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USDA says there’s more hay, but Extension agent questions hay quality

A University of Wisconsin Extension crops agent says the USDA’s recent hay production figures don’t tell the whole story.  Richard Halopka says, “While we maybe have a few more tons of hay per acre or part of a ton per acre, maybe that quality isn’t in that dairy-quality or that high-end prime type alfalfa grade that we would like to get.”

But, Halopka says hay buyers are finding better prices. “August of last year, alfalfa hay in that 150 (relative feed value) range or greater was about two-hundred bucks a ton. This is the first month in twelve months where it was at $190.”

Halopka says while researching this week’s hay market report, he found strong demand for straw or bedding materials, even with the start of the small grains harvest. “Evidently, we were a little short on bedding materials last year and it’s just kind of carrying over and maybe some people are grabbing some early. I do also know that some of the wheat straws and that are being incorporated into some rations.” 

The USDA’s production report and Farm Service Agency statistics show tonnage per acre higher in Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.  Harvested acres were up in Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

USDA says yield per acre is higher than a year ago, even though several counties reported severe winterkill losses.  Halopka says he still hears from farmers that are concerned about not having enough feed this winter.