Russ Euken and Denise Schwab–Iowa State College Extension and Outreach

AMES, Iowa – Dry situations and excessive warmth have slowed the expansion of hay and straw in some components of the state. If you’re quick on provide, think about discovering a vendor by the free hay and straw directory supplied by the Iowa Division of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

Greater than 70 farms and farm corporations are listed as promoting hay and/or straw throughout the state, with particulars in regards to the crop, in addition to details about supply, customized baling, and hay grinding companies.

Farmers who’re enthusiastic about promoting hay or straw can add their info, and are inspired to replace their itemizing repeatedly so it is going to be up-to-date. The listing is featured within the July-August version of Iowa State College Extension and Outreach’s Acreage Living Newsletter.

60% of the state is abnormally dry, based on the Aug. 4 U.S. Drought Monitor, and greater than 30% is experiencing a reasonable drought. In northwest Iowa, some counties are experiencing extreme and excessive drought situations.

“Dry situations in some areas have impacted pastures and hay yields,” mentioned Russ Euken, beef and swine specialist with Iowa State College Extension and Outreach. “Up to now, most row crops in all however the driest areas haven’t been impacted too severely, however sizzling and dry situations going ahead may have extra affect on yields.”

Euken mentioned the listing gives one other useful resource that consumers and sellers ought to think about.

“The listing provides sellers a spot to make individuals conscious of what they must promote and consumers a spot to search out forage they could want,” mentioned Euken.

Denise Schwab, ISU Extension and Outreach beef specialist in northeastern Iowa, mentioned producers generally depend on native hay and straw auctions, however she added that the state listing is one other useful gizmo. Schwab mentioned many components of the state, together with northeast Iowa, have usually had a very good haying season, however variability persists throughout the state.

The listing permits customers to go looking by product and by county. Anybody can view the hay and straw listing, however solely Iowa sellers are included on the checklist.

If you’re a farmer enthusiastic about promoting hay or straw and have to replace your info, think about creating an account within the on-line system, or contact Judy Allison at 515-281-8604 or [email protected].