A convoy of producers driving farm equipment and pickup trucks slowed traffic along Highway 39 between Weyburn and McTaggart, Monday, to protest the government's reaction to the farm crisis and rally public support.

Over 90 pieces of machinery in three groups made their up and down the highway on both sides, delaying motorists 30 to 45 minutes.

Bold lettering on large signs mounted on combines and tractors expressed farmers' frustration.

"The bank owns this tractor, I just pay interest," was the message organizer Darcy Sidloski posted on his four-wheel drive tractor.

"People have had a problem with the brand new shiny equipment at these rallies. It's immaterial because new equipment is a necessary part of farming - we can't farm with machinery from the 1950s. Part of the problem is a lot of urban people think if we have this expensive equipment that we don't need help," Sidloski said.

The thumbs up sign was the most predominant gesture given by passing motorists, although some drivers were less supportive.

"The farmers have a problem with the government but they're taking it out on me," remarked motorist Jerry Guthut.

"It doesn't bother me. I'm very sympathetic to the farmers," shouted Elmer Ivan as he drove by.

In total about 250 farmers took part in rally events throughout the day, beginning with a 9 a.m. kick-off immediately west of the Main Track Cafe truckstop. Bengough Rally Group leader Bob Thomas spoke at 1 p.m., and a number of supporters stopped in at McTaggart Hall throughout the day.

As farmer Terry Baumgartner watched the machinery pass by, he echoed the sentiments of many producers who say there is no justice in farming right now.

"We are not being compensated for the costs we're facing. The price and inputs are going in the opposite direction, and the weather problems are compounding our difficulties. We are the only business where somebody else tells us what the price of our product is," he said.

Organizer Stephen Jacob said low commodity prices, rising input costs, a loss of subsidies and a growing tax burden have combined to put agriculture in a crisis state, and rallies like the one on Monday help make the general public and governments aware of that fact.

"Part of the idea behind the rally was to show support for people who are working hard to get changes in agriculture. The bottom line is to get a fair price for our commodities," Jacob added.

Darcy Sidloski said organizers accomplished more than just getting media attention for their cause.

"Maybe more importantly it has started to bring farmers together to get them to unite in a common goal. We made some really good steps towards getting ourselves united," he said.

The rally ended in the late afternoon without incident. RCMP Sergeant Rick Wychreschuk said farmers were co-operative, pulling over when too many cars started to back up.

Throughout the province, 10 rallies were held delaying or stopping traffic on 12 highways. No accidents or arrests were reported.