http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

v 2.4.3.0

A rancher in Lyman, Neb., reported that his first cutting of hay was just 25% of normal, although he normally gets 2 ¼ to 2 ½ tons per acre from the hay pivot, but instead got about 1/3 of a ton per acre. He has about 450 acres of hay and about 380 acres of grass. With little rain since spring, many farmers and ranchers did not have much feed in pastures for cattle. The Scotts Bluff County rancher also noted that they only received about 85% of the usual amount of water in 2022. When the irrigation season was opened, there was not enough water to run the pivots as usual. Every third sprinkler had to be turned off in order to be able to run the pivots. The scarcity of hay has driven up prices to $220 or more per ton, when the hay sold for $150 one year ago or $90 three years ago. The high prices have forced many cattle and horse operations to sell a portion or all of the herd. Torrington Telegram (Wyo.), Dec. 14, 2022