Nationwide, the combination of very hot weather and persistent dry conditions continue to challenge horse owners with parched pastures and high hay and feed prices. Now, with no end to the drought and heat in sight, owners might have to rethink what they feed their horses.

On July 24 more nearly 54% of the United States was in moderate or worse drought conditions, according to the National Drought Mitigation Center. At the same time, more than 38% of the country was under severe drought conditions, and more than 17% was deemed in severe drought or worse.

The conditions have decimated corn and hay crops in many parts of the country, driving prices skyward. On July 26 corn costs rose to $7.86 a bushel and on July 23, at the Hay Auction in Arthur, Ill., premium Alfalfa hay sold for between $11.25 and $13.50 per bale, and good quality mixed grasse hay sold for between $6.25 and $11.25 per bale. (Editor’s Note: For weekly updates on hay prices in different regions in the United States, visit www.ams.usda.gov/mnreports/lswfeedseed.pdf.)

As high feed prices challenge horse owners, Bridgett McIntosh, PhD, assistant professor and horse extension specialist at the University of Tennessee, said horse owners might have to explore hay alternative options to keep their animals appropriately fed