Hay Growers Could See Challenges with Spring Rain

Hay growers throughout the Inland Northwest are now having to face some tough choices with the recent rains interrupting much of the area’s first cut of hay.

WSU Extension Specialist Steve Norberg said the first cutting is one of the worst to be hit with rains.

“The first cutting of hay is the one that we export along with the fourth one. We really grow it for the quality of hay and when it rains it diminishes that quality.”

Sustained rains could make the hay not only unable to export, but also such poor quality that it can be sold for feed.

Now growers have to focus on getting the first cut done and not delaying other cuts which would also negatively impact quality.

Norberg noted that, "They’re going to have to rake after that rain and get the hay to try and dry out. Timely raking of that hay will speed that process up and the quicker we can get it dried down and baled up, the better off we are.”

Norberg said there were some growers who already had their first cut, but the further north in the area, the less likely that was the case.

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