June 24, 1998

Department Seeking Sources of Hay for Cattlemen

TALLAHASSEE Florida Agriculture Commissioner Bob Crawford today announced that the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is developing sources of hay for livestock producers who have been impacted by the spring drought.

"Many livestock producers have had to feed hay longer than anticipated because the lack of rain has dried up pastures in many areas," Crawford said. "The drought has also reduced spring hay production. Consequently, hay supplies are running low."

Crawford said those who need hay should contact the Department for a copy of the annual "Florida Hay Directory," which lists more than 150 producers from throughout the state who offered hay for sale when the directory was published last December. Those who currently have hay for sale should contact the Department to be included on an updated list.

Meanwhile, Crawford said he is contacting agriculture commissioners in other states to let them know that there is a special need for hay in Florida in the coming months. Crawford said the Department will also accept donations of hay for producers who are in dire straits because of weather conditions.

Florida hay producers who want to be included in the next edition of the Florida Hay Directory, which will be published in the November 1998 issue of the "Florida Market Bulletin," should contact the Department by September 21.

For information about current sources of hay, call the Department at (850) 488-7079.

To be included in the next hay directory, send your name, address, telephone number and county, along with the type of hay available, and whether you have square or round bales, to:

Hay Directory
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Division of Marketing and Development
414 Mayo Building, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0800
or call (850) 488-4132.

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For More Information:

Joe Kight
(850) 488-7079

Hay Urgently Needed in Florida

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