Maritime farmers ship hay to drought-stricken Prairies as ranchers run out of feed

CALGARY — Farmers in the Maritimes will begin shipping surplus hay to their Prairie counterparts this week as dry conditions in the West make it difficult for farmers to feed their animals.

The Hay West initiative aims to support Western farmers who are dealing with severe drought this summer.

While farmers in the Maritimes have healthy crops this year, crops in the West are withering in the fields and this week’s rain has come too late to make much of a difference.

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Extreme heat has plagued much of the Prairie provinces as well as Western Ontario. Farmers in B.C. have also dealt with wildfires and heavy smoke. As a result, many Prairie ranchers are running out of feed for their livestock.

Some fear the drought could mean a long-term reduction in the size of the Canadian cattle herd. Ranchers unable to feed their animals may have to sell off up to 40 per cent of their herds before winter. Other ranchers may exit the industry entirely.

The federal government has pledged up to $500 million in relief funding for drought-affected farmers through AgriRecovery, a federal-provincial disaster relief program.

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• Canada’s farmers say heat wave, drought show vulnerable agricultural sector needs support

• Alberta corn thriving despite warm temperatures

• Federal election call would put farm biosecurity, mental health bill in jeopardy: MP

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The crisis has led to calls for increased mental health supports for those in the agriculture industry. In Alberta, advocates are lobbying for the creation of a 24/7 mental health hotline for farmers.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published August 18, 2021.

The Canadian Press