COLUMBIA, SC – Because conditions have continued to deteriorate in South Carolina, the Drought Response Committee yesterday upgraded the drought level to severe for all counties except Beaufort and Jasper.
The drought combined with the Easter freeze has had a devastating impact on South Carolina agriculture. One of the most critical commodities in great demand is hay for feeding livestock. The drought has delayed much-needed cuttings, significantly reducing the normal hay supply. To make matters worse, hay is also in short supply in most of the Southeastern and Southern states.
Hugh Weathers, Commissioner of Agriculture, has remained in touch with officials to find solutions to the devastation caused by these natural phenomenon. He suggests that those who have hay for sale and those who need hay should visit the USDA Farm Service Agency eHayNet. The national Internet-based Hay Net Ad Service allows farmers in every state to share 'Need Hay' ads and 'Have Hay' ads online.
If you simply want to access eHayNet to buy hay, you do not need to create an account. If you want to post a hay ad, you will need to create a user ID and password and confirm your email address. Once an account has been created, a confirmation email will be sent within one hour. After that, you may enter your ad information.
Word-of-mouth is one of the best ways for finding hay. Check with local feed stores and extension offices, other livestock owners, and hay brokers like Aiken Saddlery (803-649-6583) and East SC Hay Distribution in Camden (803-432-5141). Cattle owners who have hay for sale or need hay may also want to network through Peter Wilkerson, SC Cattlemen’s Association (864-812-1837). Another resource is Don Kieffer, National Hay Association, (800-707-0014 or 727-367-9702).
Hay may also be advertised in the Market Bulletin. Send hay ads to: Advertising, Market Bulletin, PO Box 11280, Columbia, SC 29211 or email marketbulletin@scda.sc.gov, or fax to 803-734-0659.
Commissioner Weathers, urges livestock owners, especially horse owners, to call their vet before feeding their animals hay that they’ve never fed before. Feeding hay that animals are not accustomed to could sometimes cause problems and can possibly cause a horse to colic.
For more information about hay availability, visit http://www.fsa.usda.gov, click on “Hay Net,” and follow the directions or see the Market Bulletin at http://www.scda.state.sc.us.