Wet conditions in Kentucky this spring and summer have created an abundance of hay in the state for the upcoming winter feeding season.

The increase in volume is welcome news to many hay and livestock producers who suffered through the droughts of 2007 and 2008 that kept hay supplies below normal across much of the state. The increase in supply means demand will be lower than in past years. This likely will drive down prices across the state.

“The abundance of hay this year will drop prices, especially for hay that’s fed to cattle,” said Tom Keene, hay marketing specialist in the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture. “The higher quality hay that is used for horses will also see a drop, but it won’t be quite as dramatic as with hay for cattle. High-quality forages in square bales are still going to command a decent price.”

While hay supplies are in good shape in Kentucky, that’s not the case in other parts of the country. Texas is experiencing a severe drought, and hay supplies will likely be short there. Growers in Western states had trouble with wet conditions early on in the season and delayed first cuttings, but recent dry conditions should allow them to boost their supplies with later cuttings