October 12, 2021, Ottawa – The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) is happy to announce Farm Credit Canada (FCC) and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) have both made substantial contributions to the Hay West 2021 initiative to help cover the shipping costs to send hay to drought-stricken farmers in the Prairie provinces.
The Hay West initiative helps farmers in the West who are currently suffering from a hay shortage due to devastating drought. Farmers from the East Coast, as well as Ontario and Quebec, have graciously committed and/or donated hay to be sent out west to help feed livestock.
The OFA has contributed $50,000 to the initiative, while FCC has contributed $25,000. FCC has also agreed to provide an additional $25,000 if CFA is able to secure an additional $25,000 contribution from another source. CFA hopes these gestures of financial support will spur further contributions, as the drought in Western Canada has been extremely lengthy and resulted in a dire need for hay.
All proceeds from donations go directly to paying the shipping costs for moving hay across Canada and the logistical support needed to do so. CFA currently has tens of thousands of bales of hay to be sent to the Prairie provinces, but the demand for hay is still extremely high and more is needed.
“CFA would like to thank both FCC and OFA for their generous contributions. FCC has supported farmers for a long time through their services, and we greatly appreciate the help they are offering today. The donation from OFA continues a long history of farmers helping out their colleagues from all across Canada whenever they are hit by devastating and uncontrollable circumstances,” said CFA President, Mary Robinson.
“There have been two initiatives like Hay West in Canada’s history, with the most recent being when farmers from the West sent hay out East for farmers struggling with drought. OFA is happy to be able to make a contribution to help farmers when they are struggling, no matter where they are. We hope these donations can spur other organizations to do so as well,” said Peggy Brekveld, OFA President.
CFA is still looking for contributions to cover shipping costs, as well as farmers looking to buy or supply hay. Visit www.haywest2021.net if you are looking to supply or purchase hay.
Please contact Laurie Karson at Laurie@canadian-farmers.ca if you would like to donate funds.