Not good news, but at least we can start to get prepared. According to this article by the University of Minnesota Extension printed in The Horse.com, hay prices are going to keep going up. Here's the text of the article:
Prepare for a Reduced Hay Crop in 2008
The department also reported that the existing hay supply is lower than previous years. This information, combined with higher input costs (fuel, fertilizer, land rent) and higher grain prices (corn, soybean, wheat), will likely lead to increased hay prices.
Through the fall of 2007 to the spring of 2008, Minnesota's Sauk Center Quality Tested Hay Auction recorded record prices. Average hay prices were $100 a ton higher in 2007-2008 than the previous five-year average.
To prepare for higher prices, the University of Minnesota recommended that horse owners:
- Remember quality forage should be the backbone of your horse's diet.
- Have a good working relationship with a hay supplier to ensure a consistent and reliable source of hay.
- Consider adding hay storage space to reduce the effects of price and seasonal fluctuations.
- Buy hay early. Do not wait until late summer or fall to buy hay.
- Plan in advance. Budget for the price increase and re-evaluate how many horses you can afford to feed.
- Finally, try to keep your hay type (like grass or alfalfa) consistent. Constantly changing hay types can lead to horse health problems, specifically colic.
Anne- I saw this and 2 other AG reports warning horse owners in the southeast to be prepared for this.
Hope people listen.....
Posted by: Mrs Mom | May 01, 2008 at 07:13 PM
Unfortunately, this is no surprise to me. It's going to be a tough year and this may just be the beginning.
Posted by: risingrainbow | May 01, 2008 at 08:24 PM
Just great. Thanks for all the good tips.
Posted by: Grey Horse Matters | May 01, 2008 at 11:15 PM
Higher?! And I just paid $37.50 for timothy and $24.50 for alfafa per bale.
Was writing a rant for my blog because my "hay guy" said that Japan had pretty much contracted for nearly all California hay. There should be a law about feeding our horses ... first!
Oh no, looks like I'm ranting here, too.
Posted by: Strawberry Lane | May 02, 2008 at 11:56 AM
That's the scoop here too .. in montana.. hay's gonna be way harder to come by and we'll have to start our planning NOW for fall
happy trails all
gp in montana
Posted by: GP | May 04, 2008 at 06:17 PM