Does National Hay Shortage Impact Local Growers?

Last week, we told you about the shortage of available hay, pushing prices higher nationally.

Andrew Eddie Vice President of the Washington state Hay Growers Association says most of 2017's stocks have been moved out, which he said is good news with the first cutting of the season around the corner.  Is there a shortage of available hay here in the Northwest.

"So far, tonnage wise for 2018 is looking pretty good, so I think once the new crop kicks in there not going to be as much of a shortage, so that's going to be a benefit not only for us here in the state, but also the Mid-west."

He was quick to note that drought conditions specifically in the southwest could continue the stress on hay stocks nationally.  Is there anything Northwest growers can do to help meet that need?  Can growers schedule another cut for 2018?

"You can do it, just your tonnage goes down and quality goes down, plus the other factor is once you start doing more and more cuttings, you kind of stress out your own fields for the next year."

When it comes to shipping Washington hay.  Eddie said most exports go overseas, but he says if there are domestic growers willing to pay top dollar, growers can change plans.​

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