The provincial government is supporting farmers in northwestern Ontario by providing up to $2 million to assist them throughout this historic drought.
The money will assist with emergency measures for feed, water and basic livestock needs.
The Northwestern Livestock Emergency Assistance initiative will provide $800,000 to Beef Farmers of Ontario to help deal with immediate feed shortages on behalf of all impacted farmers in the region.
An additional $1.2 million to will be made available to source water for livestock and to purchase and install new fencing to allow livestock to safely graze in alternative locations.
Agriculture Minister Lisa Thompson and Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford made the announcement this week.
Thompson says the aid stems from a meeting she had with local cattle producers last week.
“Farmers in Northwestern Ontario have faced unprecedented dry weather this summer which has created increased stresses on their crops and feed available for their livestock. Our government has heard their concerns and is responding to get them the critical resources they need to protect their livestock and their farms.”
Thompson also wants to work with the federal minister on a long range strategy.
“We’ll be working with her (Marie-Claude Bibeau) to make sure that we access the feed needs through the winter months and also I heard loud and clear last Wednesday talking to local farmers that we need to look beyond breeding stock.”
Rickford stresses, “We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with farmers in the northwest, our government is proud to deliver this critical support during an extremely challenging year.”
A local cattle farmer is relieved the province has come forward with the immediate emergency assistance.
Kim-Jo Bliss says they are in dire need of help and thankful the government quickly acted.
