MDS responds in the Manitoba Interlake

A load of hay ready to be delivered.

In Manitoba, the area between Lake Winnipeg and Lake Manitoba has experienced erratic weather patterns. This has made it difficult for the farmers in the region. In the past five years they have dealt with severe drought and low cattle prices due to BSE or mad cow disease. So when torrential rains hit this past summer, not allowing for the harvest of either hay or seeded crops, farmers were even further devastated. 

MDS responded several years ago after the drought years and has now been able to respond again. By the end of January, 27 farmers in the south have donated 25 semi-loads of hay and straw to 18 different clients. This has been of great assistance but more will be needed to get the farmers through the winter and spring. Temperatures from mid December to the end of January have struggled to reach daytime highs of -20 C, which means that cattle need even more feed. 

Farmers have to pay for the freight costs up front but will be reimbursed by the government. However, some farmers have found it difficult to come up with the money upfront. One MDS Manitoba board member was sharing in his church about a client who was to receive a load of hay. A few days before the shipment they called to cancel as they could not afford the cost of the transportation. After church a young man who owns a truck came to say that he would donate his truck, fuel and time to deliver the load to the farmer. 

We are thankful for the many farmers who have donated hay and straw, for the truckers who have delivered it and for those who have donated money to help offset some of the costs involved. We pray that cattle prices will rise and that the spring will be dry so that the farmers can harvest their crop and at least collect some crop insurance. We are hopeful that the project can continue until the farmers can cut their crop of hay next summer.