An agriculture project in which 160 acres of canola was planted will benefit the Dauphin and District Community Foundation.
Jason Beyette spearheaded the grow project starting in the spring, with various sponsors donating everything that was needed to make the project a success.
“We had received donations from various retailers. The Co-op was instrumental in getting the seed organized for the field and then they followed it up with the chemicals to spray the crop,” he said. “And we’ve had other retailers, like 360 Ag Consulting. They provided the agronomy for us and told us what we needed to do on the field.”
Reit-Syd Equipment looked after all the custom spraying, as well as donating two combines to harvest the crop, which took place, Oct. 17.
“And the Michaeleski family has been trucking it into town for us to the elevator,” Beyette added.
The idea came from one of the DDCF board members, Beyette said.
“Sherrie Volk had noted that in her hometown of Elkhorn, their community foundation had done a grow project and she thought it would be neat to do that here,” he said.
The land used for the project was owned by the late Peter Sklepowich.
Beyette does not yetknow how much the project will raise and it will be a while before they do.
“But we’re hoping to raise a substantial amount of money through this grow project,” he said.
Because of the success of similar grow projects as a fund-raising endeavour, Beyette feels it would be a wonderful fund-raiser for DDCF if they can get the land to do it again.
“I think retailers are very charitable in giving product to organizations to get a crop in the ground. And I think there’s always producers willing to lend a hand to help that succeed,” he said, adding his thanks to everyone who has contributed to the project. “And thank you to the foundation for taking the leap and going forward with it,” he added.
Kit Daley, DDCF executive director, said the project will have a huge impact on what the foundation can grant every year.
“Obviously, every donation helps, but the hope with this crop is it will be a substantial gift and it will increase annually what we can give back to the community. So the more projects and organizations we can support through our granting program, the better it is for our community,” she said.
