Hay prices soar across KOTA Territory, as the supply becomes more and more limited.
Prices for a ton of hay have increased about 15 percent since this time last year, up to about $200 compared to last years range of $170 to $180. That's good news for growers, but the commodity is now in short supply.
In the Torrington, Wyoming area, experts say they are about 30 percent short of the supply they need for feeder hay.
Barry Mcrea with Valley Video Hay Markets says more acreage has been allocated for *other* commodities, such as corn and wheat.
Usually, bumper hay and alfalfa can be purchased from North and South Dakota, but this year, that isn't an option.
"This year, they're either dry or if they have hay, they're afraid to sell it because they need if for their own livestock," says Mcrea. "So we're going to be very short this year, even locally."
Mcrea says if growers don't get enough rain… hay will have to be shipped in from as far north as Canada to meet the demand.
