Best Hay Crop Since 2004 Expected
WASHINGTON - Aug 12/13 - SNS - Production of hay other than alfalfa is forecast at 80.0 million tons, up 18% from 2012, according to the USDA's latest crop production estimates.
If realized, this will be the highest production level since 2004. Based on August 1 conditions, yields are expected to average 2.05 tons per acre, up 0.31 ton from last year. If realized, this will be the highest United States yield for other hay since 2004. Harvested area is forecast at 39.0 million acres, virtually unchanged from last year.
Record highs yields are expected in Mississippi, Missouri, and New York. Producers in Louisiana, Montana, North Carolina, and Tennessee are expecting a yield equaling the record high.
Abundant spring moisture throughout much of the country east of the Rocky Mountains had producers anticipating higher other hay yields this year. Conversely, hot, mostly dry weather in the West - where expected yields are either unchanged or down slightly from last year - has negatively impacted pasture and range grass growth during the summer.
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