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University Archives & Special Collections, J.M. Bell fonds — MG 182. II. Ca 1970. (Patrick Hayes)

The Grain-for-fees Program

In August 1970 the university announced that its grain-for-fees program would be offered for a second year.

Saskatchewan’s wheat economy was in trouble as the 1960s came to a close.

A glut on the world market had suppressed wheat prices, leaving many Saskatchewan farmers grain rich and cash poor.

In August 1970 the university announced that its grain-for-fees program would be offered for a second year.

A limited number of students, farmers or the children of farmers would be selected on the basis of need. More than one student, however, could qualify from the same family. 

Eligible students were allowed to make grain deliveries worth up to $300, in most cases about three-quarters of their tuition fees. The grain, paid at market value, was to be delivered to the University Farm at the students' expense for use as feed in experimental trials.

In the first year only barley was accepted. In the second, oats and wheat were added. Approximately 65 students in each of the two years qualified for the program. 

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