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First HayEast 2012 truckloads arrive in Ontario

COBDEN, ON – Drought-affected farmers in Ontario have much to be thankful for, with the first shipment of western Canadian hay touching down this morning near Cobden, Ontario. The hay is the first of many loads heading east to help Ontario farmers sustain their livestock through the winter.

On-hand to welcome the inaugural shipment were representatives from the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) and Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS).

HayEast 2012 is a partnership involving farm organizations across Canada. The program is a follow-up to the HayWest program that saw thousands of eastern Canadian farmers send forages to Western Canada in 2002 to help alleviate the effects of that region’s drought. Organizers say western Canadian farmers are anxious to reciprocate that good will. Organizers have issued an urgent plea for Canadians and Canadian businesses to provide donations to support the transportation of hay from Western to Eastern Canada. The funds raised will provide relief for Ontario livestock farmers facing a critical feed shortage as a result of summer drought conditions.

“This arrival marks a bright spot in what has become a very dark time for some livestock farmers in Ontario and Quebec,” says Glenn Buck, chairman of MDS.  “There is still much to be done to address the critical need for livestock feed at this time.”

Members of the media, and local dignitaries were also present to mark the first shipment of donated hay, which was loaded in Saskatchewan last week. It is being trucked to the Ontario farmers who have met HayEast 2012 approval criteria.

“It was a difficult year for many Ontario farmers, where in many areas, their fields produced no crops worth harvesting,” says Mark Wales, OFA president. “Ontario farmers are grateful for the show of support from our western neighbours, and for the support of hay, cash and in-kind donations that have begun to come in.”

HayEast 2012 organizers are working to secure several more shipments of hay from Canada’s western provinces for distribution to farmers in Ontario and Quebec. Individuals or businesses may make a donation at any Scotiabank location across Canada, or cheques can be made payable to “HayEast 2012.” Ontario farmers in need of forage must apply to the program for consideration. Program details are available at www.hayeast2012.com.

Source: OFA


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