandbag, See FLOODING on page 7 »
More than 100 volunteers came out to fill sandbags near Carman as flood waters rose April 2. Although the town is protected by a diversion, ice jams caused the Boyne River to spill its banks. PHOTO: LAURA RANCE
DOWN HOME: new study examines why kids stay farming » PAGE 8
COUNT ON US Esso® is a registered trademark of Imperial Oil Limited. Imperial Oil Licensee. CPS CROP PRODUCTION SERVICES and Design is a registered trademark of Crop Production Services, Inc.