USDA sees higher hay harvest in the United States

The USDA says the hay harvest should be up in 2023.However, the quality of that hay is a big question mark because of drought in parts of the country, and it is likely farmer harvest intentions will change to some degree.As of June 1st, the total hay harvest is projected at 51.976 million acres, including 15.658 million acres of alfalfa and alfalfa mixtures and 36.318 million acres of other types of hay, all up 5% from 2022.Hay prices remain volatile and highly variable from location to location due to tight supplies and strong demand.Comparisons for Brownfield states:Arkansas: All: 1.163 million acres, compared to 1.093 million in 2022; Alfalfa: 3,000 acres, unchanged from a year ago; Other: 1.16 million acres, compared to 1.09 million last yearIllinois: All: 480,000 acres, compared to 495,000 in 2022; Alfalfa: 200,000 acres, compared to 240,000 a year ago; Other: 280,000 acres, compared to 255,000 last yearIndiana: All: 520,000 acres, steady with 2022; Alfalfa: 260,000 acres, ...