Kainai Forage Achieves Historic Harvest, Surpasses 50,000 Metric Tonnes in First Cut
Stand Off, AB (July 26, 2024) – Kainai Forage proudly announces another groundbreaking milestone in their agricultural journey. This year, the operation harvested and stored more than 51,000 metric tonnes of premium exportable Timothy Hay during first cut harvest, surpassing last year’s record by 11,000 metric tonnes. This achievement highlights the success of the business model adopted in 2019, underscoring a significant year-over-year growth.
Makiinima, Chief Roy Fox, of the Kainai/Blood Tribe, expressed his excitement at this historic accomplishment. "It is clear that our vision to regain our agricultural roots is working. The dedication and hard work of our staff, community and farming partners, along with our decision to partner this business with Indigena Capital for growth in 2019 has brought us to this momentous achievement," he stated. "Empowering the growth of our operation with outside capital has proven successful. Since making that determination in 2019, we have increased our production from 15,000 metric tonnes over the entire year of 2018 to over 50,000 metric tonnes in just the first cut harvest this year, with a second cut harvest yet to come."
The extraordinary increase in yield underscores the Kainai/Blood Tribe’s commitment to revitalizing their agricultural heritage and strengthening their economic independence. By focusing on producing high-quality, export-grade Timothy Hay, Kainai Forage has positioned itself as a leader in the forage industry, contributing to the global demand for premium hay. “The more that we can provide for ourselves through businesses such as Kainai Forage, the more we assert our sovereignty,” said Chief Fox.
The success of this year’s harvest is a testament to the implementation of a new business model that focuses on making strategic investments in modern equipment, enhanced irrigation systems, and expanded storage capacity. These achievements have not only boosted productivity but also ensured the long-term viability of the community’s agricultural pursuits.
Kainai Forage is looking to carry this momentum into second cut harvest and build on it in 2025 as the expansion plans continue. This progress not only highlights the Kainai/Blood Tribe’s dedication to agricultural excellence but also serves as an inspiration for other Indigenous Communities striving to reclaim and enhance their agricultural heritage.
About Kainai Forage:
Kainai Forage is a partnership between the Kainai/Blood Tribe and Indigena Capital providing quality forage exports to international markets. Kainai Forage enjoys unmatched supply certainty anchored by the Kainai/Blood Tribe’s 25,000-acre irrigation project, the largest in Canada. These lands, ideally suited for Timothy hay, are dedicated to growing forage for export, provide the foundation for security of supply to international markets. Kainai Forage partners with best-in-class forage growers from Southern Alberta on the lands and all forage is dedicated to Kainai Forage for processing and export.
For further information, please contact:
Kainai Forage
info@kainaiforage.com
www.kainaiforage.com
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Note to editors:** Kainai Forage's success is a prime example of how traditional knowledge, modern techniques, and outside capital can come together to create a thriving agricultural enterprise.