Heavy spring rains in Northwestern Bulgaria have delayed and made unpredictable the start of the mowing campaign for farmers, causing concerns about the maturity and stability of the grass. This could lead to a shortage of hay, which could drive up prices. Dimitar Iliev, a sheep farmer, notes that while the loss of alfalfa is not catastrophic, heavy rains ruining hay on a meadow could create a serious problem. Currently, the price of a bale of hay ranges from BGN 3 to 4, and large bales from the meadow cost between BGN 50 and 60.