The Ministry of Highways is reminding farmers and ranchers to ‘hit the hay’ and save some money with the annual highway hay salvage and ditch mowing program.

Landowners with property nearest to a highway ditch have first dibs on cutting or baling free hay until july 8. After that deadline passes, anyone can get in on the deal without landowner permission.

Not only does the program benefit farmers, but also creates more visibility and safety at intersections and highway curves, controls brush andd noxious weed growth, and allows for improved snow storage in the ditch during winter months.

About 45,300 hectares of highway ditches are expected to be mowed in 2026, according to the Ministry.