By Andi Anderson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently released its 2024 Crop Production Summary, revealing a 2% increase in Southeast hay production. This growth, coupled with higher hay stocks, has resulted in record supply levels despite challenges in some areas.
The hay marketing year, which began in May 2024 and concludes in April 2025, started with significantly higher stocks compared to the previous year. As of May 1, 2024, hay stocks in the Southeast reached 2.80 million tons, a 15% year-over-year increase.
Total hay supplies for the 2024-2025 marketing year in the Southeast now stand at 25.49 million tons, representing 18% of the U.S. total.
Nationwide, other hay production in 2024 totaled 72.62 million tons, marking a 6% increase and the highest annual total since 2020. Texas led in production with 11.52 million tons, a significant recovery from 5.70 million tons just two years earlier. States like Arkansas, Mississippi, and Kentucky also recorded notable production increases of 17%, 25%, and 13%, respectively.
However, weather events such as Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene impacted production in Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee, causing declines of 24%, 9%, and 4%, respectively. These challenges highlight the importance of improved yields, which helped offset an overall decline in hay acreage.
In the Southeast, hay acreage dropped by 9.84 million acres, or 3%, while total U.S. hay acreage fell to 49.39 million acres, down by 3.38 million acres.
Despite these reductions, the improved yields and strategic management practices have bolstered hay supplies, ensuring a strong market outlook for the 2024-2025 season. The USDA data underscores the resilience of Southeast hay producers in adapting to changing conditions.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-pamwalker68
Categories: National, Hay & Forage