|
 The beginning of the new year
usually means a refreshed positive outlook and
new resolutions. For horse owners and farmers in southern Missouri, Oklahoma, and other states,
the new year ushered in a sense of dread as a
hay shortage may lead to more cases of animal
starvation.
According to The Sedalia Democrat, the hay
situation is the worst it’s been in 15 years, if
not more. Farmers that usually have hay for sale
are telling their customers that this year, they
don’t have any to sell. A drought like year of
weather in southern Missouri coupled with
wildfires in Oklahoma last year have brought
many livestock owners into a panicked search for
hay. With hay being scarce, the demand has
driven prices to double their normal rate.
Several Missouri sellers state that says that a round bale
would normally sell for $15-$20.
This year however, that same bale of hay could
trade for $30-$50 dollars.
Farmers and Horse Owners are making hard
decisions about their livestock. Some are opting
to ride out the shortage, paying higher premiums
for their livestock feed. Some are opting to
sell parts or all of their herds at low prices
brought on by a flooded market of other
livestock owners doing the same. Others aren’t
doing either. A High Plains Journal article
reports that authorities in Oklahoma found seven starving
horses and more than 40 animal carcasses on a
farm. The animals had eaten all the grass and
had taken to eating sticks and rocks.
The situation isn’t looking up for farmers and
horse owners either. Over the weekend, the USDA
National Agriculture Statistics Service released
its annual crop report. The report showed that
there is a shortage of corn worldwide. This
shortage is driving the price of corn even
higher, making it even more costly to feed
livestock.
Where to Buy Hay
Horses will be more affected than
other farm animals due to a lack of
quality hay. If you’re in need of
quality hay for your horses, call
816-863-2889. Located
in Brookfield, Missouri, they offer
quality, affordable hay.2005 Broam-Alfalfa
Hay –EXCELLENT QUALITY
--square bales, wire tie, 50 pounds,
First Cut $2.75 Second Cut $3.25 per
bail
Broam & Orchard Grass Hay –
--square bales, wire tie, 50 pounds,
$2.00 per bale
Discounts apply to Broome and Orchard
only
*10% Discount to purchases of any 200+
bales
**15% Discount to purchases of any 500 +
bales
Square bale wire tied bright straw 2.00
ALL prices subject to availability and
/or good until January 27th, 2007 |
Missouri Department of
Agriculture Hay Directory-links to Arkansas,
Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, and
Oklahoma as well.
http://www.mda.mo.gov/Market/haydirectory.htm
Bibliography
Hay Shortage Hitting Hard
http://news.tradingcharts.com/futures/6/0/87800206.html
Sarah Neil
The Sedalia Democrat, January 9, 2007.
Hay Shortage Could Lead to More Animal Sufferng
http://www.hpj.com/archives/2007/jan07/jan8/Hayshortagecouldleadtomorea.cfm?title=Hay+shortage+could+lead+to+more+animal+suffering</A>
High Plains Journal, January 4th, 2007. |
