Spring rains have given all Mississippi farmers a challenge to overcome. But untimely rains causing a poor quality crop could mean a loss of profits for growers and costly supplements for livestock owners next winter. Dr. Pat Bagley, head of the North Mississippi Research and Extension Center in Verona, said rains are making the first cutting of hay a challenge. Growers want to cut hay when the seed heads first appear. They also have to watch the weather forecast.
Sunny days are especially important after cutting to retain nutrients through proper drying.
Hay is the third leading crop in the United States. Bagley said high demand and low cost of production make hay an attractive crop. Alfalfa hay, which is grown mainly in the West and North Central United States, is the No. 1 cash crop in the nation. Most Mississippi farmers grow bermudagrass and bahaigrass or mixes as a hay crop. There are more than 100 million mother cows in the country.