Hay, Water
And
Transportation
At this writing, the weather forecast is indicating Rockbridge will remain under drought conditions for at least the next few weeks. Significant agricultural damage in Rockbridge as a result of the drought has already been sustained as reported by the News Gazette. In particular is a dramatic reduction in first cutting hay yields. The U.S. Drought Monitor (droughtmonitor.unl.edu, see this column in the May 27 issue) indicates parts of Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee and parts of southern Kentucky are all likely to have suffered yield losses in the first cutting of hay and many farms across these states will have much lower inventories than usual.
So, what are the best strategies for individual farms to address what appears to be an emerging drastic shortage of stockmen’s most important feed (standing grass) and most common supplemental feed (hay). What is right for a particular farm depends on their land resources, cash reserves, and that stockman’s assessment of the market value of their livestock relative to the total cost of feeding their animals.
Many stockmen are understandably taking a wait-andsee approach because timely rains in August and September could dramatically alter forage supplies for the winter months. Here are four things I think the stockman should consider.
First, the widespread nature of the drought in the southeast has many stockmen looking to West Virginia, Ohio, northern Kentucky, and Indiana for a supply of hay. Securing at least some of the farm’s needs now may be a prudent course.
Second, there are feeds other than hay and fortunately they are relatively inexpensive relative to the current market value of livestock. The inflation- adjusted price of corn and soybean meal are near historic lows and these prices vary directly with the price of other grains and grain byproducts. However, some of these feeds are not balanced for critical nutrients and minerals and livestock producers must take into account and address any deficiencies the purchased feed may have.
Third, there are feeding strategies that utilize these grains to allow stockmen to safely reduce the amount of hay fed per animal and still meet all the nutritional needs of the livestock.
Fourth, because of the severity of the current drought as determined by the Drought Monitor, Rockbridge Stockmen qualify for assistance transporting feed and hay from distances further than is usual for the farmer applicant. The USDA Farm Service Agency will reimburse a stockman for 60% of the loaded transport distance based on $3.50 per loaded mile. Currently, transportation costs appear to be in the range of $4 to $4.50 per loaded mile but the Federal assistance is helpful in the context of the scarcity of hay locally.
Before making a purchase of hay or other feed from out of the area, livestock producers are urged to consult with the local Farm Service Agency office located at 40 Magnolia Square, Lexington (540) 463-7124 ext. 2 to ensure they properly document the purchase and transport of the hay or feed in compliance with the relief program’s rules.
The next possible development could be the drying-up of water sources. There are already some scattered incidences of springs or even wells going dry. Under the same Farm Service Agency relief program described above, there are provisions to financially assist anyone confronted with the need to haul water to livestock. The reimbursement for water transport is determined by a calculation that starts with a base value of $.11 per gallon. Again, communication with Farm Service Agency to ensure proper documentation of the volume of water and the farm being served is critical.
For more information on possible out-of-state sources of hay or other feed and or utilizing purchased feeds contact Tom Stanley through the Rockbridge Extension Office at (540) 463-4734 or stanleyt@ vt.edu.
