The Heritage Harvest Growing Project is back for its ninth season, and volunteers say the mission remains just as strong: grow food, raise funds, and honour Manitoba’s farming legacy.
Secretary Elliot Sims says the project is a community-driven partnership with deep roots.
“The Heritage Harvest Growing Project is a joint fundraising partnership between the Canadian Foodgrains Bank and the Manitoba Agricultural Museum,” notes Sims. “The museum provides the land and the Canadian Foodgrains Bank local committee farms it, and then we split the proceeds.”
This year, the group is growing soybeans on a 65-acre parcel located about two miles south of Austin, along Highway 34. The land is provided by the museum, and everything from seed to spray is donated.
“It’s been very dry for most of the growing season out here,” adds Sims. “Thankfully, as we speak, we’re getting a significant rain, so that will definitely help move our soybeans along, but they seem to be withstanding the dryness fairly well.”
Powered by community support
Sims explains the project wouldn’t exist without generous donations from local farm families and ag-related businesses.
“The Heritage Harvest project wouldn’t be successful if it wasn’t for the generous contributions of agribusinesses, farm families and local community members,” he says. “This year, we’re really thankful that nearly 100% of our proceeds have been donated. Everything from the chemical to the seed, to all of the time and energy to seed the fields and make sure that we’re spraying them at the proper times.”
He mentions that because so much of the input and labour is donated, every dollar from the harvest goes directly toward two important causes.
“At the end of the year, 100% of our crop proceeds can go towards feeding hungry people and helping preserve Manitoba’s agricultural heritage.”
$100,000 and counting
Since launching the Heritage Harvest Growing Project nearly a decade ago, Sims says the team has been able to make a real impact.
“Over the last eight years, we’ve been able to provide over $100,000 back to each, the Canadian Foodgrains Bank and the Manitoba Agricultural Museum,” he remarks. “This wouldn’t have been possible without the strong support of our community and businesses and individuals from across the province.”
Funds raised through the Canadian Foodgrains Bank go toward fighting hunger around the world, while donations to the museum help sustain and promote Manitoba’s agricultural history through preservation, exhibits, and events.
Sims says the growing project continues to be a meaningful way for the community to contribute both globally and locally.
Whether it’s the seeds in the ground or the support from neighbours, every piece of the project helps bring food to those in need; and keeps Manitoba’s rural roots alive.
Showcasing heritage at the Threshermen’s Reunion
The Manitoba Threshermen’s Reunion and Stampede takes place this weekend (July 24-27) at the Manitoba Agricultural Museum, and preparations have been underway for months.
Sims says volunteers have been hard at work readying the grounds, maintaining machinery, and setting up demonstrations that visitors enjoy.
He highlights a special John Deere exposition, featuring classic tractors on display.
For visitors planning to attend, Sims encourages pre-purchasing tickets online through the museum’s website.
“If you want to skip the line, you can go online and buy your tickets in advance before you get here so you can spend all your time looking at the displays and talking to volunteers and other visitors, rather than waiting to buy your ticket at the box office,” he notes.
This annual event offers a chance to explore Manitoba’s rich agricultural heritage while supporting ongoing projects like the Heritage Harvest Growing Project.
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