Stocks of all hay stored on farms totaled 96.4 million tons on Dec. 1, 2006, 8% lower than on the same date in 2005 and the lowest since 1988, says USDA's National Ag Statistics Service. Disappearance of hay from May to December totaled 66.6 million tons compared to 73.6 million tons for the same period in 2005.

Compared to Dec. 1, 2005 figures, hay stocks decreased in most of the eastern Rocky Mountain, Great Plains, and Southeastern states. Drier conditions prevailed in many of these states, resulting in lower hay production and increased supplemental feeding of hay. Meanwhile, stocks increased compared to the previous year's levels in several states throughout the Northeast and Intermountain Region. The reason: favorable growing conditions allowed for multiple cuttings and provided good pasture and grazing conditions.
-- eHay Weekly newsletter