The summer 2026 drought is hitting Swiss agriculture hard. On many farms, hay is already being fed that was actually intended for winter. The Swiss Roughage Association estimates that between 600,000 and 800,000 tonnes of feed could be lacking in the coming winter. Normally, Switzerland sources additional hay primarily from France, Germany, or Italy. However, quantities are also scarce there. According to the Roughage Association, parts of southern Germany have only 30 to 50 percent of normal yields available. In France, new quantities are barely obtainable, and Italy has been largely bought out in a short time. This is why hay from Canada is now becoming interesting. At Canadian exporter Barr-AG in Alberta, the first containers are being prepared for Swiss buyers. The hay is heavily compressed. This is the only way to load sufficient goods into a container and make the long transport economically viable. The planned transport chain begins in Olds in the province of Alberta. From there, the containers travel by rail to Montreal. After that, they go by container ship to Antwerp and finally by truck to Switzerland. The entire route is expected to take approximately 45 days. The fact that such a transport is worthwhile at all is due to high hay prices and favorable return transports. In North America, many empty containers need to be returned to Europe or Asia. At the same time, sufficient space is available on certain vessels. According to reports, imported hay cost around 22 Swiss francs per 100 kilograms in spring. In the meantime, prices of up to 40 francs are being charged. The federal government lowered the border levy for hay and grass silage as of August 1, 2026. The goods must still be properly declared at customs. For corresponding feed imports, a general import permit may also be required.