Hay stocks up in much of the U.S.

Hay stored on United States farms May 1, 2015, totaled 24.5 million tons, a significant 28percent increase from one year ago. The most recent USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service report notes May 1 hay stocks were up from the previous year as improved weather conditions in 2014 led to larger production totals in many states.

Stored hay in the eastern third of the nation saw declines in a number of states. Notable declines occurred in the Northeast where winter conditions persisted into early April, requiring additional supplemental feeding. May 1 hay stocks levels were record-lows in Connecticut,Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Hay stocks disappearance from December 1, 2014, to May 1, 2015,totaled 67.5 million tons, compared with 70.1 million tons for the same period a year earlier.