COLUMN: Report from the Legislature – Growing into summer

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 19/05/2025 (311 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Our warm summer weather is finally here to stay and with some much-needed rain, we are seeing things grow and sprout up from seemingly nowhere. Whether for work or for pleasure, this is the time of year when Manitobans get to witness the miracle of the new beginnings that come with spring.

The constituency of Springfield-Ritchot has a close connection with farming and has deep roots in the earliest agricultural activity in Manitoba. For example, the Town of Niverville is the location of the very first grain elevator in Western Canada. This unique round structure was built in 1879 by William Hespeler, who was the Dominion Immigration and Agriculture Agent for Manitoba. It was also from this grain elevator that the first western Canadian barley was shipped to markets overseas. Today, Hespeler Park in Niverville commemorates the accomplishments of William Hespeler and the agricultural history of the area.

As well, the Springfield Agricultural Society established a monument in Dugald to commemorate the Springfield grain growers who produced western Canada’s first shipment of wheat; purchased at 85 cents per bushel and shipped on October 21, 1876, by Red River steamer for use in Ontario as seed.

Fast forward to modern times, agriculture remains a major industry, and our province thrives in this sector as we are geographically part of the interior plains of Canada, also known as Canada’s breadbasket. While not everyone makes their living by farming, garden marketing or running one of our constituency’s numerous greenhouses, enables many of us to still enjoy gardening. There is satisfaction in growing the fruits, vegetables and flowers that our rich Manitoba soil can produce. Like many others, I take great delight in picking, planting and caring for the flowers in the numerous planters on the deck in my backyard and I enjoy their beauty all summer long.

Community gardens are a great way to grow fruits and vegetables while also being engaged with others. Ritchot has partnered with their local schools and health authority to bring access to several community garden sites. These gardens have many advantages besides the food they produce, including the benefits for mental health and relaxation as well as connecting with people in the community.

Springfield-Ritchot is also home to the Bruce D. Campbell Farm and Food Discovery Centre. This interpretive facility explores the ways in which food is made in Canada with exciting and interactive exhibits that lead visitors from the famer’s fields right to the kitchen table. Visitors can learn about every aspect of food production from farming practices to retail sales. Learning opportunities include viewing windows into a real working pig barn and hands-on activities that address hot topics in agriculture and food production like GMOs, greenhouse gases and sustainable farming.

As always, I am privileged to serve you and your family as your MLA. I welcome your questions, comments and concerns by email at Ron@RonSchuler.com or by mail at Box 150, Oak Bank, MB ROE IJO. By emailing or writing me with your views, you are helping to keep our government informed on what our citizens are thinking and feeling, and I sincerely thank you for that.