Other Hay Output Rises 5%

WASHINGTON - Oct 12/04 - SNS -- Production of hay other than alfalfa is forecast at 88.5 million tons, up 5% from August and up 10% from 2003, according to the USDA's latest crop production estimates.

Based on October 1 conditions, yields are expected to average 2.25 tons, up 0.10 ton from August and 0.22 ton above last year. If realized, both yield and production would be the highest on record. Harvested area is 39.4 million acres, unchanged from the August forecast but down 1% from the previous year.

Yields are at or above last year's level in all but 4 States. Record high yields were set in Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington.

In the Ohio Valley and Great Plains States, mild summer temperatures and adequate rainfall throughout the growing season allowed for ideal growing conditions. In Texas, some areas received moderate to heavy precipitation during September, which allowed for additional cuttings in these areas.

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