New Mexico

New Mexico's hay demand is strong, according to the New Mexico Hay Association Haywire newsletter. Hay producers there went from extreme drought in 2006 to record-setting rainfall in April and May in many counties. Even so, dairy feed is predicted to be in short supply this year. Price trends are reflecting the shortage in dairy hay, while out-of-state markets for small bales are strong and constant.

The association's new part-time executive director is Justin Boswell, Dexter. Contact him at 505-734-5489, or New Mexico Hay Association President Doug Whitney at 505-622-8080. Learn more about the New Mexico Hay Association at nmhay.com/default.htm.


Michigan

In southeastern Michigan, alfalfa is generally regrowing fairly well. Potato leafhoppers are present but not at threshold levels, and some dairymen are taking second cuttings now.

In the southwestern part of the state last week, alfalfa harvest moved into high gear, helped along by an extended dry period. Potato leafhoppers are prevalent and university specialists encourage producers to watch alfalfa regrowth because early regrowth is vulnerable to "hopper burn" injury. Rainfall varied June 18 and 19, with precipitation totals ranging from around 1" along the Lake Michigan coastline to 0.1-0.2" in other areas. Many southwestern areas have now utilized winter and spring soil moisture reserves.

Growers in central Michigan started harvesting second cutting alfalfa this week. Leafhoppers are present in every field, but below threshold. Yields thus far are just average. Meanwhile, warm temperatures with some light rain earlier last week helped advance crop growth in the thumb region of the state.

Source: Michigan State University.