Heavy snow changing hay supplies |
| By Seth Hoyt |
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The heaviest snow in many years in Idaho and Utah has dramatically reduced feeder hay supplies in those two states. Last fall it appeared that large supplies of Fair quality alfalfa hay in many states in the West would carry into the new crop 2017 season. Then along came snowy weather with some in Idaho saying it is the most snow in 20 to 30 years. Beef cattle ranches in states that receive snow had not fed much hay in recent years because of mild winters. That all changed this winter with snow covering grass and beef cows having to be fed hay . . . a lot of hay! Those mounds of feeder hay in Idaho and Utah have been going fast, and hay dealers are saying supplies will be used up before new crop. While a large amount of feeder hay has been fed in Washington, some believe they may still carry 2016 hay into new crop. Quite a turnaround from the supply picture last fall. |
