Markets, Weather Making This A Challenging Year For Hay Growers

Often in farm country there are two main issues that can make a year challenging for growers; weather and markets. And unfortunately for hay growers across Central Washington, 2026 has presented a little of both.

Luke Williams, Account Manager with The McGregor Company’s Columbia River Team, says thanks to low alfalfa hay prices, many farmers had a hard time justifying using a bunch of inputs on the fields this year. He said he saw the scenario play out multiple times where alfalfa fields were under fertilized, and the grower wasn’t proactive when it came to spraying for weeds. He said that combination creates a compounding issue.

“When there's an under fertilized crop and it lacks competition with a second or third generation of weeds that will come in that crop later in the season, along with a year like this where we had a mild winter and there's a heavy bug pressure, alfalfa weevil specifically, which I'm sure Charlie's going to get into," Williams said. "But you have a recipe for far less than desirable results. And I saw that come to a head on multiple farms this year. It was under fertilized. You have weeds in the alfalfa and now you have a major pest that's again tempering your yield.”

Coming Up With Different Ideas

Williams said he understands that growers are looking to trim costs, but he doesn't believe cutting fertilizer and pesticide applications are the way to go. His Columbia River teammate, Account Manager Charlie McIntosh, said that’s where they look at alternatives, and try to offset those high dry fertilizer prices.

“We’re looking at liquid fertilizer options, hitting it with a lighter dry in the spring or in the fall. and then coming back in with some liquid options," McIntosh said. "And a lot of guys were jumping on board. And I mean, a lot of these crops that we were doing that with, the fields were looking really, really good. We had, I mean, especially in the alfalfa, I mean, we were seeing some really good results and farmers were happy. They decided that they didn't spend as much money this spring and their alfalfa looks as good, if not better, than they have in years in the past, and especially on older stands.”

Williams and McIntosh added it’s important that growers are upfront about their goals, so the McGregor team can provide the needed insight to help that operation be successful.

Get The Latest Dirt

For more of our conversation with William and McIntosh, including dealing with ongoing drought conditions, more tips on dealing with elevated fertilizer prices, and the importance of a personal relationship at the McGregor Company, listen to our latest The Real Dirt Podcast:

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-9791, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com