1999's first hay crop is growing, but economic prospects for Washington hay producers aren't.
Agricultural economists see another year of gloom for hay growers.
Neil Rimbey, University of Idaho range economist, Caldwell, said Northwest hay supplies are at record high levels following a mild winter, which reduced hay consumption. Rimbey said a long cold spring could prolong the winter feeding season for cattle, sheep and horses and slow growth of the region's first hay cutting. This would bolster prices. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Prospective Planting report issued March 31 indicates a small decline in Northwest hay acreage in 1999. Washington growers reported they expect to reduce acreage by 4 percent, to 720,000 acres.