Beef Farmers of Ontario has completed a hay lift to drought-stricken farmers in Northwestern Ontario, a program it administered on behalf of the provincial government which provided about $1 million.
They delivered 5.8 million pounds of hay to 129 livestock farmers to feed more than 11,000 beef and dairy cattle in the Rainy River and Kenora Districts.
Over the course of 60 days, the hay travelled by 120 trucks, by CN Rail, and endured a collective voyage of more than 200,000 kilometers.
“On behalf of our members in the northwest, we are so grateful for the response from (Ontario Agriculture Minister Lisa) Thompson and the government of Ontario to help Ontario’s farmers navigate the drought of 2021,” said BFO president Rob Lipsett.
“When we work together, we can accomplish great things and we sincerely appreciate the efforts of all of our partners and donors who played pivotal roles in providing an incredible amount of hay to the producers of Rainy River and Kenora in such a short time.”
Thompson said she “very much appreciates the impact this drought has had on farmers, as well as their candor when discussing this issue.
“That is why our government acted quickly to provide the emergency assistance to those affected by it.”
BFO was overwhelmed by the response from fellow farmers who wanted to lend a helping hand by providing either donated forages or offers of surplus hay for sale.
On behalf of farmers in the northwest, BFO humbly accepted over $64,000 in financial donations to support its efforts, and used the funds to purchase and transport additional feed for the region.
BFO would like to thank this incredible list of generous financial, feed and transport donors, and especially those who provided their valuable time to help BFO execute this initiative with extreme professionalism and precision:
- Chris Martin, Marhaven Agri Inc., hay and transport procurement
- Fritz and Gise Trauttmansdorff, Dunlea Farms Ltd., hay and transport procurement
- Jeff Pollard, Stratton drop site management
- Evan Debney, Kenora drop site management
- The many hay suppliers, transport companies, and drivers from across the province
The donar list is:
Frew Family
Mark Horst, Marcrest Lucknow Kinsmen Club Jason Fuerth
Larry Miehls
George Dickenson
Roger Thurston
Brian Pelleboer
Robert Halliday
Ken and Marie McNabb Dan and Greg Schantz Nathan Fried
James and Francis Johnston
Transport Donars:
Titan Trailers Inc. Jerry Martens
Mark Horst, Marcrest
Financial Donars:
