Farmers and livestock producers can salvage hay from the ditches alongside provincial highways starting this weekend. No permissions are needed to salvage the hay, provided that someone else hasn’t already started mowing or salvaging it. 

"The annual hay salvage and mowing program provides many benefits by taking into account the needs of area landowners, producers and motorists," Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. "The hay salvage and mowing program strikes a balance by combining the needs of different groups and delivering a cost-effective program." 

The cutting and salvage program each summer helps to optimize snow storage in ditches by removing the grass that is in them. It also helps to improve visibility and to control growth alongside the highways. 

The province’s mowing program this year saw the first cut in June, with the second cut happening in July. Around 41,000 hectares have been tendered under the provincial program this year.