Prairie farm groups voiced their concern this week over the delay in moving Bill C-234 through the Senate.

The group includes the Keystone Agriculture Producers (KAP) in Manitoba, the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS), and the Alberta Federation of Agriculture (AFA).

The Conservative Private Members Bill C-234 would see farmers exempt from paying the carbon tax on propane and natural gas used on farms for drying grain and heating barns.

After some delay, discussion, and amendments the bill finally passed third reading in the House of Commons on March 29th and received first reading in the Senate on March 30th.

KAP's President Jill Verwey says this is a key piece of legislation for farmers.

"On the heating of barns, particularly you know, that's something that for the welfare of our animals and the climate that we live in, it's a necessary item. Then secondly trying to get good quality grain off in the fall, quite often involves grain drying. So that can add a significant cost on to farmers."

She says after years of pushing to try and get this through, they can finally see the finish line and they just want to see it happen.

The carbon tax farmers pay in propane and natural gas costs for drying grain and heating barns is significant and can run from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars if not more for some larger operations.

The Alberta Federation of Agriculture President Lynn Jacobson says he knows some of the people that they've talked to out of a $30,000 bill, probably spent $5000 - $6,000 on taxes for heating barns.

"You can get some very substantial costs and you don't have any alternatives. I know there's been farmers investing in solar panels and trying to pick up some of the costs through solar panels and renewable energy projects, but most people rely on natural gas and propane."

Jacobson says it's an issue they've been pushing for since the carbon tax was implemented.

APAS President Ian Boxall is concerned that the clock is running out. 

"If the Senate doesn't send it to the committee this week, there won't be time to get it passed before the summer break."

Bill C-234 passed second reading in the Senate on Wednesday and has now been refferred to the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry and the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance for review.