The Mennonite Disaster Service has launched a Hay West program to deliver hay to drought-stricken farmers in Saskatchewan.

The chair of the Mennonite Disaster Service in Ontario, Nick Hamm, says its payback time.

He says nine years ago farmers in Saskatchewan sent hay to drought-stricken livestock producers in Ontario through Mennonite Disaster Service Canada.

He says Saskatchewan farmers helped those in Ontario and its time to return the favor.

Through Hay West, the Mennonite Disaster Service hopes to send 50 truckloads of donated hay to Saskatchewan this fall.

Ontario trucking companies are being asked to move the hay at reduced rates.

The first two truckloads are scheduled to arrive in Saskatchewan Friday.

The hay will be made available to family farms in Saskatchewan at a cost of 10 cents per pound for dairy grade and seven cents per pound for beef grade.

Hamm says this is what hay used to cost before the drought but its gone up to 20 cents a pound, which is too expensive for smaller farmers.

Funds collected will be used to offset the transportation costs.

Farmers who want to receive hay can apply on the MDS Canada website or call 306-716-5909.