trider
03-25-2008, 08:37 PM
My area of the country experienced a “moderate” drought last year during the growing season. Farmers were baling corn shocks and soybean stems - stuff they would generally leave in the field - because they couldn’t raise enough hay to feed their livestock. Hay is usually abundant and cheap in this part of the country, but this year is going for 2-3 times the normal price - when you can get it.
Many horse owners simply can’t find 50 lb square bales of hay, and are feeding large round bales or hay shipped in from out of state. Many of the large square bales of alfalfa coming in from out of state, averaging 700-900 lb, were baled wet and sprayed with preservative. Buyers have discovered that some bales are moldy in the middle, though much of the dry-baled stuff seems to be O.K. Moldy hay is deadly to horses, so it always pays to be careful about hay quality. Be sure to buy hay that has been dry-baled, not wet-baled ( even if it was sprayed with preservative).
Veterinarians in this area expect to see more cases of equine malnutrition as hay shortages become critical. There are also likely to be more cases of equine neglect and abandonment, stretching the resources of horse rescue organizations. Please remember to help support equine rescue facilities - your help will be greatly appreciated, especially in states that have been experiencing severe drought conditions.
Submitted by J. R. Wise, author of the book, “Give a Horse a Second Chance - Adopting and Caring for Rescue Horses.” 11/11/07. Updated 3/22/08
Many horse owners simply can’t find 50 lb square bales of hay, and are feeding large round bales or hay shipped in from out of state. Many of the large square bales of alfalfa coming in from out of state, averaging 700-900 lb, were baled wet and sprayed with preservative. Buyers have discovered that some bales are moldy in the middle, though much of the dry-baled stuff seems to be O.K. Moldy hay is deadly to horses, so it always pays to be careful about hay quality. Be sure to buy hay that has been dry-baled, not wet-baled ( even if it was sprayed with preservative).
Veterinarians in this area expect to see more cases of equine malnutrition as hay shortages become critical. There are also likely to be more cases of equine neglect and abandonment, stretching the resources of horse rescue organizations. Please remember to help support equine rescue facilities - your help will be greatly appreciated, especially in states that have been experiencing severe drought conditions.
Submitted by J. R. Wise, author of the book, “Give a Horse a Second Chance - Adopting and Caring for Rescue Horses.” 11/11/07. Updated 3/22/08