By Alice McFarlane

Hay West program receives funding boost

Nov 10, 2021 | 2:00 PM

MELFORT, Sask. — CN Rail’s financial support of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture’s (CFA) Hay West campaign will hopefully spur more donations from other organizations.

CN is committing up to $250,000 to help cover the shipping costs of sending hay to drought-stricken farmers on the prairies. The donation includes an immediate $125,000 donation and matching funding for donations from other sources, up to an additional $125,000.

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 donated hay to be sent out west to help feed livestock.

CFA president Mary Robinson said the donation from CN, as well as all the other supporting organizations, will be a help to those cattle producers who need the feed for their livestock.

“We cannot stress how important this initiative is, as these funds go directly to helping farmers who have been struggling to feed their animals,” Robinson said. “Through these donations we are helping to save many farmers and their animals from devastation.”

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All proceeds from donations go directly to paying the shipping costs for moving hay across Canada and the logistical support.

CN’s initial cash donation will apply to the “matching donation” previously supplied by Farm Credit Canada (FCC). FCC agreed to match up to $25,000 from any other organization, bringing the total donation from Farm Credit Canada to $50,000.

Robinson said demand for hay is still extremely high and more is needed.

“It is truly incredible to see the amount of support and collaboration that has come together through these unfortunate circumstances, and we are grateful for everyone who has been involved,” Robinson said.

Farmers looking to buy or supply hay can visit haywest2021.net.

If you are interested in making a contribution to help cover shipping costs contact laurie@canadian-farmers.ca.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @farmnewsNOW