As the hot, dry summer continues, the drought is impacting Northwest crops in a variety of ways. For the Idaho dairy industry, the biggest impact is the dramatic increase in feed costs.

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“We’re seeing more and more competition for hay," noted Rick Naerebout, CEO of the Idaho Dairymen’s Association. "Competing with states like Colorado, Arizona, California for hay supplies in between Idaho and those regions where we normally don’t have that competition, it’s really impacting the price our dairymen are having to pay for hay and having a significant impact on overall feed costs.”

Naerebout added at this point, it will be very difficult for the feed situation to improve.

“There are already parts of our state where you’re seeing water being turned off and you’ve got pivots of hay that are just being let go for this growing season even if you get some late summer or early fall rains you’re not going to get those hay crops to come back.  So, I don’t think we’re going to see a big change in terms of impact on hay this year.”

The impact this drought will have on corn silage is another question that could have a big impact on dairy operations across the state. He added many in the industry are hopeful the Pacific Northwest will see a nice wet winter setting up a rebound into 2022.

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