2006-06-16
Author: AM 1250/Mix 96 FM News
A heads up to hay producers about a developing opportunity south of the border.  Manitoba Agriculture Farm Production Advisor John McGregor says a drought in South Dakota and Nebraska has affected hay crops causing feed prices to skyrocket.  Local hay prices are running $80 to $100 per ton.  U.S. producers now face the decision to get rid of cattle or pay a premium for feed.  He feels if you can get your hay down there for $50 or $60 a ton, you'll have a buyer for it.  1 service that might be of help is the hay list on MAFRI's website.  Contact your local ag office to get your listing online.  Meantime, McGregor says if they do start to cull their herd, it will put a lot of pressure on beef prices in the U.S. and that may affect our Canadian export market.