Coronavirus Not Impacting Day-To-Day Hay Operations

The Coronavirus has impacted the Ag community in a variety of ways. According to Andrew Eddie, Vice President of the Washington state Hay Growers, the spread of the virus has not impacted their day-to-day operations as many growers prepare for the first cut of the season.

“All of the things that we need to do our jobs are still open and available.  Not too much has changed, there’s a little bit of a shift and uncertainty about where things are going to go, but for the most part we’re just doing the same job that we did before everything broke out.”

Eddie noted there have been a few minor issues in the supply chain, but nothing of great note. But he did say travel restrictions have prevented many buyers from touring the area to see this year’s crop, which he said could have an impacted later on during the season. He added with proper precautions, social distancing and hand-washing growers should be good during the pandemic. But he added any Ag worker who feels sick should stay home to prevent the spread of the virus.

And Eddie also expressed his thanks to those that keep all of us healthy and safe.

“For those out there, healthcare workers, first responders, things like that, everybody that is actually in the line of what is happening now we appreciate all that you do, and we hope you stay safe.  And without you guys, there would be no healthy people or no prevention against this spreading even further and you guys are the ones sitting out there and putting your health on the line by going to work every day.  So, us as growers, we’re just normal people, those guys are the ones that deserve all the praise and credit right now,” Eddie continued.

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