Answers from Zootooers
Answered by danewillow 8 months ago
All crop prices are rising. It is most likely caused by two issues:
1. Farmers are switching to corn to supply the ethanol plants because they're getting a good price for it. This means other crops are not being grown as much and there's a higher demand/less supply.
2. Gas, especially diesel, is expensive. Farmers have to fuel their tractors to harvest the hay. Hay has to be mowed, allowed to dry, raked, and baled requiring 2-3 trips around the field with the tractor (some combine raking and baling). Then, if you're not picking up the hay yourself, you have to pay for the truck to haul your hay.
Answered by Kris (bebesboomer) 8 months ago
In my area, Central PA, we are paying $5 to $5.25 a bale. That is just for normal grass hay.
Answered by Amy (horseplay) 8 months ago
Wow what a question!! The price of hay is going up as fast as the price of gas. 2 years ago, having a traler load of 600 bails was affordable, and way cheaper than local hay. Now there is only a dollar diff. whether i buy in a tralier load or per bail on the island. I hope this doesn't become out of controll. The animals will suffer the most as people will be forced to get rid of there horses due to the expensive hay.
Answered by judy b. (jbonz) 8 months ago
Hi Kim. In Pa, the cost of diesel to run a tractor is up to $4.29 a gallon with no end in sight. I don't know if this is the whole reason but I know that this is really impacting alot of farmers.
