Maine livestock producers could face hay shortage this winter due to drought

As Maine experiences its third consecutive 12 months of drought, livestock farmers within the state are starting to assume in another way about how they feed and care for his or her animals.

Greater temperatures enhance the chance of warmth stress in animals, and dry circumstances usually diminish hay manufacturing, mentioned Colt Knight, the state’s livestock specialist.

He mentioned livestock producers within the southwest historically put together for drought yearly.

“Some people within the Northeast aren’t used to that mentality,” mentioned Knight, who’s additionally an affiliate extension professor on the College of Maine’s Cooperative Extension. “I feel they’re starting to grasp they most likely have to plan for drought extra usually than they’ve prior to now.”

Almost three-quarters of Maine’s inhabitants lives in an abnormally dry or drought-stricken space, based on a latest report from the state’s Drought Process Drive.

Livestock producers in Maine might have a more durable time discovering the hay they should feed their animals this fall and winter.

Most producers will not see shortages now, Knight mentioned, as a result of the primary hay crop in Maine earlier this 12 months was robust in most areas. However drought circumstances will stunt development for the second crop.

When their provides have run low prior to now, livestock producers in Maine bought hay from upstate New York and Canada. But when the drought circumstances persist, the value of hay will doubtless go up because the demand will increase, Knight mentioned.

“You add within the additional transport prices, after which this 12 months goes to be exceptionally unhealthy due to the excessive gasoline costs,” he mentioned. “So it will be higher to top off and buy that stuff now when it is out there than to attend till you run out within the winter time.”

Livestock producers who need assistance calculating how a lot forage they will have to get by means of the winter can contact their native cooperative extension workplace, Knight mentioned.