Hay There!

The Dry Weather’s Toll on Horse Hay: A Look at Indiana and Kentucky’s Yields

As horse owners and agricultural enthusiasts, it’s essential to stay informed about the factors affecting our equine partners’ sustenance. This year, hay production has faced challenges due to a persistent drought affecting parts of Indiana and Kentucky, with repercussions for both the quality and quantity of hay available.

The Drought in Numbers

The US Drought Monitor indicates that much of Southern Indiana and Central Kentucky are classified as “Abnormally Dry,” with some areas in Southern Indiana and Southern portions of Kentucky experiencing “Moderate Drought.”

Indiana’s Decline in Hay Production

The impact on hay production is more than just a dry statistic; it’s a growing concern for those who depend on this crucial feed. According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Indiana has seen a noticeable decline:

• Alfalfa: Production has dropped to 702,000 tons from 910,000 tons last year. Average yield has decreased to 2.7 tons per acre from 3.5, even though the harvested area remains at 260,000 acres.
• Other Hay: Production is at 702,000 tons, a marginal increase from 676,000 in 2022. The average yield is slightly up, from 2.6 to 2.7 tons per acre, and the harvested area remains unchanged at 260,000 acres.

Kentucky’s Mixed Outcomes

Crossing state lines into Kentucky, the USDA NASS report also shows a mixed picture:

• Alfalfa: Here, production is down to 320,000 tons from 396,000 in 2022, with average yields dropping from 3.6 to 3.2 tons per acre. The harvested area has decreased from 110,000 acres to 100,000 acres.
• Other Hay: Production has risen to 4.29 million tons from 4.224 million last year, with the average yield steady at 2.2 tons per acre and harvested area up slightly from 1.92 to 1.95 million acres.

Understanding the Types of Hay

Amidst this concerning backdrop, it’s crucial to understand the types of hay available to horse owners and their importance:

Grasses

• Timothy Hay: A perennial grass that’s high in fiber and low in protein, making it a staple in the horse diet for digestive health and maintenance.
• Orchard Grass: A high-fiber grass hay that’s slightly sweeter to the taste for horses and can be used interchangeably with Timothy.
• Bermuda Grass: A lower protein and calorie option, ideal for horses that are less active or need to manage weight.
• Fescue: A hardy grass that endures heavy grazing and can thrive even in less than ideal conditions. Note that endophyte-infected fescue can be harmful to pregnant mares.

Legumes

• Alfalfa Hay: A legume from the pea family, alfalfa is rich in protein, calcium, and vitamins. It’s denser in nutrients compared to grass hays and supports growth, lactation, and the needs of performance horses.
• Clover Hay: Another legume option that’s often mixed with grass hays, clover is high in protein and provides a palatability boost.

Comparing Grass and Legume Hays

• Nutrient Density: Legume hays are generally richer in protein, energy, vitamins, and minerals, particularly calcium, compared to grass hays.
• Digestibility: Grass hays typically have higher fiber content, which can be beneficial for the digestive system but may also mean they are less digestible than legumes.
• Caloric Content: Legumes are higher in calories, which can be advantageous for certain horses but may lead to weight gain in others.
• Price and Availability: Depending on the region and growing conditions, legume hays can be more expensive and less readily available, especially during times of drought.

Legumes are typically more resilient to harsh conditions than grasses, but their production has also suffered due to the drought. The decreased yields in alfalfa, a primary legume hay, exemplify this issue.

The Impact of Drought on Hay Production

The dwindling hay stocks from last year’s production, with an 8% decrease reported in Indiana as of May, 2023, coupled with the overall decrease in yields from this year, call for a thoughtful and strategic approach to equine nutrition. The scarcity of hay leads to a cascade of challenges, including:

• Increased Costs: With reduced yields, the price of both grass and legume hays has increased.
• Nutritional Adjustments: Horse owners may need to adjust feeding regimens based on the types and quality of hay available.
• Support Systems: The drought underscores the need for strong support networks between farmers, suppliers, and horse owners.

Adapting to the Shortage

Proactive steps and informed decision-making become paramount.

• Plan and Purchase: Buy hay early and explore contracts with local farmers for future harvests. Seeking hay suppliers from regions that have been spared from severe drought could also be a viable short-term option. This not only ensures a steadier supply of quality hay for your horses but also supports agricultural communities that may have surplus due to better weather conditions.
• Dietary Management: Work with equine nutritionists to find the right balance of nutrients, possibly integrating feed concentrates to offset the lower availability of hay.
• Waste Minimization: Use feeders that reduce hay waste to stretch your hay supply further.
• Community Efforts: Share resources and information within the horse community to mitigate the effects of the shortage.

Final Thoughts on Equine Care Amid Hay Shortages

Consulting with a veterinarian or an equine nutrition specialist is more crucial than ever. These experts can guide you in choosing the right type of hay for your horse and suggest alternative forage options or supplements to compensate for the shortages. Moreover, equine professionals can offer valuable advice on adjusting feeding strategies and quantities during these challenging times.

Efficient hay management is also key. Utilizing tools like hay bags can help reduce waste and control the amount of hay your horse consumes, which is vital when every bale counts. If you’re looking for high-quality hay bags, consider these top-rated options on Amazon: Hay Bags. By purchasing through this link, you’ll be supporting our blog and ensuring that your horse has access to a clean, controlled hay supply. I have selected a few favorites below.

Concluding Insights

The situation in both Indiana and Kentucky is a reminder of the importance of resource management and the need for agility in response to changing environmental conditions. It is an urgent call to maintain a connected agricultural community where shared knowledge and support can help us navigate these uncertain times. By staying informed, planning ahead, and working together, we can ensure that our horses remain well-nourished, anticipating that future seasons will bring more favorable conditions for hay production.

For those interested in exploring the data further or staying updated with the latest agricultural statistics, additional information can be found through the following resources:

• Indiana hay production statistics are available from the USDA NASS Indiana News Release: USDA NASS Indiana News Release
• For insights into Kentucky’s hay production, refer to the USDA NASS Eastern Mountain Region Farm Facts: USDA NASS Eastern Mountain Region Farm Facts
• A broader perspective on the 2023 hay crop can be found in the report from Brownfield Ag News: Brownfield Ag News Report on 2023 Hay Crop
• For a more in-depth look at the variety of hays available and their specific benefits for horses, check out the comprehensive guide by Double D Trailers.