USDA’s Oct. 12 Crop Production report updated the 2017 dry hay harvest picture.

A financial assessment of Hurricane Irma’s impact on the Florida forage industry has been set at more than $60 million, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

It’s the fourth quarter of 2017, and the forage harvest season is starting to wind down. Here’s a look back at prices and marketing conditions.

Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced on Sept. 7 the realignment of a number of offices within the USDA in order to improve customer service and maximize efficiency.

Late August and early September threw more curveballs at hay growers, with hurricanes hitting the Gulf Coast and Southeast, fire and smoke impacting haying activity and hay quality in the Northwest, and the drought lingering in the Northern Plains.

Hay marketers have reported Pacific Northwest fires and smoke are impacting hay quality, mainly due to discoloration.

Dairy is the dog that wags the western U.S. hay market tail, but exports are starting to add more waggle.