What Made 2024 A Challenge For Local Hay Growers?

Like many other Northwest commodities, 2024 was a trying year for Northwest Hay growers.  Andrew Eddie, President of the Washington State Hay Growers Association said two challenges made this year difficult.

“All alfalfa price between 2023 and then this year in 2024, there's a sharp decline in price, but also combined with that, it was a very drastic decline in movement of product as well," Eddie said.  "So, it was a very slow moving year, but it also ended up being a low-price year.”

And because of that, Eddie noted cash flow became very tight during the summer months.

“You also have inflation, you have equipment prices going up, large prices going up and everything like that.  So, it made for a whirlwind of a 2024 for sure.  And hopefully 2025 might bring it back out, but we'll kind of see," Eddie said.  "But you just kind of set yourself up for where things will work and where things can be and do the best that you can to run a business efficiently and as profitable as you can.”

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