On Friday December 23, 2011 seven local producers presented a cheque to the ‘Kernels of Hope’ program in the amount of $30,942 ‘Kernels of Hope’ is affiliated with Canadian Food Grain Bank and donations to it results in a matching donation of four dollars to every one dollar by the Canadian International Development Agency. “This resulted in a total donations of $154,710”, reported Fallon Hudye of Hudye Soil Services; who plays a big part in the ‘Helping Feed the World’ project. “The amount donated is to be directed into programs that provide food for those that are in dire need and for the purchase of seed and tools to help farm in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC),” explained Ray Baloun of Minnedosa, Manitoba; who began the Kernels of Hope Program in Norquay, Saskatchewan seven years ago.

A big thank you goes out to Leis Farms, Krywy Farms, Pennell Farms, Lakeside Farms—Steven Toffan, Justin Toffan, Scott Effa, Hudye Farms Inc., Ferris & Lindgren Farms and Feland Farms for stepping up to the challenge and supporting such a wonderful cause. Each producer donated 10 acres from a crop of their choice to benefit the project.

Global news has never before highlighted the major problems of hunger and access to food as much as they are today. When those concerns arise, producers are excited to take the challenge and incorporate all the available research to maximize yields and productivity to meet increasing demands for food. A difference is being made right in our own backyard, here in Norquay, Sk.