Both Farm Credit Canada and the Bank of Montreal issued statements last week saying they would stand by their customers as they suffer from a situation not of their making.

“We have been monitoring the grain movement situation for the past number of weeks and are aware it could have an impact on our customers’ short-term cash flow through the busy spring season,” said Michael Hoffort, FCC president and CEO. “We will support customers as needed, and continue to ensure they have the financial means to get their crops in the ground this spring. FCC rolled out a similar program in 2014 when the railways fell way behind on grain movements to West Coast ports.

“We feel it is important that we be proactive and ensure our customers know that we are here to support them and have tools available to reduce the impact on their business from these unforeseen challenges that are beyond their control,” he said.

Bank of Montreal issued a statement announcing “a financial relief program” to assist customers affected by the current grain-handling backlog.

“We stand by our customers through both good and challenging times and hope this program will help to alleviate some of the issues currently being faced by grain producers and other related businesses as a result of the backlog,” said Andrew Irvine, BMO head of customer solutions.

The program includes deferral of loan payments and waiver of new loan application fees and concessions on renewal fees. Flexible terms on existing and new lines of credit for 2018 are being developed on a case-by-case basis, the bank added, urging customers to contact them to make arrangements.

Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay said his department will work with FCC to monitor “cash flow concerns and ensure producers potentially impacted by delays in grain delivery have the flexibility they need.” Farmers short funds for seeding this spring’s crop should consider applying to the federal Advance Payments Program for repayable funds.

The program offers cash advances for stored or planted crop of up to $400,000, the first $100,000 interest free. Under the APP, the federal government guarantees repayment of cash advances issued to farmers by producer organizations.

The FCC actions were announced as the Canadian Federation of Agriculture urged the government “to make low-cost program changes that would provide emergency income support to cash-stricken grain farmers in Western Canada. Farmers get paid once their grain is delivered and the current shortage of rail cars has left many growers in a financial crisis.”

CFA said the government could expand the provisions of the Advance Payments Program, which would offer immediate relief by giving farmers access to interest-free loans to pay outstanding bills and purchase seeds, fertilizer and other products needed to begin seeding this spring’s crop.

The Conservatives and NDP have asked the government to speed up passage of its transportation modernization bill. While that will address long-term rail system challenges, short-term income supports are required and could be implemented quickly, CFA said. “Efforts to get more trains moving will not resolve the dire cash flow crunch happening now. Grain growers require additional tools to bring their operations back to sustainable levels.”

Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) president Jeff Nielsen said, “Across Western Canada grain isn’t moving, and we need all parties to work together to get the railways to act.”

The federal government needs to “use all tools in its tool box if service doesn’t improve dramatically.”

CN announced it was taking immediate action to deal with the backlog.

“We apologize for not meeting the expectations of our grain customers, nor our own high standards,” president and CEO Jean-Jacques Ruest, interim president and CEO said shortly after taking the helm from Luc Jobin.

“The entire CN team has a sense of urgency and is fully focused on getting it right for farmers and our grain customers, regaining the confidence of Canadian businesses and protecting Canada’s reputation as a stable trade partner in world markets. Moving the Canadian economy is in our DNA. We can and we will do much better and that starts today — no excuses.”

CP said that extreme weather took its toll through much of February, but that it was now starting to recover. “We are optimistic that with the weather turning in our favour, our singular focus on delivering safely for the supply chain, and the reopening of the Port of Thunder Bay, that we are on the road to recovery,” CP CEO Keith Creel said.

“While our challenges have been significant, they are different than that of our competitor’s and the success of the supply chain depends on both railroads running at optimum levels.

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A four-wheeled device nicknamed Robotic Rover has successfully herded dairy cows in tests on the university’s dairy herd.

“Removing human judgment from trafficking speed will allow us to ensure that cows are only ever herded at a pace that is comfortable, even for the slowest cows,” a background document on the Robotic Rover says.

So far, Rover has been operated remotely by a human but researchers think it could be automated.

According to a BBC story, researchers were amazed at how easily cows accepted the presence of the robot. They were not fazed by it and the herding process was calm and effective, they said.

Because the robot moved in a steady manner it allowed cows to move at their own speed which was important in reducing lameness among cattle, Kendra Kerrisk, dairy researcher and associate professor, told the BBC.

Robotic Rover can be seen in action at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQXJbYDGvPg and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-75Xz-1JxmU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4Dndp-Esd8#t=58.

Based on comments on an Australian farm publication website, not all farmers are convinced about robotic superiority.

“Bet the diode warmer doesn’t even lick your hand when your best cow dies, your wife leaves, or the bank forecloses,” said one.

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His secondary education was at St. John’s Ravenscourt in Winnipeg and Western Military Academy in Alton, Illinois. He received a Diploma in Agriculture from the University of Manitoba and continued as a lifelong learner through accounting, electronics and computer courses from the universities of North Dakota and Minnesota, Red River College and the Devry Institute.

Charlie and Bonnie Strachan married in 1964 in Carman and raised two daughters, Karla and Nichole, on the farm at Homewood. Charlie’s major contribution to agriculture was his innovative and steadfast work on behalf of canola growers and on cash advance programs.

In 1980, he was appointed to the board of the Manitoba Rapeseed Growers Association, now called the Manitoba Canola Growers Association. He soon recognized the need for a cash advance system for canola so he proceeded to develop a model which became the Canola Cash Advance Program for Western Canada. While a bank handled the financial functions, Charlie travelled to Winnipeg several times a week to review applications. He then developed computer software to manage the program, which he and Bonnie did from their home with a growing staff.

By 1996, the program demanded their full-time attention so they retired from farming and established an office in Carman. By the time the Froebes retired in 2000, there were 13 employees and the office was issuing up to $200 million annually in advances on canola, flax, rye and oats. Besides serving the boards of the Manitoba Canola Growers Association and the Prairie Canola Growers Council, Charlie is credited with influencing the formation and success of the Canadian Canola Growers Association and the Canola Council of Canada.

He was also influential in the development of the Manitoba canola checkoff, a process started in 1989 and completed in 1996 when it was implemented.

He has been a valued participant in international meetings which included trips to Japan, Hong Kong, Mexico, England and the U.S.

Charlie also contributed much to the agricultural community through service on the local boards of Manitoba Pool Elevators and United Grain Growers. His leadership was valued in community organizations such as the local co-op, the Dufferin Agricultural Society, Carman United Way, Carman United Church and the Homewood Community Club.

Carman named Charlie as Citizen of the Year in 1984. He received a “Certificate of Merit” from the University of Manitoba in 2001 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the agricultural industry and the public at large, and an “Award of Excellence” in 2010 from the Manitoba Canola Growers for his dedication to canola. Nominated by Manitoba Canola Growers.

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It was a gutsy gamble 50 summers ago when the townsfolk of Morris nervously waited to see if their new rodeo would revive a small-town fair about to bite the dust.

Long before the Manitoba Stampede and Exhibition began, the Valley Agricultural Society struggled to break even hosting its tiny country fair.

“It wasn’t going anywhere,” recalls Morris resident Chas Covernton. “A group of citizens was trying to decide if they’d shut it down completely.”

Then someone mentioned the Northwest Roundup, Swan River’s popular rodeo.

“We said there was no reason why we couldn’t do the same thing here,” says Covernton, a stampede founder and its secretary treasurer for 29 years.

They looked for advice— and money. With $200 to its name, the agricultural society asked local residents for small loans of $100 each. When 108 gave cash — with no guarantee of repayment — the bank was impressed enough to kick in another $25,000. Local contractors agreed to build the track on a promise they’d be paid if the rodeo went well.

That first spring was a scramble as the big fir timbers ordered from Oregon to build the grandstand arrived late, says Covernton.

“It was towards the end of April when they started the work on the track,” he recalls. “The day we opened I think they were still pounding nails.”

Others were biting their nails, anxiously wondering if the grand dream would fly.

The crowds exceeded their wildest expectations — a crowd of about 40,000, according to the stampede’s new history book.

“We took in $15,500 at the outside gate at 50 cents a head, to give you an idea of what the crowd was like,” says Covernton.

The rest, as they say, is history. The event was so popular, organizers expanded the rodeo to five days in 1967 and built new barns and the Pioneer Partners building. In 1968 the Canadian Rodeo Cowboys Association declared the Manitoba Stampede and Exhibition the second-largest professional rodeo in Canada. The stampede adopted its ‘Red Hat’ symbol in 1969.

Today ‘The Big M’ remains Manitoba’s one and only professional rodeo, and continues to rank among the top 10 in the country as a top-notch event for family entertainment.

And it’s still drawing the crowds — anywhere from 25,000 to 30,000 annually, with the economic spinoffs benefiting the entire area.

The town once considered “rebranding” their community as something besides host of a stampede, but, as the cowboy saying goes, if a horse is running good, you don’t change its feed.

“The stampede is as important to us as it’s ever been, and maybe even more important,” says Curtis Evenson, chair of the 50th anniversary committee.

And it’s important to the province of Manitoba too, adds Malissa Dreger Lewis, general manager of the event.

“A lot of people call it the Morris Stampede, but it’s the Manitoba Stampede,” she said. “It’s a Manitoba event.”

Credit goes to the people who were willing to try something different, says Evenson.

“There aren’t a lot of cowboys right in Morris, and there aren’t a lot of horses around here,” he notes.

It takes dedication in the community, too. To mark its 50th year, a reception with awards and recognition of contributions by the community will be held. A history book of the stampede has also been prepared.

“For a town of our size, to be able to bring in up to 30,000-plus over four days to come to see this show year after year is a pretty good accomplishment,” says Tim Lewis, stampede president.

“It’s definitely something we’re proud of. And we want to work towards future shows down the road.”

Now a seven-event professional rodeo, the Manitoba Stampede and Exhibition runs from July 18 to 21. Team penning has been added to its roster of events, which also includes the championship pony chuckwagon races and the one-of-a-kind thoroughbred chariot and Ben Hur races, an event which originated at the Manitoba Stampede.

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“Rapid economic expansion in emerging markets and lagging demand growth from south of the border has resulted in increasing export market diversification,” Aaron Goertzen, an economist with BMO Capital Markets, said. “Although global competition is stiff, Canadian producers’ productivity edge has contributed to a large and growing trade surplus.”

Even a possible rebound in grain exports from the United States after last year’s crippling drought didn’t temper BMO’s optimism. Nor did a cold, damp spring that has delayed planting in many areas.

Goertzen said a bumper U.S. crop would decrease international prices, but a more important factor is import demand from overseas. “As drought conditions in the U.S. subside, increased production there could lead to lower agricultural prices. Export demand growth will, as a result, be even more crucial for industry prices and profitability.”

Farm groups offered a more cautious assessment. Ron Bonnett, president of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, noted that many Ontario farmers suffered drought last summer while the Prairies had good harvests.

Bonnett added that “the BMO study highlights how innovative and resilient the agriculture sector is, and that Canadian farmers — despite the challenges — are doing an excellent job at meeting demand — getting Canadian products into domestic and international markets.

“In terms of the sector as a whole, a number of specific sectors continue to struggle — cattle and hog producers continuing to face high feed costs that haven’t translated to high retail prices and are putting many farmers in difficult financial situations, he added.

“Also, there remains significant weather volatility to contend with, with flooding anticipated out west due to significant snowfalls and the U.S continues to face significant drought conditions,” he said. “All these factors will have a lot of impact on whether farmers can take advantage of strong prices.”

Richard Phillips, executive director of Grain Growers of Canada, said a key factor in the current prosperity is that farm groups, the food industry and government have put resources into opening and maintaining markets.

“Farmers excel at growing crops, but we need a place to sell them to be successful,” he said.

The BMO study noted farmers have used advances in technology, improvements in management practices and industry consolidation to boost their productivity. “Innovation has consistently and significantly expanded the industry’s productive capacity, with gross output per hectare having more than quadrupled over the past half-century.

“There are few signs that innovation is slowing — with private spending on research and development in the agriculture sector having grown at roughly twice the pace of the Canadian total over the past decade.”

Meanwhile rapid growth in the global demand for food due to population increases and rising incomes has significantly increased agricultural product prices during the past decade, it said.

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At 178 metres (582 feet) in length, it was once considered to be the longest suspension bridge in the British Commonwealth, and until recently it retained the title of “Canada’s longest historic suspension bridge.”

Constructed in 1904 by “Squire” William Sowden, Souris’s founder and major landowner, the bridge quickly became a popular attraction and the town’s iconic landmark. For more than a century, Souris’s suspension bridge attracted thousands of visitors who have trod across the springy span to become honorary Souris citizens. It was also nationally recognized in a postage stamp issue.

Squire William Sowden is closely associated with the early history and development of Souris. In 1880, he and several Millbrook, Ont. associates established a settlement syndicate, proposing to facilitate the settlement of a large block of land in southern Manitoba for the federal government with the aid of certain exclusive land administration rights.

Sowden spent the early summer “out west” scouting possible colony sites. He selected 12 townships in the area of the big bend in the Souris River and then travelled to Ottawa where he was able to secure most of that area.

He and the syndicate directors then turned their efforts to signing up potential homesteaders. On April 5, 1881 the 36-member Sowden-Plum Creek Colonization Party left Millbrook for what proved to be a very arduous and wet three-week journey.

Their destination was the mouth of Plum Creek, where Sowden had planned to establish a townsite and construct a water-powered mill on land which he largely owned.

Founder

He started construction of the mill soon after arrival, but within months, he sold out to new arrivals. By 1883, he spearheaded the establishment of the RM of Glenwood and the district’s agricultural society, serving as first reeve and first president alternatively.

He also built a crude, but apparently secure, log toll bridge and a ferry, before eventually selling them to the town for $1,000. Sowden soon established a large home yard with many outbuildings. He went on to invest in several local businesses including a brickyard, which supplied the bricks for the construction of many town buildings including the three-storey brick opera house built by Sowden in 1892.

Squire Sowden passed away suddenly in 1907 before plans for a large new residence were completed, but the project was taken over and fulfilled by his son Fred Sowden. The large castle-like residence, known as Hillcrest, is now a community museum and a municipally protected heritage site.

During the summer of 1904, on his own initiative, Squire Sowden constructed a ‘wire footbridge’ from a point on the north bank near his residence spanning the river to the south bank giving access to his buildings and properties located in the new municipal subdivision known as Idywylde.

He nailed planks to sturdy 4x4s and supported them by means of two heavy wire cables and timber piers. He nailed high strips of page wire along each side of the walk to prevent crossers who lost their footing from toppling into the water.

People were immediately intrigued with the bridge and one citizen recalled how the first pedestrians warily ventured out on it, as it swayed and bounced with every step taken.

Flipped

Only a month or two after its erection “a strong wind blew down from the northwest tossing the bridge up to the sky like a long, dark ribbon, and finally flipped it completely over,” prompting an old-timer to later comment wryly, “In those days we really HAD a swinging bridge in Souris!”

Undaunted, Squire Sowden added guide wires on either side of the bridge to help steady it. Local history has it that one man wagered he could ride his horse across the bridge, and succeeded too, but witnesses credited the horse more so than the rider for the accomplishment.

There is also an account of a harassed delivery boy who attempted to save delivery time by cycling across the bridge carrying a sack of flour. He apparently made the crossing — but the flour didn’t!

The swinging bridge became quite popular with visitors and challenged the adventurous to pit their sense of balance against its uncertain footing. It was also useful in its primary purpose as a safe, year-round river crossing for the residents of Souris and Idywylde.

In 1907, the bridge was gifted to the town and through “private subscriptions” council repaired and further improved its safety by anchoring the cables to cement blocks buried in the riverbanks.

But flood waters struck in 1912, or thereabouts, and swept away the decking, necessitating a reconstruction. It lasted 50 years until 1961, when a cable break prompted new renovations and repairs.

Flood damage

In 1976, flood waters and ice again severely damaged the bridge, and the repairs subsequently undertaken lasted another generation, until 2011.

Unprecedented water levels experienced on the Souris River required emergency diking in town and eventually forced town officials to cut the east side moorings to prevent the bridge’s anchors from being ripped out of the earth and taking part of an essential earth dike with them.

After the flood waters receded, the bridge was deemed damaged beyond repair. The continued existence of the town’s best-known landmark was in serious doubt as modern construction codes prevented a historically accurate reconstruction.

However, like Squire Sowden in 1904, the citizens of Souris and the RM of Glenwood remained undaunted and were soon formulating plans for a modern replacement, despite the thoroughly modern price tag of $4.5 million.

Construction on the footings for a new suspension bridge commenced in the autumn of 2012. The cabled spanning is being erected over winter.

The new suspension bridge won’t hold the historic value of its predecessor, but it will have grown by 21 feet. The new bridge is expected to be 184 metres (603 feet) and be in operation in time for the 2013 tourist season.

Additional information on Squire Sowden and the Souris suspension bridge is available online at: www.sourismanitoba.com/suspension-bridge; and www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/pageant/02/swingingbridge.shtml.

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