April 15, 2022

Friday, April 15, 2022 • Vol.114 No. 32 • Rivers, Manitoba

RiveRs BanneR Micah Waddell

Mike Waddell Sales Consultant Mike Waddell Mike Waddell

Cell: 204-573-0702 Office: 204-328-7494 Email: info@riversbanner.com Box 70 - 529 2nd Ave. Rivers, MB R0K 1X0

Sales Consultant Sales Consultant (204) 727-0531

P: (204) 727-0531 (204) 727-0531 1550 RichmondP:Ave 1550 Richmond (204) 726-9160 1550 Richmond AveAve F: F: (204) 726-9160 Brandon, MB R7A TF: 7E31-866-980-3757 Brandon, R7A Brandon, MBMB R7A 7E37E3 TF: 1-866-980-3757 mikew@murraychryslerwestman.com mikew@murraychryslerwestman.com (204) 724-7825 mikew@murraychryslerwestman.com C: C: (204) 724-7825

Rivers Banner www.murraychryslerwestman.com www.murraychryslerwestman.com

Serving the Rivers, Rapid City and Oak River areas for 114 years

Gazette -R eporter

Grain bin turned wedding bar March 30, 2018

Sarah Plosker Rivers Banner Duncan Martin has more than just spectacularly spotted lambs on his farm, featured in last week’s Calving & Lambing Part 2 story. He also has the mother-of-all successfully completed DIY projects—a grain bin that he and his best friend Zac DeSchutter conver ted into a bar. Talk about a handyman! Sorry ladies, he’s taken—it’ll be a bar for his wedding. He and his fiancé Rylee Wruth are getting married on his family farm this summer. After that, it’ll be a gazebo.

Duncan explains the motivation behind the project: “We had bought a bunch of bins from a neighbour and we decided that the small bin was too small to put up on cement. Rylee and I found pictures of other bin bars online and decided to make our own for our wedding this coming August”. Duncan had never taken on such a large project before, and said there definitely were some challenges when cutting out the steel. He and best man Zac kept experimenting with different tools until they found what worked best.

The project turned out fa nt a st ic — way bet ter than Duncan expected.

It was very quick to put together. Duncan and Zac started the project at noon and by supper they had it built. Although, it should be noted that Zac is a Red Seal Carpenter, so maybe that’s cheating a bit. When asked for ad-

Back row L/R: Meghan Knelsen, Erich Schmidt, Thom Heijmans, Heather Gray, Liliane Dupuis. Front row L/R: Minami Kijima, Haile Hubbard, Chassidy Payette, Morgan Ramsay, Bryce Summers, Quinn Hrabok.

r

Gazette-Reporter

Tulips for Ukraine

Serving the Rivers, Rapid City and Oak River areas for 109 years

Volume 110, Issue 37

89¢ + tax

Can collections for canoes

Photo by Sheila Runions

By Sheila Runions Banner Staff

A

cans from the school foyer into and Chimo Beach areas for con- put away in the proper place on s r e p or t e d i n t he tion to the schools.

Pupils co-ordinated the entire the church basement the after- tributions from the community. the shelving units. They were March 9 edition, the Submitted Grade 12 Interdisci- month-long promotion, which noon of March 21, where the When all was said and done, fantastic! We are very, very Rivers the Banner scales at Riverdale Harvest pleased.” plinary Studies in Science class culminated in a ceremonious food was weighed and sorted.

Elementary school staff memat Rivers Collegiate planned a presentation on March 20 to Although the project was a sen- noted a total of 434 pounds, “a Lastfabulous month Pat Vreeman Studio, Honey ber/Harvest volunteer Yvonne amount,” says Heather. Design project for Riverdale Harvest. Riverdale Harvest president ior students brainstorm, the enHouse“We Bakery, Luxe they Premier and TheaTulepps Crouch initiated similar camtire high school was encouraged are so pleased decidedEvents Dubbed the Boat Load of Food, Heather Gray and Liliane. to help those serve. A alottulip paignsale in herfor school.

That threeBecause the snow had melted to participate. The collegiate students secured a canoe from came together towesponsor Ukraine.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS of times kids don’t get enough week effort simply encouraged Rolling River School Division so much, the canoe could not hosted a poor boy floor hockey Pat had the idea to sell them with 100 per cent of Martin inside bin) and be portaged across (left, the street to tournament in Zac which to play, credit but this group of students students to leave product in with an intent toAbove: f ill it withDuncan sales going to the Red Cross for humanitarian relief vice for othersnon-perishables. who might Although DeSchutter (right, outside bin). the Zion Church (home of River- athletes had to pay with food for certainly deserves some praise. the canoe; 87 pounds of food Ukraine whenstayed her supplier a special on be interested campaign in doingwasa fully organized dale Harvest). Rather, the teens the canoe. Some studentsinalso was collected fromoffer the younger All students behind to had tulips. help Wecheck were overwhelmed support day22. group on Thursday,on March and garbagewascanvassed Rivers,an Oak River expiry dates, sort and with by that class, the original similar project, Duncan Below:idea Thecarried grainbags, binboxes conversion made from cameimportfrom a suggestion made said the most extra bin that was decidedly two small to put up on one and sold out in under two hours, which inspired a by harvest volunteer Liliane second sale, we already had 120 new bundles spoken ant thing is Dupuis. getting the cement. for after selling out. We were able to order more tulips wooden structure secure “I heard the idea at a meetand sold out again on day two! In total 360 bundles before cuttingingthe steel. St. Augustine in Brandon. were sold, raising $3040! had tried Fill a Canoe Otherwise theSchool structural in bin conjunction This event has been a humbling and rewarding integrity of the is lost,with the 10-day Festival du Voyaguer in Winexperience in so many ways. Your generosity of spirit and things will just fall nipeg in February. It was very was so valued by each of us. People purchased forms apart. successful and whenever I hear far away as Ottawa. Others bought tulips and donated If you’ve got small food a bank, my ears always perk them to PCH or the food bank or gave them to friends up!” around, grain bin kicking She then brought the sugand family. Some donated money without wanting Duncan’s transformed The canoe at Rivers gestion to Riverdale Harvest, tulips and so many of you shared your stories and masterpiece might serve Elementary School was which supported the idea and adequately filled. ties to Ukraine. So many supported thisPhoto endeavour as inspiration to make

by Heather Gray asked her to present the promo-

your own bar (no need for a wedding!) Just think of all the great memories that will be made sitting inside the gazebo and barbecuing over the summer months.

and brought a light of hope in a dark time.

2 Rivers Banner April 15, 2022

T

We need an advocate

he problems my wife Christine and I had last year with health issues gave us the opportunity to learn new things about our own health and the Manitoba health care system. We have mostly recovered and we are both very thankful. Generally speaking, our health care system is amazing. Sometimes we have delays, especially compared to the United States, but nonetheless, we have an amazing system.

There is one improvement that has been been severely hampered by Covid-19 rules. That improvement is the need for greater adoption of having every patient have an advocate. The health care system is great but it can be difficult to work your way through without somebody along side it be an extra pair of hands, an extra set of eyes and ears. And most of all, an occasional need to speak up on a patients behalf.

Especially with a multi-hospital situation and so many staff and shifts, patient details often get missed, usually no big stuff but things get missed.

Every parent needs a caring advocate, could be a spouse, a sibling, a parent or a volunteer but needs to happen.

In normal times, that is before Covid, patients in hospitals and residents in care homes would often have a spouse, a child or friend to help out, to “stick up” for them. Covid rules and precautions might have been well-intentioned but

the results have been far from good.

I personally know of an elderly man who couldn’t have any family member visit him for two weeks after he was admitted to the hospital. That process certainly didn’t help. He tested positive for Covid upon entering the hospital, placed in an isolation room. Even with these precautions, no visitors were allowed. The family was prepared to have someone be with him 24 hours a day and limit visitors to two and only one at a time. They would have worn protective gowns and masks and been willing to be tested. Not allowed.

There are hundreds of examples where people were more lacking in

“

Ken Waddell happen again. There were so many things done wrong with Covid that we need to absolutely learn from the mistakes.

Having care home resident or hospital patient advocates is a must. It would

Having care home resident or hospital patient advocates is a must. It would make for better care, better results and take stress of the employees.

care than they needed to be, lonelier than they needed to be and in many cases died because of unintended “neglect”. Nobody in the health care system wished this situation on anyone.

Nobody maliciously set out to cause harm with bad rules but it happened.

It shouldn’t have but it did. It shouldn’t

”

make for better care, better results and take stress of the employees. It has to happen along with rules that make more sense.

There is another thing we are thankful for and that is Good Friday and all it stands for. Jesus was born and we celebrate that at Christmas time.

But today is Good Friday and, at first glance, it’s always been tough for me to see the “Good” part. As we look closer it is indeed “good” that Jesus died on the cross for us and even “better” that he rose on Easter Sunday, a Savour for all people.

Jesus is often also spoken of as an Advocate. We need an advocate in health care to help people make their way through. Fortunately, Jesus is more than willing to be our Advocate from birth to death and beyond for each of us but Jesus also instructs us be advocates for each other. We must never lose sight of that, especially in health care.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this column are the writer’s personal views and are not to be taken as being the view of the Banner staff.

TFD minus 15

F

or residents of the United States, today is TaxFiling Day (TFD). We in Canada have another 15 days before our tax returns are due. If you haven’t started this annual ritual, I’d suggest you do.

April 30 will be here long before we know it.

For most of my working life, I have completed my own tax returns. I use computer software that checks my return for mistakes. And, I keep past Assessment Notices close by so that I don’t make any claims that have been previously disallowed.

While using computer software has made this task much easier, it is still an agonizing process. In recent years, Canada’s tax laws seem to have changed more often than I change my socks. Keeping up with the changes and figuring out how they apply to me and my family is an on-going challenge. And when one has income from multiple sources, as I do, each source of income must be properly identified and accompanied by the required paperwork; making the process even more agonizing.

So, I prepare my tax returns using the same process I use with these columns. I spend most of one day entering data for my own return and for those of my wife and step-son. Then after checking everything over, I wait two or three days before giving them a final review, signing and submitting them to Revenue Canada.

RiveRs BanneR Est. 1908

STAFF

RIGHT IN THE CENTRE

This year’s tax filing was delayed by almost a month.

As people my age will know, a glitch in Service Canada’s reporting system caused serious problems with the 2021 T-slips issued to seniors. When this glitch was discovered, most of the 2021 T-Slips had been printed and were ready to mail. The mistake had to be corrected (which it was) and the slips had to be reprinted.

Mine arrived at the end of March.

So now the agony begins. I hope it will be replaced by ecstasy, in the form of a sizable refund of amounts deducted at source; but nothing is guaranteed at this point.

I will be the first to admit that paying taxes ranks near the bottom of things I enjoy doing. But over the past few years, my views on taxes and paying them have changed a lot.

In the business world, we identify certain expenses as “the cost of doing business” in a town, city or province. These include license fees, insurance, worker’s compensation and the expenses incurred for continuing education and professional development.

Personally, I like to think of the taxes I pay as the cost of living in this country and enjoying the privileges I have as a Canadian citizen.

The most important lesson I have ever learned during my time on this planet can be summarized in these

529 Second Avenue, Box 70, Rivers, MB R0K 1X0 Telephone: 204-328-7494 E-mail: info@riversbanner.com Website: www.riversbanner.com Circulation: 1,974

Yearly Subscription Rates (excluding taxes): $52.03 in Manitoba, $59.08 elsewhere in Canada

Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement #40012782 Owner/Publisher/Editor Micah Waddell

FAITHFULLY YOURS Neil Strohschein

words: “There is no such thing as a free lunch.” You and I will pay the full cost of every privilege we enjoy and every service we receive in this country.

Some costs are paid directly; as when we pay a merchant for products we purchase. Others, like the rent we pay on a house, apartment or piece of equipment, are paid indirectly. A portion of our rent goes to pay the cost of building or buying the item we are renting. The remaining costs are paid in partnership with all Canadians; through federal, provincial and municipal taxes. It’s not a perfect system, but it beats the alternative.

And it forces us to examine the relationship that should exist between people of faith and governments in all periods of history. You and I will do that-beginning next week.

PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY AD DEADLINE: TUESDAY 12 PM PRIOR TO ISSUE DATE Rivers Banner does not guarantee publication of any submitted articles or pictures. Such submissions, if printed, will appear at the discretion of the managing editor or publisher and only when time and space permit.

We are not responsible for fax and e-mail transmissions which are not confirmed either in person or by phone.

Sales/Reporting Sarah Plosker

Members of:

April 15, 2022 Rivers Banner 3

Home Bodies

By Rita Friesen Je me Souviens…

T

he slogan on the Quebec license plate is one that applies to so many situations in life. I am not certain what it is that the citizens of that province are called to remember but the phrase f lows easily on laundry day or when I am placing the dishes in the dishwasher. I remember. I remember when the water was pumped into buckets, poured into pots on the stove and heated for laundry day. I remember melting snow for washing in winter. I was always amazed that that white snow had so many dirt particles that settled out when melted. The earliest washing machine I recall was electrically operated, not by a stationary engine – I have pictures of my grandmother using one of those. The water was poured into the tub, hot as possible for the whites, soap added, and the agitator engaged. The wringer was effective, and woe to the one who lost concentration and allowed the fabric to wrap around the hard rubber rollers rather than f low through. A long handled wooden spoon made removing garments from scalding water doable. Some folks had a rinse tub into which the clothes fell from the wringer, others had a surface on which they were placed until all the washing was done and the machine filled with

rinse water. Each load entering the washtub was progressively darker in colour, and usually, dirtier.

The last load the overalls or overalls, the chore duds.

The water was drained into buckets, and, in our early years, carried upstairs and dumped outside. It was delightful to hang the laundry on the line on a spring, summer, or fall day, not so much in winter.

In winter stiff garments were carefully unpinned from the wash line, carried indoors and draped over chairs and tables until they thawed enough to bend and hang properly. As I dump a load into my washer, set the dial for the desired results, and walk away, I remember. I choose to line dry most of all the washing, using a f luff cycle to soften them.

Outside lines as often as possible, the clothes horse inside when necessary. As I remember I give thanks.

The dishwasher is another appliance where I murmur, je me souviens. The first dish washing machine I recall was mom at the table, using plastic basins, one for washing and one for rinsing the dishes. The drying rack was a towel on the table beside the basins, for the dryer was a child trying to keep up with the constant f low of dishes through the wash and rinse cycle. That water, too, was heated on the stove, and dumped into a bucket for a disposal outside. Man, I recall how quickly the water cooled, how again, one washed the least dirty first and progressed to the pots and pans. Grunge water at the end, greasy film, yucky. Water carried in and out was respected. Now, after several days, and a count of how many cereal bowls are still clean in the cupboard, I reorganise the dishwasher, press a button, and walk away. Je me souviens. Extrapolate that to showers and baths!

Supply chain pressure to deliver massive cereal crop

Submitted Rivers Banner

The Russia-Ukraine war has created enormous uncertainty around food security around the globe. ADAMA Canada is pointing to the war plus ongoing supply chain disruptions as reasons why the world needs Canadian farmers to produce massive crops this year.

Much of the world (including the EU, China, India and Africa) depend on food exports from Russia and Ukraine, including corn, sunflower seed, wheat, rapeseed, barley and sunflower meal. Canada exports many of the same goods.

To help offset the potential for a lost crop year in Ukraine,

the world is going to need the Canadian crop to succeed. To do that , Canadian producers must plan ahead more than ever before, according to ADAMA Canada.

“Not only are Canadian producers facing worldwide demand to help reduce food security concerns, they are being asked to produce a bumper crop while needing to plant their most expensive crop ever. Compounding the challenge is uncertain supply of key crop inputs,” said Cornie Thiessen, ADAMA Canada’s general manager. “Proactive planning and nimble adaption is the only way to ensure crop protection product access and improved odds of having a productive crop.”

Tundra

By Chad Carpenter

Do What’s Agronomically Right Manufacturers previously encouraged producers to bundle crop protection products to capitalize on discounts.

This year, farmers should focus on doing what’s agronomically right for their operations. The best way to do that is to break the bundle. ADAMA recommends mapping out needs and securing supply.

Farmers shouldn’t rely on any single supplier to give them a full suite of products.

Producers will have to be more creative to guarantee access to products in a timely manner.

ADAMA suggested retailers advise of alternative ways for producers to meet the same

agronomic need.

Start Off Strong In order to ensure a productive crop, the key is to get off to a good, weed-free start. There are a number of options to consider including investing in pre-seed products, additional thought regarding modes of action, planting at a higher seed rate (if possible), using additional fertilizers (if possible), scouting and considering spot applications, leveraging variable rate precision agricultural tools and planting heavier to reduce weed pressure (could mean stronger need for fungicides).

For more information, visit https://www.adama.com/ west-canada/en.

Observation

By Addy Oberlin Rivers Banner

S

oon we will be remembering. We think about what Jesus had to endure. He knew that He wanted to obey His Father and prepared Himself for the most cruel punishment for something He was not guilty of.

I think also of the people who were killed while they had done nothing wrong and all the families who had to separate and f lee for their life with their children. Many do not speak the language of the country they ended up. Why is there so much anger and cruelness in the world. Why can we not enjoy the freedom that Christ has giving us? By giving His life for us. Let us uplift each other and prepare our self for the biggest celebration that is coming and available for each one of us Jesus endured the cross for you,and me. When the Lord will set us free, we will be free indeed.

Rivers Community Church 447 Edward Street, Rivers

204-328-7882

We are holding services each Sunday at 10:30 a.m., in accordance with current government regulations.

PLEASE JOIN US! If you are more comfortable sharing in our service from the safety of your home, watch our Facebook page: Rivers Community Church

NOTICE The 2021 Riverdale Municipality Public Water System Annual report is now available at the municipal office or on the Riverdale Municipality website

22043gg0

RAISE THE RAMP FUNDRAISER

Friday April 29th Legion Clubroom 8 oz. rib eye, baked potato, veg., bun and dessert! $20.00 per person please pre-order Tickets available in the clubroom Take out or delivery available call Marilyn 1-204-328-5299 Two seatings 5 p.m. Or 6 p.m.

Starting at 8:30 p.m. stay and enjoy music by Jeff Worth!

Holding a community event?

Contact us to help spread the news about your community event or fundraiser!

RiveRs BanneR

529 2nd Ave., Rivers, MB 204-328-7494 info@riversbanner.com

4 Rivers Banner April 15, 2022

Sarah’s Science Corner

Happy Easter!

Sarah Plosker Rivers Banner Easter is a Christian celebration commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day following his burial after his crucifixion by the Romans. It marks the end of Lent, a rather solemn 40 -day period of fasting, prayer, and penance, commemorating the 40 days that Jesus spent fasting in the desert. During lent, the faithful generally give up indulgences and other temptations. Easter mark s t he end of an entire holy week, which includes Spy Wednesday, when Judas plotted to betray Jesus; Maundy Thursday, the commemorat ion of Jesus’ last supper; Good Friday, the day of his Crucifixion; and Holy Saturday, the transition between crucifixion and resurrection.

Easter is called a “movable” holiday because it’s not a fixed date every

year (unlike Christmas which is always Dec. 25). Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the full moon that falls on or after March 21. If the full Moon is on a Sunday, then Easter is celebrated the following Sunday.

Easy to remember, right?

Some say that Christ i a n it y a p pr o pr i at e d Easter from the pagans’ celebration of the spring equinox and their fertility goddess Eostre. Stories of gods and goddesses being resurrected date back to ancient Rome, ancient Greece, ancient Egypt, and the Sumerians. Resurrection stories seem to parallel what’s happening in nature: t he fer t i lit y and new life brought by spring.

However, the dates don’t line up exactly, and the fact that cultures across the world and across the span of human history have celebrated around this time of year shows, if anything, just how important and fundamental

Why can we see shadows at night?

this holiday is.

Easter is such an important celebration that it has impact beyond Chr istianit y and is a part of the Canadian c u lt u re. Fr iend s a nd family come together to eat a big dinner, decorate eggs, eat chocolate in the shape of bunnies, hide eggs for children to find, and other fun t r ad it ion s. Ha m a nd lamb chops are customary foods eaten for this hol id ay (r at her t h a n turkey which is eaten at T ha n k sg iv ing a nd Christmas). The faithful attend church—if you haven’t been to church since Christmas, now is the time to go back.

While difficult, try not to fall prey to consumerism—although cards and chocolate are nice, time spent with loved ones is the most important gift of all!

From all of us at the Banner, we wish you a Happy Easter!

Sarah Plosker Rivers Banner Take a walk after dark to find shadows in this hands-on Let’s Talk Science activity.

This activity is best suited for Kindergarten to grade 4 children. All you need is a dark outdoor area with a light source (e.g. the moon, a street light, an outdoor building light, car lights, etc.) Safety first—children should be accompanied by an adult when walking in dark places. Given the full moon on Apr. 16, this activity is particularly timely.

What to do •Go for a walk after dusk to search for shadows.

•As each shadow is found, identify the object that is making the shadow.

What’s happening?

To see a shadow, there must be a source of light and an object that blocks that light. Sources of light may be natural (sunlight or moonlight) or artificial (incandescent, fluorescent or halogen lighting). When

an object blocks the beam of light shining on it, a shadow appears. Note that a shadow isn’t a reflection (although It does look similar in shape to the original object), nor does a shadow point to anything (it simply points away from the light source).

The Sun is the major source of light for our planet. As the Sun shines on the Earth, a shadow is cast on one half of the planet, creating the darkness that we experience at night. As the Earth rotates on its axis, different areas of light and dark are created, which we identify as day and night.

Did you know?

Moonlight is sunlight that is reflected off of the Moon (that is, the moon is not itself a source of light). Only about 12 per cent of the sunlight that hits the Moon is reflected from the Moon’s surface.

Moonlight takes about 1.26 seconds to reach Earth's surface. Although a full Moon appears quite bright and lights up the night sky, the apparent magnitude from the full Moon from an observer on

Earth is only about 1⁄38 0,000 that of the Sun. Why does it matter?

Shadows can be very useful. A shadow created by blocking the sunlight is also called shade. A sun umbrella, the brim of a hat or a visor in the front window of your car blocks light and creates a shadow. These items can help keep us cooler in high temperatures and protect our eyes from direct light, allowing us to see without difficulty. On a hot, sunny day, we may seek the shade of a big tree or a building to stay cooler.

Investigate further •Take the same walk during the daytime. Are the shadows the same? What happens on a cloudy day?

•Try this walk as a search for shadows inside your home.

Do shadows change when the light source changes?

•Have fun and try to make your own shadows. Besides the clichéd rabbit ears, what other shapes can you make?

Rivers Police Service showcase

The Rivers Police Service consists of five regular members and seven auxiliaries. Here, we feature a Q & A with Auxiliary Constable Kiana Rose. When you see her around town, be sure to say hello!

Q: How long have you been a police officer with Rivers Police Service and what did you do before you came to Rivers?

A: I have only recently started as an Auxiliary Constable with the Rivers Police Service. Before I came to Rivers I was a full time student working towards my Bachelor's degree in Psychology, which I am graduating from this spring.

Q: What are your long-term career aspirations?

A: My long-term career aspirations include getting hired fulltime into a Police Service and eventually working in a special unit. I would like to explore the field of Criminal Profiling as well.

Q: Who inspires you?

A: There are many people who inspire me in different ways. My career aspirations stem from being pushed to achieve more by two of

my former employers. With one being a retired RCMP officer, they helped me to see my potential in the field of Law Enforcement and gave me helpful tips on how to achieve my goals.

Q: When you were a kid, did you want to be a police officer when you grew up? If not, what did you want to be?

A: My dream career seemed to change every couple of years growing up. I became interested in Psychology in highschool and knew I wanted to pursue a career in a field where I could use that knowledge. It was only during the past few years that I fully committed to the field of Law Enforcement.

Q: What’s the best advice you were ever given?

A: A quote that has always stuck with me that I believe is good advice to live by is “a bad day is still a luxury”. The perspective you choose to take inf luences how you perceive the day to be.

Q: Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

A: I am an extrovert. I love meet-

AGM ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

This your Co-op. Every Heritage Co-op Member is an owner, and as an owner, you can and should have a say in your business.

ing new people and getting to speak with members of the community.

So, don’t be afraid to say hi!

Q: Anything else about yourself you’d like to share with Banner readers?

A: My hobbies consist of reading in my spare time, fishing, and playing sports. I grew up playing hockey and took on rugby later in life.

Holding a community event?

Contact us to help spread the news about your community event or fundraiser 529 2nd Ave., Rivers, MB RiveRs BanneR 204-328-7494 • info@riversbanner.com

Wednesday, April 27, 2022 Minnedosa Community Centre Registration 6:00PM Dinner 6:30PM Meeting 7:30PM Dinner tickets are $10.00 and available at Heritage Co-op Locations until April 22nd

MEMBERS WILL VOTE ON: 2 Director positions up for election Bylaw Amendments: Available for review on our website Those with Memberships purchased as of December 31, 2021 will be eligible to vote

www.heritageco-op.crs

April 15, 2022 Rivers Banner 5

Canada’s news publishers applaud introduction of legislation to level the playing field with Big Tech Submitted News Media Canada Ca l l on a l l pa r t ies in Parliament to work together to pass legislation by June News Media Canada, representing more than 500 trusted print and d ig ital t it les in ever y province and territory, welcomes the introduction of Bill C-18 (“An Act respecting online communications platforms that make news content available to persons in Canada”). The bill permits news publishers to negot iate col lect ively with dig ital platforms

and services, backed up by the teeth of baseballstyle final offer arbitration.

“This approach has been a shining success in Australia, where publishers large and small are inking meaningful content licensing agreements,” said Jamie Irving, chair of News Media Canada. “Trusted information is needed more today than ever before, and real news reported by real journalists costs real money. This legislation levels the playing field and gives Canada’s news publishers a fair shot and doesn’t require addi-

tional taxpayer funds.”

“We thank Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage, and his officials for working diligently and quickly to bring forward legislation that will ensure we have a fiercely independent and commercially viable news publishing sector, where local community news thrives alongside a vibrant open web,” said Paul Deegan, president and chief executive officer of News Media Canada. “All political parties in Parliament agree on the value of local news; the existential threat the news busi-

ness is facing; the power imbalance between Big Tech monopolies and news publishers; and the importance of collective negotiation. It’s time for Canada to join the ranks of leading countries such as Australia and France in addressing market failure and restoring fairness.

It’s time for Parliamentarians in the House of Commons and Senate to work together, across party lines, to pass this vital legislation by June.”

About News Media Canada News Media Canada is the voice of the print

and digital news media industry in Canada and represents hundreds of trusted titles in every province and territory.

News Media Canada is an advocate in public policy for daily and community media outlets and contributes to the ongoing evolution of the news media industry by raising awareness and promoting the benefits of news media across all platforms. For more infor mation, visit our website at www.newsmediacanada.ca or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

IF YOU’RE LOOKING

AT THIS

SO ARE YOUR CUSTOMERS

YOUR AD SHOULD BE HERE

RiveRs BanneR

529-2nd Avenue, Rivers, MB 204-328-7494 info@riversbanner.com

NIKKI FREE

NEIL FRASER

TANYA CHUCHMUCH

BRANDIE YURKIW

ANGIE ESPLEN

BOB DAYMOND

KIT HARRISON

GRACE BIRNIE

ANNE McTAVISH

LYNNE MILLER

JAMIL TAHHAN

TED TEMPLE

BONNIE JORDAN

PAT McKENZIE

DAVID CASTELLANOS JEFF TEMPLE

ERNIE TUCKER

JENNA LEYS DWAYNE SWINTAK

DEBEE BRICKNER KELSEY GERRAND

HARVEY EBNER PETER HARRISON

SUTTON-HARRISON REALTY RAY BERTHELETTE

The lunar cycle is: •The new Moon (0 per cent illumination as seen from Earth; the Moon is between the Sun and Earth) •The waxing crescent Moon (intermediate phase; increasing illumination from 0.1 per cent to 49.9 per cent ; the right half of the Moon is lit in Northern Hemisphere, left half is lit in Southern Hemisphere) •The first quarter (50 per cent illumination; right half is lit in Northern Hemisphere, left half is lit in Southern Hemisphere; the Moon has gone one quarter of the way around Earth) •The waxing gibbous Moon (intermediate phase; increasing illumination from 50.1 per cent to 99.9 per cent ) •The full Moon (100 per cent illumination; the Moon and the Sun are on opposite sides of Earth) •The waning gibbous Moon (intermediate phase; decreasing illumination from 99.9 per cent to 50.1 per cent ; left half is lit in Northern Hemisphere, right half is lit in Southern Hemisphere)

during the full Moon.

Pagans used the lunar cycle as an important part of their spiritual practice. While the Sun is God, the Moon is a goddess, with the waxing, full, and waning Moons representing the maiden/birth, the mother/life, and the crone/ death, respectively, in modern (neo) paganism. This trinity is called the Triple Goddess, and is reminiscent of the circle of life: everything has a beginning, middle, and end.

In terms of spiritual aspects of the Moon phases, a new Moon can be a time for new beginnings, a time to recharge, refresh your direction, and start anew. A waxing Moon is growing in size, so it is a time for growth and setting intentions for the month to come.

A quarter Moon is associated with obstacles. It’s a time to reflect on your intentions regarding these obstacles. A waning Moon is decreasing in size. It’s your last chance to adjust, refine, and pivot your intentions regarding the challenges that appeared during the quarter Moon. A full Moon is the most powerful. With this power surge, new opportunities emerge.

Whether you’re interested in moon phases for scientific or spiritual reasons (or both!) it’s always an enjoyable experience to take a five-minute break to look up at the night sky in awe.

With the relatively low light pollution in the region, we can see a lot more with the naked eye than those city slickers in Brandon and Winnipeg can!

TRACEY MOORE

Although half the Moon is always lit up by the Sun, we see the Moon go through phases as observers from the Earth’s surface. The Moon transitions through four primary and four intermediate phases depending on its position relative to the Earth and the Sun, which affects how much of the lit-up half we can see.

•The third quarter (50 per cent illumination; the Moon has gone three quarters of the way along its orbit around Earth) •The waning crescent Moon (intermediate phase; decreasing illumination from 49.9 per cent to 0.1 per cent ) While the Moon takes 27.3 days to complete a revolution around Earth, it takes 29.5 days to change from New Moon to New Moon. Each of the four intermediate phases last between 6-8 days, with the variance due to the fact that the Moon’s orbit is elliptical (not a perfect circle).

The Moon is approximately 1/100th the mass of Earth and is 384,400 km away (which is very close in astronomical terms!) The Moon's gravitational pull generates the tidal force that causes ocean currents. Literally, the Earth bulges out on the side closest to the Moon and the side farthest from the Moon because of differences in gravity over Earth's surface. These bulges are manifested by high tides.

Cultures throughout history have associated different Moon phases with different lunar energy that affects people in different ways. The term “lunatic” is derived from the Latin lunaticus, which was used to describe people who have epilepsy, along with the insane. Both were thought to be diseases of the mind caused by the Moon, as described by ancient Greek philosophers as well as biblical passages. Even today, we use lunar energy to explain strange behaviour

AUBREY ARELLANO

Sarah Plosker Rivers Banner

KETAN PATEL

Moon phases: the science and the spiritual

THINKING ABOUT BUYING OR SELLING?

Connect with your local Realtor® 204-571-5900 | SHRADMIN@SUTTON.COM | SOLDBYSUTTON.COM

6 Rivers Banner April 15, 2022

Queen’s Bench Justice Martin certifies Wheat Board class action

Submitted FCWB

O n A pr i l 5, 20 22 , the Honourable Justice Martin, of the Manitoba Court of Queen’s Bench, certified a Class Action lawsuit brought

by Manitoba farmer Andrew Dennis against the Government of Canada and G3 Canada Ltd. The lawsuit alleges financial irregularities occurred during the privatization of the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB).

Mr. Dennis is acting as the representative plaintiff for farmers who sold wheat to the CWB’s pool accounts in the 2010/11 and 2011/12 crop years.

The Certification of the Class Action represents the Court’s authorization for Mr. Dennis to move forward with his claim on behalf of farmers.

“We will, at long last, have an opportunity to ask the Court to rule on whether the Government of Canada or Minister Ritz unlawfully manipu-

lated CW B accounts, depr iv i ng fa r mer s of money rightfully owing to them,” Mr. Dennis stated.

The lawsuit alleges former Minister of Agriculture Gerry Ritz committed misfeasance in public office by unlawfully sheltering $145,000,000 of farmer’s money into an account that could be transfer red to t he Wheat Board’s purchasers in connection with the Wheat Board’s 2012 privatization. The Mani-

toba Court of Appeal accepted in a 2020 ruling that if this money had not been sheltered by the Government, it would have been paid to farmers. The claim also alleges that the CWB is liable to farmers by not paying them the full amount required under their contracts.

“Now that Justice Martin has directed that these questions surrounding the handling of CWB finances must be answered, farmers can expect clear

answers from the upcoming court case” remarked Stewart Wells, Chair of the Friends of the Canadian Wheat Board. “We have maintained for over a decade that the Government of Canada and CWB took money that belonged to farmers and sold it as part of the asset base taken over by the Crown and then provided to G3 Canada Ltd. the nominal legal successor to the CWB, and owned by t he mu lt i n at ion a l Bunge and the Govern-

ment of Saudi Arabia.”

Anders Bruun, one of the law yers acting on behalf of Mr. Dennis concluded by noting “We are also seeking $10,000,000 i n pu n it ive d a m a g e s plus interest on the full amount claimed for this misallocation of funds.

We w ill be prov iding full details of this lawsuit and how eligible wheat farmers may benefit in the near future.”

Business Directory PROS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

Hamiota’s Hamiota ~ Brandon ~ Birtle  ~ Pilot Mound ~  Killarney ~ Deloraine



Serving Rivers and area since 1906.

 

HAMIOTA: 204-764-2544  BRANDON: 888-726-1995 allianceaccounting.ca

204-764-2744

Phone 204-727-0694 or 1-800-897-5694 www.brockiedonovan.com

•

Residential & Commercial

•

Repair & Maintenance

•

HVAC Installations

•

Septic Truck Services

•

Licensed Gas Fitting

•

Duct Cleaning

•

24 hr Emergency Service

•

Backhoe & Skidsteer Services

FUNERAL DIRECTOR Dwayne Campbell ~ 204-764-2746

• Residential & Commercial • HVAC Installations • Licensed Gas Fitting • 24 hr Emergency Service • Repair & Maintenance • Septic Truck Services • Duct Cleaning • Backhoe & Skidsteer Services

Gravel - Sand - Stone - End Dump/ Belly Dump Services - Excavating stewie13@mts.net 204-365-0086 Alex Stewart Box 916, Rivers MB, R0K1X0

Frame and Stud Fra Post Farm Buildings me

Phone 204-727-8491 or 204-328-7540 (Thursdays, 2-5 p.m.) for appointments.

Johan’s Construction Ltd. 204-745-7628 cell Rivers MB,

Jack Cram, Lawyer

“Building for all your farm needs!”

Ph. 204-724-6870 Fax 204-328-4407 alepp@redlinetransport.ca

WWW.KROEGERBACKHOE.CA EXCAVATION-GRAVELACREAGE DEVELOPEMENTSEPTIC SYSTEMS 204-761-8765

Stewart Endeavors

Hunt, Miller & Co. LLP

Dry bulk transportation

Way-Mor Agencies Ltd. Insurance, Travel, Investments, Real Estate

Phone 204-328-7540 204-566-2490

• Residential & Commercial • Farm Wiring & Trenching

Brandon - Rivers

204-761-2192

This space is available To you sTarTing as low as $24.50 per week call 204-328-7494 or email info@riversbanner.com

April 15, 2022 Rivers Banner 7

RIVERS

BANNER CLASSIFIEDS

PLACE YOUR AD BY: PHONE: 204-328-7494

DEADLINE: TUESDAY AT NOON

E-MAIL: info@riversbanner.com

Birthday

Rolling River School Division is accepting applications for a

School Bus Driver

Daily Regular Route - RAPID CITY AREA • Part-time, split shift (before and after school hours) • 10-month position (September to June on school days) • Benefit plans apply • Training can be provided Spare Bus Drivers in the following areas: FORREST/DOUGLAS • RIVERS • RAPID CITY MINNEDOSA • ERICKSON

~All our love, your family and friends~

For Sale

Help Wanted

BATTERIES FOR EVERYTHING!

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

*Auto *Farm *Marine *Construction *ATV *Motorcycle *Golf Carts *Rechargeables *Tools *Phones *Computers *Solar Systems & design * Everything Else!

THE BATTERY MAN 1390 St. James St. Winnipeg

TF 1-877-775-8271 www.batteryman.ca

Trucks, Trailers, Truckbeds & Tires

• Full Repair & Safeties • Vehicle Parts, Tires & Wheels • Trailer Parts & Batteries • Sales, Financing, Leasing & Rentals EBY Aluminum: • Gooseneck and Bumper Pull Cattle & Equipment Trailers • Truck & Service Bodies • Generation Grain Trailers

Camp

Classifieds MUST be PREPAID Visa/Mastercard accepted

Help Wanted

Special wishes to Audrey Sadler on the occasion of her 102nd birthday, April 17, 2022

50,000 BATTERIES IN STOCK

Minimum charge: $5+GST Extra insertions: 1/2 original price

Esnagi

–

Fishing Camp near White River, Ontario.

1 Maintenance Position (jack of all trades).

2 Dockhand/Labor Positions (able to skillfully clean fish).

4 months of work. Must be self motivated for lots of hours with great pay.

Alcohol consumption (beyond social) and substance abuse is not welcome at Camp Esnagi.1-204-937-4007

Announcement

Qualifications Required: • Valid Province of Manitoba Class 2 Driver’s License (training provided) • Valid Province of Manitoba School Bus Operator’s Certificate (training provided) • Good driving record • Ability to communicate effectively with students, parents, teachers and administration • Ability to take initiative and work unsupervised • Ability to work as effectively with others as a member of a team • Ability to problem-solve Preferred: • Completion of Grade 12 • A working knowledge of basic vehicle mechanics The Division will train suitable candidates without the stated training to enable them to obtain a Class 2 Drivers license and a School Bus Operators Certificate.

Must work well independently, be flexible, adjust to changing work assignments and deal with and maintain confidential information.

Successful applicants are subject to Criminal Record, Child Abuse Registry and Driver Abstract checks.

For further information please contact Cam Woodcock, Transportation Supervisor at 867-2754 Ext. 235

JOB POSTING – SEASONAL EQUIPMENT OPERATOR Riverdale Municipality is looking for an individual to fill the rural ditch mowing position, this is a seasonal position with opportunity to evolve into year round employment.

Primary Duties: 1. Operating the Rural Ditch Mower. (Front wheel assist tractor/pull type articulating mower).

2. Perform regular service and maintenance of vehicles and equipment and complete service logs.

3. Ensure all standards of Workplace Safety and Health are followed.

4. Perform daily safety and maintenance checks.

5. Complete records relative to the equipment used and work performed.

6. Clean heavy equipment as scheduled and/or required.

7. Ensure heavy equipment is safely and securely stored.

8. Must be able to work in a team environment and with the public as required.

9. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualification: • This position requires a high school grade twelve or GED equivalent, plus a minimum of 2 years’ experience operating equipment mentioned.

• Required to hold a valid Manitoba Driver’s License.

• Ability to perform sedentary duties for long periods of time.

• Have practical knowledge of the operation, care and maintenance of hand tools, and small equipment • Knowledge of safe work practices under Workplace Health and Safety • Knowledge of basic mechanics would be considered an asset.

• Previous training or completion of Occupational Health and Safety would be an asset.

• A clear Criminal Records check is required.

• Knowledge of the municipality would be considered an asset.

Resumes will be accepted up to Friday April 29th at 4 pm, and can be emailed to Craige Madden at dalyshop1@gmail.com marked seasonal equipment operator, or dropped off at the Municipal Office at 670 2nd Ave, Rivers MB, office hours are Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 4.30 pm.

Applications will be reviewed on Friday April 29, 2022 and accepted until the positions are filled.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Applicants are requested to submit a covering letter with a comprehensive resume, addressing the stated qualifications and naming three work related references to: Sarah Woychyshyn Administrative Assistant, Human Resources Rolling River School Division P.O. Box 1170 Minnedosa, MB R0J 1E0 Phone: 867-2754 Fax: 867-2037 E-Mail: swoychyshyn@rrsd.mb.ca

Bush Pilot required at Slims Cabins

The Rolling River School Division thanks all applicants for their interest. Applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.

Rolling River School Division welcomes applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request during the assessment and selection process. Disability accommodations available upon request.

-located along the Churchill River, near Sandy Bay, SK. Cessna 180.

-Maintenance skills an asset.

- Personal hunting perks available.

-To apply, call 204 937 4007.

Owner Operators needed to haul bulk

liquid throughout Western Canada and to US seasonally and year-round.

Loaded and empty miles paid!

Contact us or submit your resume: Phone: 204.571.0187 Email: recruiting@ renaissancetrans.ca Or submit an online application @ www.renaissancetrans.ca

KALDECK TRUCK & TRAILER INC.

FOODS Meat Cutters/Production Personnel Our people, perseverance, integrity, and exceptional partnerships have led HyLife to becoming Canada’s leading pork producer and global exporter of high quality pork products. The growing demand for our pork in Japan and China means we need exceptional people to help deliver our company vision. We have expanded our Neepawa facility to increase our overall production by 15% and in turn created new jobs throughout the company.

As a Meat Cutter/Production Personnel you will be a critical member of our team in the creation of our world class product. Our positions range from working on our slaughter production floor to shipping the final packaged product, with everything in between! With our wide variety of jobs, excellent people, and our drive for innovation you will certainly find a job that suits you!

Responsibilities and duties include but are not limited to: • Slaughter and eviscerate hogs for further processing • Harvest and package edible offal • Process pork carcasses into primal cuts • Butcher and package pork primal cuts into value added specifications for local, national and international premium markets • Carry out other tasks related to processing of meat for shipping to customers or storage • Sanitation People who will succeed as members of our team will: • Enjoy working in a fast paced, stable long term work environment • Appreciate working in a culturally diverse workplace. We employ people from all over the world!

• Treat people with dignity and respect • Open to working in colder/warmer environments • Physically Fit • Experience as an industrial butcher or trimmer is an asset

Current starting wage is $15.15/hour plus $1.00 per hour perfect attendance incentive!

Wage scale extends to $22.10 per hour We believe that our success is founded on the strength of our team.

As such, we place a great deal of emphasis on attracting, developing and retaining good people, and consider every one of our employees to be a highly-valued member of the HyLife family. To that end, we are committed to providing a working environment that not only fosters personal growth, but also recognizes our employees’ contributions towards the common goal of our company’s success because of this HyLife has been recognized as a Platinum Member of Canada’s Best-Managed Companies.

If you have the qualifications and the passion to meet this challenge then we would like to explore your potential.

Please apply online at http://hylife.com/current-opportunities/ or email to jobs@hylife.com or mail to PO Box 10,000, 623 Main St E, Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0.

We thank all applicants, however, only those under consideration will be contacted

Hwy #1, MacGregor, MB

1-888-685-3127

www.kaldecktrailers.com

Auction McSherry Auctions 12 Patterson Dr. , Stonewall, MB

Online Timed Auctions @ iCollector.com Estate & Moving

Closes Wed April 20 @ 7:00PM

Estate & Moving

Featuring Guns & Ammo

Closes Wed April 27 @ 7:00PM

Consignments Welcome!

(204) 467-1858 or (204) 886-7027

www.mcsherryauction.com

IS HIRING! We are looking for a full time foreman carpenter and carpenters.

Starting date will be May 1st 2022.

Requirements: -Foreman carpenter should be able to lead a team.

-Strong work ethic, show up on time, and willing to learn.

-Minimum class 5 License -Physically capable of heavy lifting -Able to work independently - We are a growing company offering competitive wages.

-Health benefits available after probationary period.

If interested please email your resume to clvvconstruction@hotmail.com or send a text to Leo at 2044121700.

MCNA Province Wide Classifieds NOTICES Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Manitoba Community Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness or reliability of such advertisements. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association’s BlanketAdvertising Conditions on our website at www.mcna.com.

URGENT PRESS RELEASES - Have a newsworthy item to announce? Having a Spring/ Summer event? An exciting change in operations? Though we cannot guarantee publication, MCNA will get the information into the right hands for ONLY $35.00 + GST/HST. Call MCNA (204) 947-1691 for more information. See

www.mcna.com under the “Types of Advertising” tab for more details.HIRING FOR SPRING? Need Class 1 Drivers? Construction staff? Having an AGM or On-line event and need attendees? Advertise in the 32 Weekly Manitoba Community Newspapers to get your messaging out now! Selling something? Have an on-line store to shop at, doing curbside pickup/deliveries? Let people know in the Blanket Classifieds!

Call THIS NEWSPAPER NOW or call MCNAat (204) 947-1691 for details or to book ads.

MCNA - Manitoba Community Newspapers Association. www.mcna.com FINANCIAL Private mortgage lender. All real estate types considered.

No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval.

Toll free 1-866-405-1228 www.

firstandsecondmortgages.ca RELIGION Following the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, the first day of the week became a weekly reminder of his risen presence.

Whereas the 7th day speaks of God's work in creation, the 1st day reminds us of His love in redemption. Please visit our newly updated website for more information and resources. www.clda.ca EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITES / JOBS WANTED ROCKY MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT is NOW HIRING: Service Managers,AG Equipment Techs, Heavy Equipment Techs - Journeyman &Apprentices, Parts Techs. View Open Roles Apply: www.rockymtn. com/careers . Relocation Offered.

Health HIP/KNEE Replacement?

Other medical conditions causing TROUBLE WALKING or DRESSING? The Disability Tax Credit allows for $2,500 yearly tax credit and up to $30,000 Lump sum refund.

Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide!

Providing assistance during Covid.

Expert Help:

204-453-5372

8 Rivers Banner April 15, 2022

Disease, drought, and war – a time of volatility

Cam Dahl GM for MB Pork Anyone who tells you that they know where commodity prices will be six months from now is either being misleading or fails to have a firm grip on reality.

We are in a time where contradictory pressures on supply and demand are combined with political upheavals. As a result, farmers can expect an extended period of volatility in the prices they receive for of the food they produce, and the cost of inputs needed to deliver that food to consumers’ tables.

How did we get to this uncertain place? We can start with the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has caused disruptions in international shipping.

Labour shortages, which were appearing before the pandemic, have become acute. Government policies, like vaccine mandates for international truckers, have exacerbated labour gaps and logis-

tics concerns. Our supply chain has become more brittle. What was an efficient international “ just in time” logistics system has become “ just in case”, with each link in the value chain having to build in extra shipping time and holding increased inventory. Carrying costs have increased. Uncertainty has increased. This is not going to change anytime soon.

On the positive side, Canadian agricultural value chains have proven to be resilient throughout the pandemic. Production and processing capacity has been bent but has not broken. We continue to deliver on our promise of safe, high-quality food for Canadians and consumers around the world. This is a competitive advantage.

COVID-19 is only one disease influencing international supply and demand. African Swine Fever (ASF) has devastated pork production in Asia, particularly in China and the Philippines, two countries

RiveRs BanneR 529 Second Ave Rivers, MB. R0K 1X0

www.riversbanner.com

info@riversbanner.com The Rivers Banner serves the communities of:

Rivers Oak River Rapid City Cardale Harding

Bradwardine Forrest Station Alexander Kenton

myWestman.ca

that are leading destinations for Canadian pork.

This has helped support pork prices in Canada. But how long is this going to last? What is the status of Chinese pork production today? Europe has also been hit by ASF outbreaks.

What impact will this have on their production and export volumes? How far will ASF spread? These questions are difficult if not impossible to answer.

ASF has caused, and will continue to cause, significant market uncertainty and volatility.

There was widespread drought throughout the Great Plains of North America in 2021. For livestock producers, this has meant feed has been hard to find. Many operations that have traditionally been self-sufficient have faced the decision of either buying feed or exiting the industry.

Producers’ margins have been squeezed by ballooning feed costs. Prior to the fall of 2021, most people would have laughed at the

suggestion that feed wheat would be over $10 per bushel, but here we are.

Will North American crop production levels recover in 2022? How will reduced supply from the Black Sea impact feed prices? Again, we are uncertain.

Which brings us to the third major contributor to market uncertainty ― war.

Over the past 20 years, the Black-Sea region has become a key contributor to international agricultural markets. For example, before the Russian invasion, Ukraine accounted for 16 percent of world corn exports and 12 percent of world wheat exports. Curtailment of these supplies has already sent the soaring price of feed grains higher.

What happens if supplies from the Black Sea stop all together? What impact will the war in Ukraine have on major European pork producers, like the Netherlands and Spain, that rely on the region for feed?

Further, the region is also a critical supplier of fertil-

izer. Ongoing disruptions in key crop inputs will have an impact on world crop production. The degree to which changes in input supply will impact crop producers, and how long this impact will be felt, is unknown. Also unknown is the impact on world supplies of, and cost of, soybean meal, corn, and feed wheat.

How should agriculture respond to uncertainty and volatility? Risk management tools become far more important when market uncertainty drives increased volatility. Manitoba’s hog farmers run modern business operations. They use risk management tools such as forward contracting for their pigs and hedging feed. However, we can do more to mitigate the growing risks that are beyond the control of producers.

First, governments need to reform the current suite of business risk management programs so that they meet the risks farmers are facing today. The pork industry is not alone in calling for

changes to AgriStability or access to affordable livestock insurance programs. Second, industry and governments should be looking for ways to improve market and price transparency to allow for better risk assessments. This can, and should, be a collaborative effort that includes all parts of the value-chain.

Manitoba Pork has just held our 57th Annual General Meeting. With all the uncertainty facing producers one might have expected pessimism to be the predominant emotion at the event, but that was not the case. Farmers are optimistic that our pork will continue to see rising demand in global markets. Most are looking for ways in which to grow the sector here in Manitoba, both in production and processing. This attitude goes a long way in explaining the resiliency that the value chain has shown through the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is a predictor of how we will face uncertain days ahead.