Yorkton, Sask. — Three rural-based organizations in Saskatchewan have pooled their resources under a new fund-raising initiative.
4-H Saskatchewan, Federated Co-operatives Limited and Ducks Unlimited Canada have united in a canola growing project to raise money for rural youth and wetland conservation.
Under the Growing the Future project, the three organizations are growing a canola crop with proceeds split equally between 4-H and Ducks Unlimited.
Ducks Unlimited provides the land, FCL is working with supply partners and local retail co-ops to provide seed, fertilizer, crop protection products, fuel and agronomic expertise, and 4-H is providing the manpower and equipment to grow, harvest and deliver the crop.
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“It’s a perfect fit with our efforts to retain and restore conservation habitat,” Trevor Plews, head of conservation programs for Ducks Unlimited in Saskatchewan said in a news release.
Lee Walerius, executive director of 4-H Saskatchewan, said in a release that the project provides a teaching opportunity.
“We are planning a field day at this site where 4-H members will help swath the crop and learn about GPS systems. They will be learning how to grow a crop and conserve habitat. It’s definitely win-win,” said Walerius.
Vic Huard, vice-president of corporate affairs for FCL, said the program fits with FCL’s commitment to sustainable environmental practices and its support for local leadership development.
“The innovative leadership demonstrated by both DUC and the 4-H program in Canada will benefit the many communities where Co-ops have invested in the future.”
