Other Hay Seen Falling 5%

WASHINGTON - Aug 11/06 - SNS -- Production of hay other than alfalfa is forecast at 71.1 million tons in the United States this year, down 5% from 2005, according to the USDA's latest crop production estimates.

Based on August 1 conditions, yields are expected to average 1.77 tons, down 0.14 ton from last year. If realized, the yield would be the lowest since 1990. Harvested area, at 40.3 million acres, is unchanged from June but up 3% from the previous year.

Very dry conditions during the spring and early summer contributed to decreased yield expectations across the Great Plains. Compared with last year, yields are down 0.6 ton in both North Dakota and South Dakota. Yields are also forecast to be down from 2005 in the Upper Mississippi Valley, Southeast, and most of the Pacific Coast States.

The largest expected decreases in yield from last year are forecast in Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi, where yields are forecast to be down 1.2 tons, 0.7 ton, and 1.0 ton from 2005, respectively. Weather conditions in these States have been extremely hot and dry during the growing season resulting in fewer cuttings and reduced yields.

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