Industry Statement: Beef Farmers Grateful for Government Response to Devastating Drought Situation in Northwestern Ontario

Guelph - The Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) sincerely appreciate the swift response and immediate financial support for farmers in the Rainy River and Kenora Districts announced today by the Government of Ontario and the province's Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Lisa Thompson. 
 
The Ontario government is providing up to $2 million to assist with emergency measures for feed, water and basic livestock needs because of the ongoing drought conditions in the region.
 
While a number of areas in Ontario have been dealing with dry conditions impacting feed inventories, farmers in the Rainy River and Kenora Districts have been plagued by late frosts, persistent heat and lack of rain throughout this year's growing season, which have decimated their pastures and hay crops. Farmers in the area are currently making difficult herd inventory decisions, which will have a long-term impact on the current infrastructure supporting the regions' livestock sector.
 
"Over the last several weeks we have been assessing the situation and meeting with government to discuss potential assistance for farmers in drought-stricken regions of the province. We've also been hearing many heart-wrenching stories from our members in the Rainy River and Kenora Districts of the devastating impact the extreme weather conditions have been having on their crops, cattle and mental health," shares Rob Lipsett, BFO President. "BFO is prepared to do what we need to do to administer immediate relief for our farmers who are in desparate need of feed to ensure their animals are well cared for during such a trying time."
 
The short-term measures announced today are an important step taken by the province as we await the completion of the federal-provincial AgriRecovery assessment that is investigating potential additional assistance for farmers in drought-stricken regions of the province.