Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

The CFFO Commentary: Hay East Initiative Demonstrates Farmers Willingness to Help Each Other

By Nathan Stevens
September 14, 2012 
 
Tough times can bring out the best and worst in people. The drought that has impacted some areas of the province is an instance where the best is coming out in Canadian Farmers. The efforts being made to put together a “Hay East” campaign demonstrates that farmers separated by thousands of kilometers can pull together in times of need.
Back in 2002, Eastern Canadian farmers provided over 110,000 tonnes of hay to Western Canadian farmers through the “Hay West” campaign when they suffered the worst drought since the dustbowl years. Fundraising concerts were held, people donated financially and relief was brought across the country for farmers and their livestock that stood in need.

Today, a group of Saskatchewan farmers are hoping to return the favour as Eastern Ontario is suffering from severe drought and hay shortages. Mennonite Disaster Services and farm organizations are pulling together a plan for “Hay East.” A fundraising concert (http://www.farmaidottawa.com/) will be taking place this weekend in Ottawa in an effort to gather support for Eastern Ontario farmers.

The Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario (CFFO) is working with industry partners to source forages for livestock producers with limited hay supply for the winter months. Many of the details are still being developed, but now is the time for farmers in need to let their farm organizations know.

If your farm requires hay this year, visit the CFFO Website (www.christianfarmers.org) for further information on how to add your name to the province wide database. Once program details and hay sources are confirmed, farmers on the list will be invited to apply for a share of the available supply. In the meantime, to access available Ontario hay, try the Ontario Hay Listings Service at www.ontariohaylistings.ca. 

Tough times are bringing out the best in Canadian Farmers. The effort to pull together a “Hay East” campaign demonstrates that farmers have a community spirit of sharing the load.


 

Nathan Stevens is the Interim Manager and Director of Policy Development for the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario. The CFFO Commentary represents the opinions of the writer and does not necessarily represent CFFO policy. The CFFO Commentary is heard weekly on CFCO Chatham, CKNX Wingham, and UCB Canada radio stations in Chatham, Belleville, Bancroft, Brockville and Kingston and in Brantford and Woodstock. It is also found on the CFFO website:www.christianfarmers.org. CFFO is supported by 4,200 family farmers across Ontario.

Views: 95

Comment

You need to be a member of Ontario Agriculture to add comments!

Join Ontario Agriculture

Agriculture Headlines from Farms.com Canada East News - click on title for full story

How One Simple Tool Can Help Protect Crop Quality

The Keep it Clean pre-harvest interval calculator helps canola and pulse growers determine the required waiting period between pesticide application and harvest to protect crop quality.

Heat and Rain have led to a challenging growing season for Cauliflower Growers in Ontario.

As Ontario's cauliflower harvest begins, local growers rely on irrigation and skilled management to navigate summer heat and deliver fresh, high-quality produce across the province.

Foreign Workers Fill Jobs Young Canadians Avoid: CFIB

Nine in 10 small businesses using Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program say they cannot fill those positions with local employees, according to new research from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. The CFIB said in a release Tuesday that many of the jobs most commonly filled by temporary foreign workers involve overnight shifts, heavy physical labour, outdoor conditions, seasonal schedules or rural locations — work conditions many young Canadians are reluctant to accept. Nearly half of surveyed youth said they would not seek jobs requiring regular overnight work or frequent heavy physical effort. More than one-third said they would avoid mainly outdoor positions or jobs paying at or near minimum wage, the CFIB release said. Harvesting labourers account for about 32% of temporary foreign worker positions in Canada. Other common occupations include nursery and greenhouse workers, cooks, livestock labourers and food service supervisors. Location is another major b

Who Knew so Much Canadian Watermelon is Grown in Ontario

Ontario watermelon season is underway, with growers in Southwestern Ontario preparing for harvest. Warm summer conditions are supporting crop development as consumers look for this locally grown fruit.

4-H Alberta celebrates graduates while investing in the next generation of leaders

Graduation may mark the end of one chapter for 4-H Alberta members, but the organization hopes it is just the beginning of a lifelong connection to leadership and community involvement. In its July Scoop newsletter, 4-H Alberta is celebrating its 2026 graduates while introducing new leadership opportunities designed to help member, and volunteers,continue growing within the organization. Celebrating the Class of 2026 Gardner encourages graduates to remain connected to the organization, noting that the skills developed through 4-H — including communication, responsibility, confidence and leadership — will continue to serve them throughout their education, careers and community involvement. Building leadership for the future Building on that commitment to leadership development, 4-H Alberta has announced the launch of its new Legacy Leaders Program. The initiative builds on the long-standing Key Leaders program while providing additional training, expanded resources, clearer role exp

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service