FLOYD, Va. (WFXR) — Virginia’s hay crop is expected to be below average this year, though it could turn around with second and third cuttings later in the summer. A cool, dry spring had a negative impact on the crop, though it is better than projected just a few weeks ago.
“The hay’s come on, the weather’s gotten a little better,” said Virginia Cooperative Service Extension Agent for Bedford County, Scott Baker. “It’s going to be below average 20, 30, maybe 40 percent, but it’s certainly going to be better than we thought it was going to be early this spring.”
If the weather cooperates, Baker says farmers could make up for the shortfall with second and third cuttings.
Floyd County hay farmer Robert Janney says his crop is fair this year. He says depending on the type of hay farmers are making, the weather will always be a factor along with the skill of the farmer.
“With wet hay, sometimes you don’t want the sun beating down on it, because you want to keep your moisture content up where you can make that hay,” said Janney. “If you’re making dry hay, the sun’s your friend, you got a little breeze turned. The way we’d always done it, take a handful of hay and try to pull it in two. That’s kind of the best way to tell when you’re ready to go.”
June is the peak month for hay cutting and production in Virginia.
