Many farms after 2012’s drought had made plans to harvest more annual forage crops and/or to graze longer in the fall in an attempt to save hay. The dry late summer and early fall across much of the Midwest decreased the yield of these crops but many farms still were cautiously optimistic about their winter feed supply.

But one last hurrah of 2013 – the colder than normal, snowy December – led to early and substantial hay feeding on many livestock farms, according to Michigan State University Extension beef educators.

Farms that were hoping to graze stockpiled pasture forages and corn stubble fields into the new year had to bring the cows home early. Some farms that were hoping to harvest corn stalk bales for feed were not able to because of the late maturing corn crop and the early December snows.

The colder than normal temperatures in December also lead to increased hay consumption. Studies show that ruminate animals will increase forage consumption from 5-15 percent when air temps drop below 20ºF. The lower the air temperature drops, the more they will consume up to a maximum point of around 15 percent above normal.

These farms now will be monitoring feed inventories closely as they progress through the winter and will be hoping for an early spring thaw. If winter lingers, it could lead to a late round of hay buying as livestock owners stretch feed supplies to get to green grass.

In spite of the tough December weather, hay markets had held steady to the beginning of the new year. The high quality dairy type alfalfa hays remained in short supply and continued in the price range of $180-$290 per ton.

The lower quality alfalfa/grass mixed and grass hays that are well suited for livestock animals have tightened up their lower price end slightly and now are ranging from $115-$210 per ton depending upon quality, bale type and storage.

Normally new hay comes on the market in the new calendar year. This is done to delay the seller’s income into the next tax season and with the hopes that hay prices may improve as the winter goes on. It often has the opposite effect on the market, as the extra supply many times softens the price.

However, this year it is not anticipated that this new year supply will be large as hay prices and demand were strong enough during the harvest season that much of the hay was sold as it was harvested.

Livestock farm managers that believe their winter feed supplies may be tight are encouraged to strategize feeding options while they still have choices.  FG

—This article was published by Michigan State University Extension.