Several local growing projects for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank are preparing to harvest their crop within the next few weeks.

Every year, farmers take time out of their busy schedules grow crops for donation. The projects are made possible through donations from local corporations, as well as time and effort put in by volunteers and community members. The growing projects all have timelines in mind for harvest and all have a positive outlook on field conditions.

Isaac Froese is the spokesperson for the project near Rosenfeld, called Communities Helping Undernourished Millions (CHUM). He says the 150 acres of soybeans are looking well despite the dry conditions.

"Like all the other crops they needed a bit more water at times, but all in all they looked pretty good for the growing season that we had," said Froese. "We have a number of supporters who, on a yearly basis, support us and help us with input, help us with the work," he added.

Abe Elias is the spokesman for the 80 acre project north of Elm Creek. He says this year's wheat looks excellent, and the volunteer farmers are looking to combine as early as next week.

"The land has been donated to us, and we seed that every year, there's wheat in there this year and it looks excellent," said Elias. "We have very good support from the local farmers, especially with the hands-on stuff, and financially, as well as (from) our area churches and community."

"Never underestimate the corporate community. The corporate community in this area has been exceptional in supporting us in this project," he added.

All committees also keep in mind the farmer's own harvest schedules before asking them to donate their time.

"We usually try and make sure a lot of the local farmers have a bulk of their cereals done... so then it's much more relaxing to have everybody come in there and help us with the harvest," said Elias.

Elias added they have never taken out money to cover expenses, and have collected about $10,000 to $20,000 in cash donations. He estimated they will donate around $50,000 to $60,000 to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank this year.

Also, the H.O.P.E project, short for Helping Other People Eat, has planted 160 acres of soybeans two miles west of Arnaud.

Jeremy Calder, chairman of the H.O.P.E committee, says the soybeans are doing well and estimated the donation will be on par with past year.

Last year about 10 combines came to help out. He will be wrapping up the project with a supper to thank everyone who was involved.

The Calder family has been involved with the grain donation project for over 10 years.