Saskatchewan farmers and ranchers can now harvest free livestock feed from provincial highway ditches as the annual ditch mowing and hay salvage program gets underway.
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Landowners and lessees whose property sits adjacent to a highway ditch have the first opportunity to cut or bale the hay until July 8. After that date, the remaining ditches will be open to anyone without permission, provided a harvest isn’t already in progress.
Highways minister Kim Gartner said the program serves a dual purpose for the province.
“It helps improve visibility and safety for drivers, while providing a valuable feed source for local livestock operations,” Gartner said.
The provincial government expects contractors and rural municipalities to mow approximately 45,300 hectares of highway ditches over the course of the 2026 season.
In addition to providing free feed for producers, officials say the mowing program clears sightlines at intersections and curves, controls noxious weeds and brush growth, and creates space for winter snow storage to reduce highway drifting.
Motorists are being reminded to use caution and slow down when passing mowing equipment and farm vehicles working along the roadsides. Drivers can check the provincial Highway Hotline for up-to-date road conditions.
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