U.S. Alfalfa Hay Output Rises 1%

WASHINGTON - Oct 12/04 - SNS -- Production of alfalfa and alfalfa mixtures in the United States this year is projected at 77.4 million tons, virtually unchanged from the August forecast but up 1% from last year, according to the USDA's latest crop production estimates.

Yields are expected to average 3.48 tons per acre, unchanged from August but 0.24 ton above last year. Harvested area is 22.2 million acres, unchanged from the previous forecast but down 6% from 2003.

Yields are at or above last year's level in all but 7 States. Across most of the Great Plains and Corn Belt, weather conditions throughout the growing season have been favorable. Sufficient moisture in the spring favored early season development, while frequent precipitation during the summer months aided growth.

In California, the central and northern parts of the State experienced ideal weather conditions, but yield increases were limited by a shortage of irrigation water supplies.

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