Agriculture is the steady pulse that beats throughout our community and has served as one of the few constants from our earliest settlement at the junction of the Plum Creek and the Souris River. One needs only to count the numerous third and fourth generation homesteads within our municipality for evidence of the deep farming roots planted in our rich prairie soil.
Initially, the early settlers’ focus on grain spawned the development of a flour mill, which further spurred the industry locally and contributed to our community’s growth. Our geography supports a broad scope of production, though 95% of local farming focuses on cereals, oil seeds – such as canola, and pulse crops including peas and soy beans. Livestock operations and related businesses are also thriving in this market.
The mechanization of the industry has ushered in the most significant changes to farming worldwide and is easily evidenced in our region. Smaller family farms have given way to large grain production units. Similarly, livestock operations are much larger as well. In a region where original settlers were allocated homesteads of 160 acres, now farms of 3,000 to 5,000 acres are common.
Today’s agriculture trade and supporting agri-business ventures continue to be a cornerstone of the community. Grain farming is just a part of the landscape now which includes a wide variety of livestock – cattle, swine, sheep among them.
Those considering a career in agriculture are offered a number of opportunities locally. These range from the science of growing to the physical work of farming itself. Crop production, genetics of new seeding, as well as custom services which support the agricultural sector are all part of an advancing industry here.
More information on agriculture and industry can be obtained through the Manitoba Agriculture, Food, and Resource Development office.