Horse Owners Should Plan Early for Hay Supply Challenges

By Blake Jackson

Horse owners are being encouraged to prepare early for potential hay shortages after this season's first hay harvest produced significantly lower yields than expected in many areas.

Agricultural experts warn that reduced rainfall has limited forage production, creating concerns about hay availability and rising prices later this year.

"We're in a time with limited water resources," said Bob Coleman, equine Extension associate professor in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.

“In one case, a farm that normally brings in around 1,800 bales only got around 800. That's less than half of what they typically expect. The main reason? Not enough rain. We had a reduced first cut, and who knows what second cuts are going to look like."

Drought-like conditions have affected portions of the region, leaving uncertainty about future hay production. With pasture growth also expected to decline, horse owners may need to begin feeding stored hay earlier than they typically would.

To prepare for possible shortages, Coleman recommends taking the following steps right away:

• Calculate hay needs accurately by estimating the total weight of hay required instead of simply counting bales, since bale sizes vary.
• Purchase hay early before supplies tighten and prices increase.
• Arrange proper storage to keep hay dry using barns, tarps, or agreements with local producers.
• Test hay quality to understand its nutritional value and create efficient feeding plans that reduce waste.
• Plan for earlier hay feeding if pasture conditions continue to decline because of limited rainfall.

Experts also note that hay is a market-driven commodity that is often transported to buyers offering higher prices, meaning local inventories can shrink quickly.

"The sky is not falling, but plan now,” Coleman said. "It's really just a best management practice anyway. The bottom line is don't wait until you're completely out of hay to start thinking about this. A little planning now could save horse owners a whole lot of stress and money.”

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