Plan Ahead for Hay This Winter

taken off the first cut in June hay fields simply shriveled up and failed to grow in the scorching heat of summer.
There is a 100 percent shortage of local hay in the Fraser Valley and Vancouver Island especially the second and third crops says Jason Vanderveen with Vanderveen Hay Sales in Surrey BC. I know there is hay around right now between the Interior Alberta Washington and Oregon. Washington State was not affected so much because generally all the hay growers had sufficient water supply and irrigated. But I believe that hay will get tight into the springtime especially if you have a specific type of hay you prefer to feed. Dont be surprised if you have to lower your expectations of quality and still pay the same price. I fully believe that hay prices will be dictated by the lack of rain we have been seeing over the last couple of years.
He says that dairy farmers in general are the producers of most local hay and when it is dry they understandably need all the feed they can get for their own animals which leaves slim pickings for the horse owners who rely on that supply chain. And to some degree he says were affected by the export market.
The export market overseas drives the price and this year it is a very strong market says Vanderveen. My best advice is if at all possible if you have the storage and find a product that fits your animals well fill your barn when you can. Hay thats here today is generally gone tomorrow.
However what has been a dire year in some regions has been a good year in others.
The Interior fires have not had an effect on any of our growers and hot and dry is typically a good thing