Other Hay Output Rises

WASHINGTON - Aug 10/07 - SNS -- Production of hay other than alfalfa is forecast at 75.3 million tons, up 8% from 2006, according to the USDA's latest crop production estimates.

Based on August 1 conditions, yields are expected to average 1.87 tons, up 0.09 ton from last year. Harvested area, at 40.3 million acres, is unchanged from June but up 2% from the previous year.

Abundant moisture in the Great Plains and adjacent areas in the Rocky Mountains increased yields in those areas compared with last year. The largest yield increase from last year is expected in Oklahoma, where the yield is forecast at 1.90 tons, up 0.9 ton from last year as abundant rainfall contributed to better hay yields this year.

Elsewhere, yields are forecast to decrease in the Southeast, Ohio Valley, Tennessee Valley, Atlantic Coast, Oregon, Idaho, and portions of the Corn Belt. Dry conditions in these regions have contributed to lower yield expectations. The largest decrease is forecast in Pennsylvania, where yields are expected to be down 1.1 tons.

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