Manitoba farmer donates 100 hay bales to Alberta farmers hurt by drought

DAUPHIN, Man. – A Manitoba farmer is donating 100 hay bales to Alberta farmers hurt by drought.

Jurgen Kohler says that after hearing about Alberta counties declaring states of agriculture disaster, he and his wife decided to donate their surplus hay bales to small farms within the drought-stricken areas.

He says that he wants to help the small farms that are in the most need.

Kohler says by donating the hay, one family was able to keep their kids in 4-H to continue showing their cattle.

Related: Claim payments for multi-peril crop insurance in Alberta estimated at $700-900 million this year

Kohler says he got help from EMF Nutrition, Rosenau Transport, and Goodon Industries.

They brought the first three loads of hay bales to Alberta.

A total of 17 municipalities in Alberta have declared local states of agricultural emergency and are asking the province for help.

Related: City council in Sturgeon County, Alberta declares state of agricultural disaster due to drought

The provincial government has responded by cutting rental fees in half for a program that helps farmers pump water to fill their dams and dugouts.

The province is also working with municipalities to identify additional public lands for grazing to help producers feed their livestock.

Saskatchewan announced a similar measure last month to help its producers.