Farmers in Saskatchewan can salvage hay from areas alongside provincial highways starting Friday.
According to the Ministry of Highways, anyone is permitted to cut and bale hay along highways any time after Friday as long as they have permission from nearby landowners and mowing in the area hasn’t already started.
“The annual hay salvage and mowing program provides many benefits by taking into account the needs of area landowners, producers and motorists,” Highways Minister Jeremy Cockrill said in a statement.
“The hay salvage and mowing program strikes a balance by combining the needs of different groups and delivering a cost-effective program.”
Meanwhile, summer highway mowing is in full swing, with the first cut beginning in June and the second cut scheduled to start as early as July 15.
Mowing in the areas around Swift Current and North Battleford is to begin Aug. 15, the ministry said, which allows more time for farmers to salvage hay.
“Cutting grass along provincial highways provides many benefits as it optimizes snow storage in ditches which reduces drifting on the road surface during the winter,” the ministry said in a statement.