Toronto – Ontario's Government for the People is standing up for livestock farmers, devastated by the severe rain shortfalls this summer. The province is calling on the federal government to activate the Livestock Tax Deferral in areas impacted by severely dry conditions this past summer.
This would allow cattle producers in the regions of Ontario hit by the drought, who sold at least fifteen per cent of their breeding herd due to the dry weather in 2018, to defer a portion of sale proceeds to the following year when they replenish their livestock. Beef Farmers of Ontario requested the Livestock Tax Deferral to help their members deal with the tough conditions.
"Our government is taking action and standing up for our farmers. Farmers already face so many challenges on the job, and the effect that drought can have on pasture lands and forage production, force them to make difficult herd management decisions," said Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. "We want to make life easier and more affordable for farmers, which is why I am requesting the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), to designate regions in Ontario that were significantly impacted by drought conditions as eligible for the Livestock Tax Deferral provision. This is another small way we are working to put more money in the pockets of farmers and keep Ontario open for business."
To receive this federal tax deferral, a prescribed area must have a recognized geo-political boundary (for example municipalities or counties), be large enough to have an impact on the industry, and experience a reduction in forage production that is at least 50% of the long term average.
A final list of Prescribed Drought and Flood Regions for 2018 will be made in the coming months, when finalized forage yield information is available. Farmers can check the AAFC website for more information.
Source : OMAFRA