It may not be as extreme as the situation in southwest Missouri, but there is definitely a shortage of hay in Texas County
Ted Cunningman, regional livestock specialist with the University Extension, knows the situation firsthand. He comes in contact with many concerned farmers from his Salem office.
“I’m having numerous phone calls from folks looking for hay and visit with folks, many who are going to be very tight, if not running out,” Cunningham said.
A combination of icy weather and two years of drought has left hay in Missouri, which recently has been ranked the second-best hay-growing state, difficult to find in some regions.
A search of the University Extension’s Web site reveals few sellers in the area – none in Texas County – and even fewer to the west. Hay is readily available in the central and northern parts of the state, but transportation costs push an already premium price even higher.
In the most extreme circumstances, farmers who didn’t put away enough hay and without the money to buy more are forced to sale their cattle.
“The shortage we have now is here,” Cunningham said. “We’re looking to the next hay growing season.”
The rising cost of hay – Cunningham said fescue is $60-$100 per ton – is driven by the increasing price and demand of corn. Cunningham called it the “gold standard for commodity feed.”
Even with a shortage and increasing prices, Cunningham doesn’t want to paint a gloomy picture. He said that the rest of this month and March will ultimately determine the fate of many short-handed farmers. He also suggested using supplements to stretch a hay supply or using alternative feed.
Cunningham urged those with questions or concerns to contact him at 573-729-3196. For a listing of hay available through the University Extension, visit agebb.missouri.edu/haylst/.