Drought-impacted beef farmers in northwestern Ontario are receiving an additional funding top-up from Queen's Park.
The province is providing up to $15,000 for livestock farmers through the Northwestern Ontario Drought Assistance Initiative for well drilling and pond construction projects.
Ontario will provide up to 50 per cent in cost-share funding for well improvement, pond expansion and/or construction to eligible farmers in the Kenora, Rainy River and Thunder Bay areas, up to a maximum of $15,000 per farm.
Funding will be for eligible costs incurred since June 14. Eligible farmers can apply for the Northwestern Ontario Drought Assistance Initiative through Agricorp. Applications open later this month and run until January 31, 2022.
“Last week I visited farmers in northwest Ontario and not only did they ask for assistance, but I saw first hand the urgent need to provide assistance with drilling new wells and modifying ponds,” said provincial Agriculture Minister Lisa Thompson in a news release.
“Quickly providing this targeted support will help impacted farms access a permanent and much-needed water supply that will ensure the short- and long-term success of the farm’s operation.”
Rob Lipsett, president of Beef Farmers of Ontario, thanked the province for responding to the needs of farmers.
"The additional support announced today to assist farmers with the costs of securing additional water infrastructure capacity will provide yet another tool for farmers, and will also help mitigate the long-term effects of the drought by ensuring vital infrastructure is in place in the region to support the regrowth of the cow herd as our sector in the northwest recovers.”
