BRANTFORD — In solidarity with British Columbia dairy farms affected by flooding last month, the Holstein Canada board has voted to put $25,000 into a joint effort benefiting those producers. With other industry partners (Lactanet, Ciaq, Eastgen, Westgen and Semex), the Association will participate in initiatives aimed at the genetic reconstruction of the affected herds as soon as the needs are known and identified.
One hundred and fifteen dairy farms were affected by the flooding; 62 had to be evacuated.
Some farmers are currently returning to their farms to assess the damage. The clean-up period is underway to allow all surviving animals to return to their barns. Six dairy farms remain inaccessible. Getting these producers back on their feet will take a lot of time, money and volunteer work, the Association says.
Last August, Holstein Canada also waived late fees on current accounts until December 31, 2021, as well as late fees on registrations until March 31, 2022, in order to support western producers affected by drought and fire.
The latest $25,000 donation is made on behalf of all Holstein Canada members across the country. Many provincial branches and individual farmers have also contributed to the BC Dairy Emergency Fund. The agricultural community as a whole is rallying to help these farms.
With 9,200 members, Holstein Canada is responsible for maintaining the Holstein Herdbook under the Federal Animal Pedigree Act of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). The Association provides many services to its members to help them evaluate, select and improve their herds through genetic improvement programs.
