According to HayEast organizers, Ontario farmers have welcomed an extension to the program, thanks to additional funding from the Ontario government.
Premier Kathleen Wynne has committed up to $150,000 in additional provincial support that, along with private donations received, will extend the program to June 1.
According to a HayEast press release, the new funding will cover transportation costs, providing available out-of-province hay to where it is needed most - to Ontario farmers affected by the summer 2012 drought. Many Ontario farmers are still in need of hay for their livestock, and the need will continue until pastures and the 2013 hay crop becomes available, the release states.
"We are proud to be part of the strong tradition of co-operation that exists in Canadian agriculture - among farmers, suppliers and government," says Kathleen Wynne, premier of Ontario and minister of Agriculture and Food. "These additional dollars for HayEast will help bring hay to Ontario producers over the next several months until pastures are ready."
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.
"We are grateful Premier Wynne has stepped up to provide this additional support," says Mark Wales, president, Ontario Federation of Agriculture. "This news will help ease the minds of many Ontario farmers who are still looking for hay to get their livestock through to the summer season."
The OFA will continue to work with Ontario farmers in need of hay, according to the press release. Private donations can still be made to HayEast 2012 at any Scotiabank branch across Canada or by visiting www.hayeast2012.ca.
