Hay Salvage in Ditches
The hay salvage provides:
-free hay to farmers
-a neat appearance
-improved visibility
-better control of brush and harmful weed growth
-snow storage in ditches during the winter months
Hay Salvage
Hay can be salvaged any time during the spring or summer months.
Hay must be cut at a uniform height in ditches. Bales must be placed at least eight metres away from the shoulder of the highway.
As safety is the number one priority, the Ministry of Highways may remove and dispose of hay bales if locations are deemed unsafe for drivers.
Participant should contact their local ministry office to provide contact information and limits on where they are salvaging hay. This will help to avoid disputes and better coordinate with other activities that may be happening within the highway ditch, including ditch mowing by contractors and others.
Key dates for hay salvage
July 8: Prior to and including this date, a landowner or lessee nearest to a highway ditch has the first opportunity to cut or bale hay.
After July 8: Cut and bale hay on a first come, first serve basis. The nearest landowner’s permission is not required after this date. Cutting and baling hay should not be initiated if the mowing contractor is mowing near the area.
August 8: All hay bales must be removed from ditches or they may be removed and disposed of at the ministry’s discretion.
After August 8: Bales must be removed immediately following haying operations.