Quality of the prairie hay crop is declining with the heat

Getting this year's hay crop cut in top condition has been a challenge across the prairies.

The heat over the last couple of weeks is resulting in a decline not just in crops, but in hay quality as well.

Hay conditions have been slowly declining since we started seeing the higher temperatures with many days hitting well into the 30's.

Alberta's latest crop report (July 26) shows Provincial tame hay is rated at 43 per cent good to excellent, down from 62 per cent.  While many areas report adequate first-cut yields, many indicate that they don't see enough second-cut growth with the heat and lack of moisture for a second cut. There are also multiple reports of producers silaging heat-damaged crops to ensure feed availability. 

In Saskatchewan, last week's crop report (July 25)  showed about 18 per cent of the hay was still standing, with 27 per cent cut and 55 per cent baled or put up as silage.  Hay quality is rated as 25 per cent excellent,  65 per cent good, 9 per cent fair and 1 per cent short. A second cut of hay is not expected at this time.  

In Manitoba, hay stands are maturing quickly; however, rain showers continue to make it difficult to produce good quality, dry hay.  Yields are good, but quality will be a concern this fall, and feed testing will be beneficial. Yields are about 2 to 2 1/2 tons per acre on hay fields with some fields still having wet areas.