Agriculture Now
thecarillon.com
AUGUST 6, 2026
FEATURE STORY Satellite technology pilot launched See story on page 2
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Southeast farmers will be participating in a pilot project through the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation for forage insurance using satellites to measure soil moisture and crop growth. If successful, the pilot project could considerably reduce the amount of paperwork farmers will need to do and the time it takes to receive payment from a claim.
MASC launches satellite technology pilot for forage insurance JOHN WOODS WINNIPEG FREE PRESS ARCHIVES
crop moisture evaluations is not new as the technology has been around for a number of years, but it is new to MASC and Manitoba’s forage farmers by connecting moisture to crop growth. Only three provinces are using satellite technology for their crops, according to Van Deynze. Saskatchewan has been using satel- lites for this type of insurance for the past year. Alberta is also doing a pilot project with satel- lites and crops, but Manitoba is the first to use the technology for forage assessments. “We’ll see what kind of reaction we get from the farmers who have access to the informa- tion today. And if they think that there’s some promise in this type of technology, then we’re going to figure out what that looks like for next year and beyond, whether we pilot again one more year or whether we decide it works or doesn’t work…So we’ve got some decisions to make, I guess, is the easy way to put it,” said Van Deynze. The forage insurance program is part of MASC’s AgriInsurance suite, which provides predictable protection for producers against natural disasters such as drought, excess mois- ture, and other extreme weather events. AgriInsurance is a federal, provincial, and producer cost shared program that helps farm- ers manage production and losses. Support for the program is provided by the governments of Canada and Manitoba under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. Farmers who are interested in the satellite program are encouraged to contact a MASC service centre.
The results of the pilot will help determine whether this technology can be adopted per- manently within AgriInsurance where forage claims are made. Van Deynze said farmers can not only anticipate having to do less paper- work, if any, but they won’t be required to meet with insurance adjusters, thus speeding up the claims process. He said it normally takes 30 days from the time MASC receives all the information for a claim to the farmer receiving a cheque, which is usually between November and January. With satellite technology, farmers can expect to receive their money in August or September. “We can use those satellite readings and we will tell them, ‘Hey, it looks like you’ve had a poor forage crop based on our satellite read- ings. Here’s some money.’ So, they don’t even have to tell us. We will hopefully tell them,” said Van Deynze. Farmers involved in the pilot, who need to make a claim in the fall, can’t use the data from the satellites and will have to file using the standard administrative route. MASC reported that 9.9 million acres were insured through the AgriInsurance program in the 2024-2025 growing season. That year, 5,869 claims were filed for a total of $246.9 mil- lion being paid out to producers, compared to $181.3 million for the season prior. For forage establishment claims, $121,300 was paid out, while hay claims totalled $1.2 million in payouts. “From what we understand, forage crops are quite good (so far this growing season). There’s been some challenges around getting the crop
by SVJETLANA MLINAREVIC T he federal and provincial governments have launched a pilot project that in- volves using satellite-based technology for the forage insurance program as admin- istered by the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation. The initiative will make it easier for forage producers to make claims and get their insur- ance payout quicker. “We’re hoping to reduce…the amount of ad- ministration and how long it might take for a farmer to have their check in their hand if they did have a bad crop,” said MASC’s chief prod- uct officer David Van Deynze. MASC will use microwave technology from satellites to measure the amount of moisture in the soil for forage crops and determine whether it was a good or bad crop season. About 50 farmers will be participating in the pilot this growing season from across the prov- ince, including farmers in the Southeast. There is no cost to the farmer for participating. “We’ve introduced it to a relatively small number of farmers and we’ve just asked them to look at the information that’s available, try and make that connection in their mind that, ‘Oh, yeah, what the satellite sees makes sense based on what I know of my farm from a forage perspective, from a soil moisture perspective.’ So, to hopefully gain confidence for MASC (and) gain confidence for farmers that this has potential. This could work,” said Van Deynze. Farmers in the Southeast who are a part of the pilot declined an interview by The Carillon .
We’re hoping to reduce…the amount of administration
and how long it might take for a
farmer to have their check in their hand if they did have a bad crop
– David Van Deynze MASC’s Chief Product Officer
off because forage producers typically like to cut it, let it dry for a few days, and then bale it up,” said Van Deynze. “(There have) been some challenges to find a few dry days in a row to get the forage crop to dry up and to bale, ultimately. But I think the volume is there, the yield is there from what I understand mostly, so that’s encouraging for sure.” Van Deynze said the use of satellites in
Putting the team through its paces in Steinbach
Southeast Draft Horse Association president John Hildebrand and his “swamper” Dan Fontaine drive their team of Percheron horses around the chore team course at the Mennonite Heritage Village Pioneer Days demonstration held Sunday.
GRAHAM WALKER THE CARILLON
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2026
Agriculture Now Role of farm advisors overlooked in new food strategy
What happened to Canada’s farm advisors? Canada’s advisory system has changed dramatically over the past several decades. For much of the 20th century, provinces employed publicly funded extension agents whom farmers could call for advice. Since the 1990s, governments have gradually pulled back from this in- volvement. Today, farm advice comes from a patchwork of private consultants, seed and fertilizer companies, com- modity organizations, non-profits and government programs. This system can leave farmers unsure of where to turn or whose advice to trust. In our research with Ontario farmers and agricultural advisors, we found that farmers place a high value on individualized advice from someone who understands their specific operation. They also told us the advice they get is often inconsis- tent, duplicated and sometimes bi- ased, because much of it now comes from people with something to sell. Access is another concern. The system’s attention flows toward large, innovative operations, while small and mid-sized farms get less of it. European studies found the same pattern after those countries privat- ized farm advice: smaller farms are often the first to lose access to reli- able knowledge networks. Canada has no national plan for farm advisory services and no shared standards, unlike the United States, which runs a coast-to-coast extension system anchored in its public universities. There is no re- search measuring what farm advice contributes to farm incomes, so we cannot even count what the retreat has cost. Meanwhile, the university programs that train extension pro- fessionals are shrinking. Canada’s fragmented extension system leaves many farmers without dedicated advisors or co-ordinated support. The absence of a nation- al professional body limits efforts to attract, connect and amplify the voices of the extension workers who remain. Farmers turn to the internet Without a trusted advisor, farmers increasingly rely on the same sourc- es many people use for everyday questions: they go online. Facebook, YouTube and artificial intelligence have become first stops for identi- fying pests, choosing feed supple-
by KHONDOKAR HUMAYUN KABIR AND ATAHARUL CHOWDHURY C anada’s new food security strategy promises billions of dollars for a more affordable and resilient food system. But in- vestments in technology, infrastruc- ture and production will only work if farmers have the knowledge and support to put them into practice. The need for such a strategy is clear. Canadians have faced among the highest food inflation rates in the G7 in recent years. Five retailers control three-quarters of grocery sales, and Canada imports 88 per cent of its fresh fruit and 72 per cent of its vegetables, leaving consumers vulnerable when supply chains are disrupted or tariffs increase costs. In June, the federal government launched Canada’s first National Food Security Strategy, committing more than $3 billion over 10 years to strengthen grocery competition, expand food processing, increase greenhouse production and reform regulations. The plan aims to increase the share of healthy food produced in Canada from 75 to 85 percent by 2032, double the value of green- house and indoor farming, and re- duce greenhouse labour and energy costs through automation. Achieving these goals will depend on farmers adopting new tools and practices suited to their operations, soils, livestock and budgets. That, in turn, depends on extension and advisory services: the agronomists, veterinarians, government special- ists and educators who translate research, regulations and emerging technologies into practical deci- sions. Yet across its many pages, the National Food Security Strategy nev- er mentions these services. The countries Canada points to as models take a different approach. The strategy credits the Netherlands with one of the strongest agricul- tural knowledge systems among wealthy countries. France connects companies, researchers and produc- ers, while Japan pairs investment in smart agriculture with farmer train- ing. In each case, investment is backed by co-ordinated advisory systems. Canada’s strategy invests in infra- structure and technology, but says little about the people who help farmers put them to work.
CARILLON ARCHIVES “Canada’s strategy invests in infrastructure and technology, but says little about the people who help farmers put them to work,” write Khondokar Humayun Kabir and Ataharul Chowdhury.
ing the government programs of the 1970s. It takes five practical steps. First, federal, provincial and ter- ritorial governments should agree on common goals and quality stan- dards for farm advice. The moment is already on the calendar: negotia- tions for the next five-year agricul- tural funding agreement begin in 2028. Second, Canada needs to train more advisors. Universities and professional organizations require renewed support to educate and de- velop the specialists who will help farmers navigate technological and environmental change. Third, Canada should create a na- tional platform for extension profes- sionals. Such a body could strength- en professional networks, improve co-ordination and ensure that front- line agricultural knowledge informs decisions about food security, inno- vation and rural development. Fourth, governments should in- vest in research that measures the impact of advisory services. Can- ada needs evidence about which approaches improve farm incomes,
productivity and resilience. Finally, farmers and advisors need help navigating the digital world. Standards must be set for AI tools that give farm advice, and equip advisors and farmers to spot and counter agricultural misinforma- tion. Next to a $3-billion strategy, these measures would cost little and raise the return on every other dollar spent. New terminals, greenhouses and funds will not put more Cana- dian food on Canadian plates unless Canadian know-how reaches Cana- dian farms. A food strategy that skips the people who teach farmers how to use it is missing a step it cannot afford to miss. » Khondokar Humayun Kabir is a postdoctoral fellow with the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development, University of Guelph. Ataharul Chowdhury is associate professor of capacity development and extension, University of Guelph. This column was originally pub- lished at The Conversation Canada: theconversation.com/ca.
ments or checking regulations. Digital platforms can provide ac- cess to information quickly, but they also introduce new risks. Our review of misinformation research shows that false and misleading claims about farming practices, inputs and climate change circulate widely through these channels. When re- searchers in our group tested popu- lar AI chatbots on real Ontario live- stock questions, the answers mixed useful guidance with errors. Recent research highlights that AI adoption can create new challenges, including conflicting predictions, uncertainty in decision-making and inadequate preparedness for AI-re- lated disruptions. There is not yet evidence that AI chatbots are causing widespread harm in agriculture, and the risks should be considered carefully rath- er than overstated. But a strategy that encourages technological adop- tion while leaving farmers to inde- pendently verify online information creates an avoidable vulnerability. Five fixes for the strategy This gap is fixable without rebuild-
Trail riding with friends: Good biosecurity protects every horse
Bring your own water whenever possible instead of using communal troughs. Don’t allow horses to touch noses with unfamiliar horses. Keep your horse’s vaccinations up to date as recommended by your veterinarian. Clean and disinfect trailers and equipment after transporting horses from different locations. A real-life scenario Emma and Sarah meet for a week- end trail ride, each bringing their own horse. During a rest stop, the horses are tied close together and share a water bucket while their riders enjoy lunch. A few days later, Sarah’s horse develops a fever and nasal discharge. Veterinary testing confirms a contagious respirato- ry illness. Before the diagnosis was known, Emma’s horse had already returned home and come into con- tact with other horses at her proper- ty. Fortunately, both owners acted quickly. They isolated their horses, contacted their veterinarians and
portant role whenever horses from different properties come together. A few simple habits can help keep everyone’s horses healthy while al- lowing you to enjoy the ride with confidence. Before heading out: Ride only with horses that appear healthy and free of fever, coughing or nasal discharge. Avoid sharing water buckets, feed tubs, grooming tools or tack.
essary risk. Most contagious diseas- es spread through direct horse-to- horse contact, shared equipment or contaminated water sources. By following a few simple precautions, horse owners can help protect not only their own horses but also the broader equine community. Before every ride, take a moment to consider how your actions could affect the health of other horses. Bringing your own water, avoiding shared equipment and keeping a re- spectful distance between unfamil- iar horses are easy habits that make a meaningful difference. Good horsemanship includes car- ing for the health of every horse we encounter. A little prevention today can help ensure many more enjoy- able rides tomorrow. Since 1974, the Manitoba Horse Council has been dedicated to sup- porting horse owners, riders and equestrian organizations across Manitoba. To learn more about membership, education and member benefits, visit www.manitobahorsec- ouncil.ca.
MANITOBA HORSE COUNCIL T rail riding with friends is one of the best ways to enjoy time with our horses. Whether you’re exploring a local trail system or riding on private property, it’s easy to focus on the adventure and forget that horses can unknowingly carry infectious diseases. Good biosecu- rity isn’t just for boarding barns and competition, but also plays an im-
Manitoba HorseCouncil
notified anyone whose horses may have been exposed. While the illness was contained, the experience was a reminder of how easily disease can spread through everyday activities. Healthy habits matter Biosecurity isn’t about avoid- ing trail rides or limiting time with friends, it’s about reducing unnec-
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Trail rides can be done with biosecurity in mind.
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Big birds enjoy Manitoba winter at Dawson Creek Ostrich Ranc h
ican currency. Today, those same chicks are running at $8,500 US. A pair of Dawson Creek yearlings, which sold at $14,000, were sold again by an Interlake dairy farmer for $45,000 as two-year-olds. “The return on a 90-cent-a-day feed budget is worth the effort.” And there is no shortage of in- vestors lining up to get in on the ground floor of what is proving to be a very lucrative business. Or- ganizers of a seminar during the recent Canadian Ostrich Associ- ation’s convention in Edmonton had to turn away 150 people before the morning’s registrations were in. Penner remembers 1,200 people jamming into a room reported to hold 750, to watch a video on os- trich farming at a national conven- tion in Las Vegas, a while ago. He is quick to point out there is a very good reason for the popularity of this large, curious, and some- times overly friendly bird. A trip into their enclosure is an adven- ture, as the ostrich pecks at glasses, belt buckles and any other shiny object that strays within range. Penner describes the bird as an environmentally friendly, money machine. A 14-month-old ostrich yields over 70 pounds of meat and enough leather for six pairs of cow- boy boots. Ostrich meat is sold in Texas for $10 a pound and boots are a pricey $850 a pair. While Penner has a pair in his closet, he doesn’t advertise the fact too much. Penner, who used to own quarter horses, has traded that hobby in for a new one that he expects will make him a little more money. Until now, Penner has been buying chicks, selling yearlings, and pouring the profits back into chicks. A brand new $9,000 incuba- tor from Florida may soon change
by WES KEATING T hree-year-old Carly Pen- ner does not have to tune in to Sesame Street to catch a glimpse of Big Bird. She can watch her father’s favourite video, or bet- ter yet, go out in the backyard and chat with the real thing. Delbert Penner’s Dawson Creek Ostrich Ranch, near Giroux, has been growing by leaps and bounds since four three-month-old chicks arrived from Oklahoma, three years ago. The herd (flock if you prefer) is now at 14 birds and four adult females are expected to start laying fertile eggs any day now. In addition to two breeding trios, Penner’s 1993 herd includes one two-year-old male and seven year- lings. The yearlings are expected to be sold this summer, in spite of the steep asking price of $22,000 a pair. The interest in the birds is phe- nomenal, Penner says, and hardly a day goes by that he doesn’t get a call from Quebec, Alberta or British Columbia. There is just as much interest beyond the boundaries of North America. “The government of China has just spent $1.4 million on eight breeding pairs.” Good news for breeders, like Penner, is that Australia has a spe- cial interest in buying Canadian birds. Because of the harsh climate, a hardier breed are produced here. Dawson Creek ostriches have adapted well to Manitoba’s winters and until the temperature dips to 25 below, they are outside every day, Penner said. The price is going up every day and some of the friends who were scoffing at Penner, now are begin- ning to show interest themselves. Penner says the first birds they bought cost $5,500 a pair in Amer-
FLASHBACK
April 28, 1993
CARILLON ARCHIVES Melody Penner attempts to rescue her sleeve from the grip of a playful ostrich, while Carly and Delbert look on.
“With hogs, beef and grain, we are already in everything that loses money.”
Penner said his brother Murray agreed to become a partner in the venture, but a second brother, who is also involved in the family’s hog, beef and grain operation, declined the offer.
all that. It won’t be long before Dawson Creek Ostrich Ranch becomes lo- cal competition for a North Dako- ta supplier, who sells 120 chicks a year.
Ostrich farming a fast-growing industry
by WES KEATING O strich farming is a fast-grow- ing alternative agricultural livestock business and is widespread in Canada, with about 60 to 75 breeders in Manitoba alone. Judy Barnes, marketing director for the Canadian Ostrich Associ- ation, suggested in the February, 1995 issue of the COA magazine Runner that Canada could soon be “the ostrich capital of the world.” Ostriches are fascinating birds, standing seven to eight feet tall and weighing 250 to 350 pounds. They can live up to 80 years and average egg production is 30 to 50 eggs per year, with some hens laying more than 100 eggs annually. One ostrich egg equals 24 to 27 chicken eggs and will weigh up to five pounds. The ostrich industry is a wide open field. Birds are raised as breeding stock, for meat, for the hide and the feathers. The red meat is very palatable, lean, low in cho- lesterol, with a taste similar to roast beef. It sells for $6 to $20 per pound and is an expensive delicacy in restaurants. Ostrich hides measure 10 to 20 square feet per bird and are in large demand, because of the durability of the leather. It is used for shoes, cowboy boots, briefcas- es, clothing and fashion accesso- ries. Feathers, harvested twice a year from live birds and in total at slaughter, are used for elaborate showgirl costumes, dusters, deco- rations and fashion accessories. Sunshine Ridge Ostrich Breed- ers, owned and operated by Mel- anie Rennie and her husband Ken Lewis, is one of five or six ostrich breeders in the RM of Springfield. The Oakbank area farm, raising birds for breeding stock, started with six young chicks in February of 1994 and in a year their flock in- creased to five adult pairs. According to Lewis, adult os- triches are very hardy and easy to care for. “Even in winter the barns are mostly open and it only takes me half an hour daily to look after them. The chicks are more delicate and prone to sickness, if not cared for properly.” When they moved to the Oak- bank area, the owners of Sunshine
FLASHBACK
September 27, 1995
CARILLON ARCHIVES Elvis, a handsome ostrich at Sunshine Ridge Ostrich Breeders near Oakbank in the RM of Springfield, sticks his head through the fence to socialize with owner Melanie Rennie.
It is not difficult to see why Ren- nie, one of the directors of the Man- itoba Ostrich Association (MOA), chairs the promotion committee. - with files from Marion Clemens
of ostriches on two acres compared to the 80 to 100 acres needed to raise 40 cows. “The low feed conversion rate for ostriches is less than two pounds of feed to one pound of body weight and you have the ingredients for a lucrative livestock business.”
meat. A pair of ostriches produc- es 45 birds, each generating 120 pounds of meat and 14 square feet of hide, for a total of 5,400 pounds of meat and 630 square feet of hide.” The low acreage needed was also a factor in their decision. Five pairs
Ridge were not sure what kind of livestock they were going to raise. After thorough research and com- paring beef to ostrich production, they decided to raise the birds. “A cow will produce one calf a year, generating 60 square feet of hide and 500 pounds of dressed
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2026
Agriculture Now
Ground being laid for Arabian event
Footing technician Allan Quast operates a tractor in the main arena of the Keystone Centre to level the ground for the horses.
MATT GOERZEN BRANDON SUN
Keystone Centre last week on behalf of the Ara- bian championship to ensure that the dirt and sand base at the facility is perfect. Quast has been a “dirt guy” for 30 years and is lending his expertise to ensure the floor is built specifically for the Arabian horses. Quast has logged some 12-hour days during this stage leading to the event, he said. “It takes that much prep work to get it done,” he said. “You gotta get it right the first time around.” In his role, Quast measures and reviews the ground — and getting his hands dirty is all in a day’s work. “I drive the tractor too, because I’m fussy.” When the event actually begins, his work will slow down, he said. The Keystone Centre is preparing up to 450 indoor stables and 140 outdoor stables to ac- commodate competitors next week. Epp is slated to work with children from a local 4-H chapter to bed the stables with shavings in the coming days. The Keystone Centre has also stockpiled hay and shavings ahead of the event. The facility needs to be ready by Aug. 4, as riders can arrive in Brandon in advance to warm up and get settled in. Connie Lawrence, CEO and general manag- er of the Keystone Centre, said the goal of staff is to make the experience enjoyable for com- petitors and guests. “We try to make it as easy as possible for everyone who’s coming here,” she said. “The biggest thing they like about Brandon is our facility. It is a world-class facility.” The centre’s 44 fully serviced campsites are filled up, and the overflow campsites are now being filled, she said. Preparations for the event also include set-
by CONNOR MCDOWELL, Local Journalism Initiative S taff at Brandon’s Keystone Centre are working around the clock to lay the groundwork for Canada’s National Arabi- an Championship. The championship, which will run from Aug. 6-15, is bringing more than 300 horses and hundreds of visitors to Brandon. Devin Epp, sales manager in the Ag Centre at the Keystone Centre, said the primary task ahead of the event is laying dirt just right. “We have been working on this day in and day out,” he said. Starting July 24, staff began working on a 24- hour schedule to build the competition floor. Dirt was hauled into the arena and has since been worked into place persistently with trac- tors and hand-pushed equipment. The goal is to ensure the floor is as firm and evenly laid as possible, Epp said. The quality of the floor benefits the incoming Arabian hors- es, which evolved to prefer firm terrain. Staff are now raking 80 cubic yards of sand to sit on top of the hard dirt base and form a layer of about two inches. The arena is worked for a total of 10 to 15 hours per day. The preparations are painstaking — and the staff have found their stride this year com- pared to the first year the championship came back to Brandon, Epp said. “Last year, when we brought it back, it was a learning process,” he said. “But this year it has been smooth. It looks amazing.” To ensure that the arena is in tip-top shape, a footing expert has been sent in to oversee work on site. Allan Quast of Lacombe, Alta., came to the
ting up a lounge area, booking musical perfor- mances and arranging catered meals and cof- fee deliveries for competitors. Thirty maintenance staff and 11 manag- ers are involved in prepping for the incoming competition. MATT GOERZEN BRANDON SUN Outdoor horse stalls have been set up in the Keystone Centre parking lot to house participants in Canada’s National Arabian Championship, which starts next week Thursday.
MATT GOERZEN BRANDON SUN Devin Epp, Agricultural sales and event manager for the Keystone Centre, right, together with footing technician Allan Quast from Lacombe, AB, explain how the facility readies the arena floor for Canada’s National Arabian Championship which starts next week Thursday here in Brandon.
4.8 m
Pre-harvest glyphosate staging tips help produce market-ready crops A Winnipeg based organization is urg- ing farmers to follow label instruc- tios when applying their pre-harvest growers should always follow the prod- uct label for application rate, timing and pre-harvest interval (PHI). Harvesting ear- lier than recommended can increase the risk of unacceptable glyphosate residues in harvested grain.
Working in the fields?
glyphosate. Keep it Clean is reminding Canadian canola, cereal and pulse growers to follow proper staging practices for pre-harvest glyphosate application to help protect crop marketability and preserve access to domestic and export markets. Applying pre-harvest glyphosate for weed control too early can result in unacceptable prod- uct residues in harvested grain. Keep it Clean’s pre-harvest glyphosate staging guide provides visual examples to help growers identify when grain moisture content in canola, cereals and pulses is less than 30 percent – the only stage at which pre-harvest glyphosate may be applied. Where allowed, glyphosate is registered for pre-harvest weed control and is not to be used as a desiccant. Pre-harvest glyphosate may only be applied when grain moisture content is less than 30 per cent in the least mature part of the field, including any ar- eas of regrowth that may produce seed. “Glyphosate is an important tool in the grower’s toolbox for crop management, and when it comes to pre-harvest glypho- sate, timing is everything. By waiting until grain moisture in the least mature part of the field is below 30 per cent, growers can ensure their crop meets market standards and help keep markets open for all,” said Krista Zuzak, director of crop protection at Cereals Canada. To avoid unacceptable residue levels,
When using glyphosate for pre-harvest weed control in a tank mix with other products, such as saflufenacil, products must still be applied when grain moisture content is less than 30 percent in the least mature part of the field. Growers must also follow the PHI of the most restrictive prod- uct label. Keep it Clean said on-farm practic- es make a difference in protecting Can- ada’s reputation as a trusted supplier of high-quality canola, cereals and pulses. Growers, agronomists and retailers are en- couraged to use the Keep it Clean pre-har- vest glyphosate staging guide and confirm any market-specific requirements with their grain buyer before applying pre-har- vest glyphosate. Keep it Clean is a joint initiative of the Canola Council of Canada, Cereals Cana- da, Pulse Canada and the Prairie Oat Grow- ers Association that was created to provide growers and crop advisors with resources that help them grow market-ready crops. These resources include updates on poten- tial market risks and resources for on-farm practices that ensure crops meet the stan- dards of domestic and export customers. Keep it Clean is funded in part through the agrimarketing program under the Sustain- able Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
Watch for power lines.
Safety is the answer. hydro.mb.ca/farm
n THE CARILLON STEINBACH, MAN. C6
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2026
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1946
2026
80 Years Watching Steinbach Grow
Pioneer spirit added to ’64 Hanover Fair CARILON ARCHIVES Volunteers served up a Pioneer Week breakfast of eggs, bacon, farmer sausage and coffee for a crowd of 2,000, seated at rows of tables stretching from Pete’s Inn to Marshall Wells. Many had been early risers, coming to Steinbach after attending a sunrise pioneer church service at Kleefeld.
by WES KEATING T he Town of Steinbach followed the example of their neigh- bours to the west when they combined their annual country fair with a major event honouring pio- neers and reminding visitors of the history of the Mennonites in Mani- toba. Morris has “The Big M” Stam- pede and Exhibition, and Steinbach would have Pioneer Days and Ha- nover Fair as their major combined event in 1964. Hanover Agriculture Society presi- dent Bill Mooney, repeating remarks he made a year after the 1963 fair, said the 1964 Hanover Fair was “the best ever,” with gate receipts dou- bling the average of previous years. About 8,000 people passed through the gates during the two-day event, held in conjunction with Steinbach’s week-long 90th anniversary celebra- tions. The 19th edition of the Hanover Agricultural Society Fair was kicked off, as usual, with a parade down Steinbach Main Street, but the 1964 fair parade was like no other, coming in the midst of Pioneer Week. The combination of the two events resulted in a spectacular display of floats on a pioneer theme and many of the participants in period cos- tume were already decked out long before the mile-long parade wound its way down Main Street. Along the town’s business section, window shoppers were treated to a close-up view of many museum pieces on display. Dave Friesen at Penner Merit created a particularly fine display of artifacts, provided by the Baird family of Giroux. With storefronts decorated with a façade of logs, staff members already dressed in the styles of yesteryear, the town simply outdid itself in pro- jecting that last-century theme. In a special gesture of respect for the pioneers, spectators lining Main Street had to wait an extra half-hour, while the parade detoured down Barkman Avenue and Creek Road to give the residents of Rest Haven Home for the Aged a porch-front view of the 90th anniversary parade. Just as the business community put a great effort into ensuring there would be a real pioneer spirit for the week-long celebration, so had the creators of the dozens of imaginative floats displaying pioneer life. The Derksen Printers float intro- duced the steam engine to the Stein- bach parade route for the first time. The float depicted an old-time print- ing shop, complete with a manually operated Gordon press, turning out miniature newspapers, reminding parade spectators that “The Printed Word Lives On Long After the Spo- ken Word is Forgotten.” One of the biggest attractions of the day, a huge Case steam engine owned by Standard Engine Works of Morden, pulled the float down Main Street, burning up a cord or two of wood and causing spectators to cov- er their ears every time the engineer blew the whistle. C.T. Loewen’s parade entry com- bined the old and the new with an
CARILON ARCHIVES Variety, competition and showmanship kept interest alive in the Hanover Ag Society horse show. A huge crowd watched riders guide their horses over a variety of obstacles during the horse jumping event at the 1963 and 1964 Hanover Fairs.
CARILON ARCHIVES The Derksen Printers float introduced the steam engine to the Steinbach parade route for the first time during 1964 Pioneer Week festivities. The huge Case steam engine, owned by Standard Gas and Engine Works of Morden, pulled the float down Main Street, burning up a cord or two of wood and causing spectators to cover their ears every time the engineer blew the whistle.
CARILON ARCHIVES
Riding in style in a vintage automobile and arriving early for the 90th Anniversary breakfast on Main Street are Ken Betzold, Grace Reimer, Lorenna Reimer and Faith Rempel. At right, a committee member discusses the menu with a volunteer while empty tables await the onslaught of hungry visitors.
90th anniversary Pioneer Week cele- brations. Almost everybody got into the act. About 500 people got up early enough to attend a sunrise service at Kleefeld, and hundreds more ap- peared in full costume for the Main Street breakfast in Steinbach, which followed. Some 40 volunteers worked fe-
old-timer mixing cement on a float being followed by a Loewen Ready- Mix truck. The Hanover Fair again featured all of the old favorites, like the 4-H rally, livestock and horticultural exhibits, and business displays on the grounds, and again drew record crowds. This year, the Hanover Fair gladly took a back seat to Steinbach’s
tions. There were no horse-drawn carriages to bring the visitors, but several vintage cars helped to add to the old-time atmosphere of the gathering. Later in the afternoon, some 1,500 people attended a religious service of thanksgiving at the Steinbach Col- legiate auditorium.
verishly over frying pans to prepare fried eggs, bacon, farmer sausage and coffee in the blocked-off portion of Main Street, with lines of tables stretching from Pete’s Inn to Mar- shall Wells. Some of the costumes worn by the breakfast-goers were heirlooms handed down for several genera-
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2026
80 Years Watching Steinbach Grow
CARILLON ARCHIVES N.J. Anderson of Myrtle is the owner of this fine pony that won the 10-2 hands halter class at the 1963 Hanover Fair. Anderson also showed a pony team in the between 10-2 and 12-2 hands class. The team was well matched and well trained, and easily placed first in that class as well. Grunthal 4-H Club excels at ’63 Hanover Fair
by WES KEATING F rom the time spectators be- gan lining up for the parade in sweltering 90-degree plus heat, until two days later, when the last amateur-hour number was per- formed, the directors of the Hanover Agricultural Society agree the 1963 Hanover Fair was one of the most successful on record. An estimated 7,000 spectators attended the fair during its two-day stand. Members of the Beausejour Boys’ Band led the parade down Main Street to the fairgrounds, where 4-H clubs marched into the show ring, before local and visiting dignitaries officially opened the fair, welcoming guests and exhibitors. A member of the Grunthal Sun- shine Clothing Club had been cho- sen as standard-bearer for the 4-H parade. That was the start of a pretty good day for the Grunthal 4-H Club. Twelve years of painstaking work ended in triumph for two dedicated Grunthal 4-H club leaders, when the Grunthal club walked away with the biggest package of honors ever be- stowed on a single club in a South- east 4-H Rally. It was the Sunshine Clothing Club all the way at the 1963 Hanover Fair, and if anyone was happier than the girls themselves, it was leader Elsie Janzen and assistant leader Luba Chornoboy. For Mrs Chornoboy, who helped found the club 12 years earlier, it was the crowning success of all her work. For Mrs Janzen there couldn’t have been a better reward for the hundreds of hours she had been putting in for the Grunthal club for the past seven years. The Grunthal 4-H Club emerged as grand champion marchers in the 4-H parade and earned top honors in many of the events which followed. The highest honor of the day came when judges chose the queen of the 4-H Rally from the Sunshiners’ ranks. Both princesses were Sunshine Club members as well, Marylyn Warken- tin was crowned Queen of the Fash- ion Show, and Mary Epp and Irene Krahn were chosen princesses. Of seven girls interviewed for the Eatons gold watch award, six were from the Grunthal club and the watch went to Nancy Feechuk, a Grunthal club member. Ken Loep- pky of the Niverville Beef Club was
CARILLON ARCHIVES MLA Albert Vielfaure told the crowd that Duff Roblin’s Conservative Government must indeed think highly of him, giving a member of the opposition the honor of officially opening the 1963 Hanover Agricultural Fair. Apparently, Labor Minister Jack Carrol was busy elsewhere, but whatever the reason, MLA Vielfaure was well received by the crowd.
CARILLON ARCHIVES Looking every bit the champions they are, Jerry Friesen shows the grand champion 4-H steer and Alvin Plett the reserve champion at the 1963 Hanover Fair. This is the first time in many years an Aberdeen Angus steer has been the champion of the 4-H beef show at the fair.
the boys’ Eatons gold watch winner. The 4-H fashion show was fol- lowed by a horse show with after- noon judging, topped off by a jump- ing competition during the first evening of the fair. The competitors were all from Winnipeg, including a few that would be going south to compete in an American championship in Au- gust. The skilled riders put on a great show for the spectators and the jumping competition would become a part of the Hanover Fair horse show for the next few years. The 1963 livestock competition added to the success of the fair, with dairy stock entries more than double from a year ago. A highlight during the afternoon of the second day, as always, was the auction sale of 4-H beef calves. The average price was 25.5 cents per pound, considered a good deal by buyers. Buyers from the packing houses noted that the beef calves had never been so well finished as they were this year. The champion, owned by Jerry Friesen of the Hanover Beef Club,
CARILLON ARCHIVES The Schroeder sisters of Kleefeld turned out to be a big hit at the amateur show on the last night of the 1963 Hanover Fair. Alvina, 17, Martha 18, and Mary, 15, say they have been singing for just about as long as they can remember.
CARILLON ARCHIVES Hanover Agriculture Society President Bill Mooney presents gold watches on behalf of the T. Eaton Co. to Ken Loeppky of the Niverville 4-H Beef Club and Mary Feechuk of the Grunthal Sunshine Clothing Club.
large crowd of spectators gave the popularity vote to a trio comprised of three Schroeder sisters from Kleefeld. Second in this event went to fiddlers Lorne Mehling and Jake Peters of Steinbach.
Nerbas blamed the decline on the high price of sugar, the extreme heat during the days preceding the fair, and the lateness of many gardens. The Amateur Hour in the evening concluded the two-day event. A
went under the hammer at 40 cents per pound. Last year, the champion fetched 45 cents per pound. The only department in which fair entries were down was in the Home Ec. Section. Fair Secretary Irwin
n THE CARILLON STEINBACH, MAN. C8
n www.thecarillon.com THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2026
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