The 2019 edition of the Farming for Health initiative got under way today (Thursday), as planting started.
The Health Foundation has been planting crops and selling the production for a number of years as a major fundraising initiative.
Project co-chair Larry Hilworth said the money from the project was ear-marked to go toward a new hospital in the city, and raised $1 million for that purpose.
With the $1 million in the bank awaiting the province moving forward with a new hospital it was decided to refocus the Farming for Health project on some equipment needs at the hospital, said Hilworth.
“We still hope a new hospital will come,” he said, adding until that happens there are other needs within the health system.
In 2018 $159,467 was raised for digital microscopy system.
This year it is hoped the 360 acres of canola being planted will generate enough dollars when sold in the fall to fund new ultrasound equipment.
Hilworth said the key the success of the project over the years has been the support of sponsors, starting with the land which is owned by the City of Yorkton.
Beyond the land, Hilworth said they receive donations ranging from equipment and labour to do the actual field work; harrowing, seeding, stone picking, harvest and grain hauling, through to support in terms of helping with the cost of seed and fertilizer.
“It’s amazing the agriculture community can come together for such a good cause,” he said, adding companies that traditionally compete for market share are willing to work together “for the betterment of the Health Foundation.”
