The Ontario government said it will spent up to $2 million to assist with emergency measures for feed, water and basic livestock needs because of the ongoing drought conditions in Northwestern Ontario.
Rainy River, for example, has had hardly any rain since early May.
The Northwestern Livestock Emergency Assistance Initiative will help livestock farms with up to $800,000 administered by Beef Farmers of Ontario.
Another $1.2 million will be made available for emergency measures to source water for livestock and to purchase and install new fencing to allow livestock to safely graze in alternative locations. AgriCorp will deliver this program.
This funding will address urgent needs while the provincial and federal governments work together at longer term measures through AgriRecovery.
Agriculture Minister Lisa Thompson said the government is “responding to get them the critical resources they need to protect their livestock and their farms. We’re working closely with Beef Farmers of Ontario and . . . AgriCorp to provide this support immediately.”
Rob Lipsett, president, Beef Farmers of Ontario, said “we sincerely appreciate the swift response and immediate financial support announced today . . . ”
“These short-term measures are an important step taken by the province as we await the completion of the federal-provincial AgriRecovery assessment that is investigating potential additional assistance for farmers in affected regions of the province.”
Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry, said “We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with farmers in the northwest; our government is proud to deliver this critical support during an extremely challenging year.”
