However, U.S. farm policy discourages the growing of hay crops relative to farm program crops.
Hay crops offer environmental advantages over many of the farm program crops.
Consequently, present U.S. Farm Policy produces poorer land use choices. The value of hay production exceeds that of value of total vegetable production and is within 20 percent of the value of total fruit and nut crop production. In addition to hay's economic value is its importance to improved land use management. Most hay crops provide complete ground cover. This reduces soil erosion, improves water infiltration of the soil profile and provides a filter for improve water quality.