December 2024 Hay Pellets

December 31, 2024

• This year threw some curve balls to hay and forage growers, especially those in the Southeast.

• Check out this webinar from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension about grazing dairy heifers and using virtual fencing to your advantage.

• Even though yields may have been limited, there is still potential to graze wheat pastures this winter.

• Aim to reduce damage in winter pastures as the cold season progresses.

• Prepare your forage plan for the new year with these tips in mind.

December 24, 2024

• Milk production totaled 17.9 billion pounds in November, down 1% year-over-year, according to USDA’s Milk Production report.

• Avian influenza pulled California milk production down 9.2% in November, which was the second-largest year-over-year production decline on record. Out of the state’s 1,070 dairy herds, 645 have tested positive for the bird flu as of December 17, prompting California Gov. Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency last week.

• Across the country, milk production per cow fell 23 pounds below year-ago levels at 1,909 pounds. The number of milk cows in the U.S. reached 9.37 million head in November, which was roughly 5,000 head less than the month prior, but 20,000 head more than November 2023.

• Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 12 million on December 1, according to USDA’s Cattle on Feed report. That inventory was just slightly below year-ago levels.

• Placements in feedlots during November totaled 1.8 million head, down 4% from the same month in 2023. Marketings of fed cattle were also down in November at 1.73 million head.

December 17, 2024

• A Kansas State University waterers and watering systems handbook will help livestock producers select, install, and manage the right water source for their site.

• Consider these points before stocking up on cheap hay.

• Check these items off your equipment winterization to-do list.

• Give cattle a boost of Vitamin A with their hay.

• Don’t let a dry fall derail spring grazing on rangeland.

December 10, 2024

• Alfalfa hay exports totaled 168,312 metric tons (MT) in October, according to USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service. Exports to Saudi Arabia leapt to 45,612 MT, which was nearly a 200% month-over-month increase, positioning the country as the second-largest alfalfa hay export market behind China with 62,105 MT.

• Falling into third place, Japan imported nearly 26% less alfalfa hay month-over-month with 25,683 MT in October. South Korea and the United Arab Emirates rounded out the top five export markets with 16,248 MT and 9,569 MT, respectively.

• All other hay exports totaled 88,523 MT in October. Exports to Japan, the largest market for U.S. grass hay, were down roughly 6% month-over-month at 49,133 MT. South Korea and Taiwan followed with 24,626 MT and 9,349 MT, respectively, up 38% and 78% from the month prior.

• North Dakota State University Extension will host a virtual fencing workshop on January 28 in Hettinger. For more information and registration, click here.

• Take a look at these December forage tips.

December 2, 2024

• Here’s what you need to know about a cow’s lower critical temperature (LCT).

• This forage inventory and demand calculator from South Dakota State University can help you estimate winter feed requirements for your livestock.

• Use these tips to determine if forage is dead or dormant after a dry growing season.

• These key findings could help explain nitrogen availability for corn after alfalfa.

• Read about these Canadian farmers’ experiences with bale and swath grazing.