Hay West 2021 receives $3 million in funding

The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) today announced $3 million in funding for the Hay West 2021 initiative.

“The Hay West program has been a heartwarming response to a devastating situation,” says Mary Robinson, CFA President. “We have seen farmers come together to help their colleagues across the country, and this funding from AAFC will facilitate the delivery of hay to farmers and ranchers who otherwise would have no feed to maintain valuable breeding stock.

Around 5.5 million pounds of hay has shipped west to support farmers in severe drought situations.

The HayWest program is all about farmers helping farmers.

Our Government is proud to support @CFAFCA and the solidarity of farmers during a year marked with extreme climate challenges.https://t.co/EqVKoijUhB

— Marie-Claude Bibeau (@mclaudebibeau) December 15, 2021

While this announcement will benefit many struggling producers, CFA recognizes the ongoing need for support.

“We know valuable breeding stock are now being culled due to both a lack of hay in the immediate, as well as ‘supply uncertainty’ through to Spring,” says Robinson. “With these funds, we can feed more, but we will be seeking ongoing funding from the government and corporate donors to continue this program over the coming months to help as many animals and producers as possible.”

As of the announcement, the Hay West 2021 Initiative has received $4 million from the government, as well as donations from Farm Credit Canada ($50,000), the Ontario Federation of Agriculture ($50,000), the government of Prince Edward Island and CN Rail ($125,000 with an offer to match other donations up to an additional $125,000, for a total commitment of $250,000).