AgriBiz Value-Added

Bifrost has 166,000 acres of improved cropland consisting of mostly class 2 to 4 soils which are among the most productive soils in the province.  There are approximately 110,000 annually cropped acres and 56,000 perennial forage acres.  The area is known for producing a variety of annual crops consisting of cereals, oilseeds and specialty crops.  Bifrost has experienced many years of maintaining the highest grain handle (volume) in the province and its Ag retailers have often posted the highest sales of crop inputs in the province.

Agriculture in the area is broadly diversified with not only grains and seeds, but also dairy, beef and hog operations.  Local agribiz entrepreneurs have an exceptional record of exploiting value-added opportunities – examples include Bifrost Bio-Blends, Midlake Specialty Foods, Wedge Farms, Spruce Wood Loggers, Sunterra Horticulture (Canada), Johnson Seeds, Floyd Seeds and others.

In addition to the many agribiz value-added opportunities that exist, Arborg is also a major agricultural service centre for the Interlake with many retail, equipment and service opportunities for this sector.

The new agricultural research facility located on the outskirts of Arborg (Prairies East Sustainable Agriculture Initiative or PESAI) provides funding and other assistance for partner-led projects.  PESAI looks to grassroots organizations and producers for initiatives that ensure those in the Prairies East Region of Manitoba remain on the leading edge.

PESAI focuses on applied research, innovation, diversification, value-added, advanced technology, market development and sustainability initiatives.  Extension programs include applied field research and demonstrations, tours, seminars, workshops, equipment rentals and specific agricultural related projects and research for individuals and producer groups.

When one combines the number of agribiz  and value-added opportunities with our innovative, risk-taking spirit and the research, business and government supports in place – Arborg/Bifrost is a recipe for success!