The Killarney Foodgrains Grow Project is off to a great start! The starbuck wheat seed is in the ground at their rented 145-acre field northeast of Killarney and anticipation has already started to build as spring turns into summer.
This is the 15th year for the Killarney Foodgrains Project, having started in 2010 on Frank Peters 120-acre field northwest of town.
Project Field Manager, Myron Peters, says he remembers when the Grow Project started with his dad’s land.
“There was 120 acres there and that's kind of where we got our feet wet and started the project,” shares Myron. “The very first year I think we had three combines on harvest day, and we thought that was pretty special. Our record about four or five years ago was 26 combines, so along with the project and the volunteers, everything else is grown as well.”
The Killarney Grow Project remained on the Peters’ land for half a dozen years and then has moved year to year.
“We’ve gone in every direction from town, and it’s always exciting to be on a new chunk of ground and get the local guys in that area to come and help us out, especially on harvest day,” he adds.
“So, yeah, 15 years this year,” says Peters. “It’s been awesome and Killarney and the surrounding area, the support every year has just been overwhelming. We really appreciate that as a committee and I’d like to thank those individuals who help us out.”
Peters says as soon as the seed hits the ground fundraising efforts begin to cover the input costs.
"People can sponsor an acre for the input costs at $250 an acre. A lot of people do it in remembrance of a loved one. Or they get together as a family and sponsor an acre. So, we're definitely doing that again this year."
Looking forward to harvest day, Peters says they’ve got something special in the works. “For those who are wanting to come out, I don’t think you’re going to want to miss this one. It’s not life-changing but it will be something to see!”
Peters says the public is going to have to wait to find out more. “Let’s just say there are 4 individuals, maybe 5, and they’re going to do something a little bit unique this year on harvest day. So, we’re keeping everyone in suspense,” he adds with a laugh. “It will put a smile on folks faces for sure!”
The Canadian Foodgrains Bank is world-known for being a charitable organization to help stop hunger around the globe.
“Funds raised from this helps to end world hunger, with not only a handout to get people back on their feet, but also education on how they can improve their situation.”
Killarney committee chair, Dan Penner related the story of a woman who could only harvest 3 bags of grain from her little field in Ethiopia, but last year was able to fill 12 bags of grain just from changing her farming practices with help from the Canadian Foodgrains Bank and their partner organizations.
Please listen to more on this story with Myron Peters below!
If you'd like to see the progress of the Killarney Grow Project field throughout the summer months, drive 2 miles north on Hwy 18 from the Killarney Vet Clinic, and then drive 5 miles east. Watch for the John Deere drill with the Foodgrains sign and the Canadian flag.
"People are encouraged to come out and take a look at the field," offers Peters. "Come and see what you're supporting. It's always fun to see the different stages as the crop grows!"
Donations can be mailed to: Killarney Grow Project, Box 1660 Killarney, ROK 1GO. Please write cheques out to Killarney Grow Project.