Once again, producers can take advantage of free hay in provincial highway ditches.
Hay can be salvaged any time during the spring or summer months. Before and including July 8, landowners or lessees nearest/adjacent to the ditch have the first option to cut or bale material, but after that day anyone can cut and bale without permission from the property-owner, as long as no salvage operations have already begun. It is recommended that participants contact their local ministry office to provide contact information and limits on where they are salvaging hay to avoid disputes.
Hay must be cut at a uniform height in ditches and bales must be placed at least eight metres away from the shoulder of the highway. Bales must be removed by August 8, otherwise they may be subject to removal and disposal by the ministry. After August 8, bales must be removed immediately following haying operations. The ministry may also remove and dispose of hay bales in locations deemed unsafe for drivers.
Ditch Mowing
The ministry is working on its annual early mowing program along high traffic volume highways, which begins June 7 and will continue until July 15. Contractors cut a four-metre wide swath along shoulders adjacent to Highways 1, 7, 11, 16 and 39, along with portions of Highways 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, and 10. During this time, mowing may be completed near some highway intersections and interchanges, railway crossings and tourism facilities.
Regular ditch mowing will occur along all four-lane highways between July 15 and the fall months. A four-metre-wide strip will be mowed adjacent to the other highways with additional mowing as required to ensure visibility and weed control. Progress is weather dependent.
Key Dates
- June 7 – July 15: Mowing includes a four-metre shoulder cut adjacent to the road. Highways 1, 7, 11, 16 and 39, along with portions of Highways 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9 and 10. Some highway intersections may receive a full ditch cut to ensure good sightlines.
- July 8: Prior to and including this date, a landowner or lessee nearest to a highway ditch has the first option to cut or bale hay. After this date, anyone may cut and bale hay or grass in a highway ditch without getting the permission of the adjacent landowner.
- July 15 – Oct. 15: Contractors begin mowing the width of ditches along all four-lane highways. All other highways get a four-metre cut adjacent to the highway shoulder.
- August 8: All hay bales must be removed from ditches or they may be removed and disposed of at the ministry’s discretion.
Ministry Contacts
For additional information or to provide contact information and limits of hay salvage operations, please contact the district office in your area:
Swift Current District Moose Jaw District Weyburn District
303 – 350 Cheadle Street West Box 457, Highway 2 South 18 Souris Avenue North West
Swift Current, S9H 4G3 Moose Jaw, S6H 4P1 Weyburn, S4H3 M7
306-778-8322 306-694-3711 306-848-2435
North Battleford District Saskatoon District Yorkton District
502 – 114th Street 126 – 105th Street East 304 -120 Smith Street East
North Battleford, S9A 2M6 Saskatoon, S7N1Z3 Yorkton, S3N3V3
306-446-7470 306 933-5306 306-786-1658
Meadow Lake District Prince Albert District La Ronge District
Box 1350, 212 1st Street East Box 3003, 81 North Industrial Drive Box 597, 1328 La Ronge Avenue
Meadow Lake, S9X 1Z1 Prince Albert, S6V 6G1 La Ronge, S0J 1L0
306-236-7652 306-953-2735 306-425-4494
