Ricks: 2021 A Good Year For Hay Growers That Had Water

When looking back on the 2021 growing season, the heat and drought conditions made the year challenging for most commodities, and Idaho hay was no exception. Will Ricks, President of the Idaho Hay and Forage Association says the one-two punch of drought conditions and record heat was difficult on dryland hay growers.

“Now, for those who have had plenty of water, hay likes heat, and water and it will grow well.  But for those without it’s been a really tough season.”

Ricks said the heat and dry conditions limited the number of cuttings growers recorded across the state.

If there was anything playing into hay growers favor during 2021, the fact that the heat and drought also hurt pastureland conditions, meaning livestock producers needed hay yearlong. Ricks believes that means good things for the future.

“I think we’re not going to have a lot of carryover, so I’m optimistic for 2022 that it’s going to be a strong year also.  That usually hurts our coming into the new crop when we have a lot of carryover; I don’t believe we’re going to have very much this year.”

Ricks added another positive of this year; hay prices that are very strong.

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