Agriculture is the largest industry in the Rivers/Daly area. The main type of soil found here is Newdale Clay Loam. 1998 was the first year farmers were allowed to grow hemp under license. Research has shown that Newdale Clay Loam is the best type of soil for hemp growing in the entire province. The other two main types of soil in the area are the Marring Hurst Course Sand Loam and Corrol Clay Loam. Pockets of Bresford Clay, Assiniboine Clay, and Miniota Sand Loam are also found in the area, however, in 1999 the main crop planted in the area was red spring wheat. Other crops planted include argentine canola, barley, flax, oats, alfalfa, alfalfa and grass mix, field peas, polish canola, winter wheat, lentils, and buckwheat. There are many different livestock operations in the area as well. These include hogs, cattle, (which include dairy and purebred Charolais and Limousin) and horses. Some of the more exotic livestock in the area include wild boars, wild turkeys, and buffalo.
Two of the top employers in the agriculture industry for the area are Hanger Farms Inc. and Springland Manufacturing. Areo Farms is located southwest of the Town of Rivers in the R.M. of Daly and is known for being one of the largest farrowing operations under one roof in North America. Springland Manufacturing, located northwest of the Town of Rivers, is Canada's largest manufacturer of in-bin grain augers. The three other top employees for this sector are Redfern Farm Services, Conquest Trucking and RedSper Industries.
The health and social service industry is the second largest industry in Rivers provided by Riverdale Health Centre and Rolling Dale Enterprises. A number of people are involved in providing quality health care in Rivers and Daly. These people fill a variety of positions such as doctors, nurses, lab technicians, rehab service providers, home care workers, and many more. The majority of these positions are full time. The top employer in this sector is the Riverdale Health Centre.
The third largest industry in the area is the retail trade industry. This industry is made up of a number of small and home-based businesses. For this reason, there are a large variety of businesses in the community. Also, due to the large number of farms in the R.M. of Daly, there are many agricultural related businesses located in or around Rivers. The top employers for this sector are Rivers Bigway, Tempo Place Emporium.
An industrial park is currently being developed in the south end of Rivers. There are 10 lots available immediately which will be serviced with water and sewer upon arrival of suitable tenants.
Riverdale Health Centre / 90
Rolling Dale Enterprises / 58
Rivers Collegiate / 25
Rivers Elementary School / 18
Town of Rivers / 7
Rivers Provincial Park / 5
Manitoba Education / 3
Manitoba Department of Highways and Transportation / 3
Rivers Police Department / 3
Manitoba Hydro / 2
Areo Farms / 50
Redfern Farm Services / 28
Springland Manufacturing / 60
Rivers Bigway Foods / 17
Redline Transport / 15
RedSper Industries / 5
The Tempo Place Emporium / 7