Three area fire departments are on the list of organizations receiving a $2,000 grant from Manitoba Ag Days this year.

Ochre River Fire Department will receive funding to help purchase a side-by-side grassland attack all-terrain vehicle to help in protecting the vast farmlands with difficult terrain under its care.

In addition, Ste. Rose Fire Department and Roblin Fire and Rescue will put their grants toward the purchase of grain rescue equipment.

The funds are supplied by the Ag Days Gives Back program through Manitoba Ag Days, which ran Jan. 17 to 19, at the Keystone Centre in Brandon. One hundred per cent of the 50/50 funds raised at the show are returned to community organizations throughout the province invested in agricultural education, as well as community fire departments.

This year the program awarded $29,000, bringing the total in its 10-year history to $376,500.

Other fire departments receiving support include Glenboro South Cypress Fire Department, Ste. Anne Fire Department, Whitemouth Fire Department, Edward Fire Department and Clandeboye Fire Department.

The Education and Leadership Grant of $10,000 was awarded to Agriculture in the Classroom - Manitoba, while $1,000 scholarships were provided to Rhett Grieve in the ACC Diploma program, Lacey Shirley Calder in the U of M Diploma program and Emily Rob in the U of M Degree program.

Manitoba Ag Days show is an annual three-day exposition of agriculture production expertise, technology and equipment that attracts exhibitors and visitors from across Canada and the U.S. held at the Keystone Centre in Brandon. Applications for the next round of Ag Days Gives Back grants and scholarships will open in the fall and be awarded at the 2024 show, which runs Jan. 16 to 18, 2024.