Drought Leaves Hay In Short Supply

Kansas farmers usually have so much hay
available that they are able to export some to Oklahoma and Texas
to feed livestock.
This year, though, there’s not even enough to go around in the
state, let alone send it somewhere else.
A severe drought in much of Kansas and the lowest alfalfa
acreage in decades have prompted some livestock producers to get
creative to keep their animals fed.
The Hutchinson News reports some are baling irrigated corn
stalks, while others are reducing the numbers in their herds so
they don’t have so many mouths to feed.
Those who do buy hay are finding the prices are double what they
were a year ago, which economists say could mean a rise in beef and
dairy prices in the grocery store.