Iowa hay, straw farmers asked to update directory

Livestock farmers faced with drought in Texas and other parts of the country in recent years have turned to the Iowa Hay and Straw Directory to find needed supplies.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is encouraging the state's hay and straw producers to update information on what they have to sell. While sellers must reside within Iowa to be included on the list, the directory is available to buyers throughout the nation.

'The directory has been a great tool for buyers and sellers and we hope farmers will take the time to review and update their information so that it remains a valuable resource,” Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey said in a news release.

While the directory is updated throughout the year, Northey said there is a specific interest at this time because the hay harvest has begun.

Iowa farmers are expected to harvest 1.10 million acres in 2016, down 100,000 from the March estimate and down 60,000 acres from 2015, according to a USDA report issued June 30.

The June 27 weekly crop report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture listed the second cutting of alfalfa hay at 24 percent complete, almost a week ahead of average. Hay condition was rated 75 percent good to excellent.

Farmers interested in listing hay or straw for sale should visit www.IowaAgriculture.gov. Producers without Internet access can call the Hay/Straw Hotline at (800) 383-5079.

The state will fax or mail a printed copy of the application.

The hay and straw directory also lists organizations and businesses associated with promoting and marketing quality hay and straw.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture also is supporting the Iowa Crop Improvement Association's 'Iowa Noxious Weed Seed Free Forage and Mulch Certification Program.”

Through the program, Iowa forage and mulch producers are able to advantage of emerging market opportunities for 'Certified Weed Free” products.