Every year around this time, some of us find ourselves filled with mixed emotions. As temperatures drop, we are pleased by the reprieve from sultry summer afternoons, the natural abatement of biting flies, mosquitos and gnats, and football-filled weekends.

Reducing hay storage loss and feeding waste are always beneficial, but given limited forage supplies and the price of hay, this year they are even more critical.

Idaho's top five ag commodities set record highs for value of production.

A tight hay supply continues to elevate hay prices, especially when compared to softening grain prices. Thus, many cattle producers are looking at alternative feedstuffs instead of purchasing hay.

Now is a good time to double-check hay inventories and test hay quality.

If not already completed, sellers and buyers alike should consider accomplishing the task of testing their hay, allowing managers to ensure nutritional needs of their cattle can be met one way or another.