Kentucky Department of Agriculture

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Agriculture Commissioner James Comer reminds Kentucky livestock producers that the Kentucky Department of Agriculture can help them find badly needed forages for their animals as many Kentucky pastures and hay fields have dried up in this year’s drought.

“Kentucky farmers feel frustrated and helpless because of this summer’s hot, dry weather,” Commissioner Comer said. “Many of our livestock producers are having to feed hay and other forages that normally would be set aside for winter. The department’s forage sales directory and hay hotline can help them find the forages their animals need.”

The forage sales directory enables livestock producers to search for forages by county. Entries contain information on the nutritional and energy levels of the forages offered for sale. To search the directory, go to www.kyagr.com/buyky/corral/haylistingpara.aspx.

Commissioner Comer reactivated the hay hotline to connect farmers needing hay with those who have hay to sell. The hotline number is (502) 564-4983. To list available hay for sale, or for more information, go to www.kyagr.com/marketing/forage/HayForageDroughtRelief.htm.

The Kentucky Department of Agriculture makes no guarantees or claims to the quality, price, or nutritional value of hay and forages submitted through the hay hotline. The department suggests that any hay purchased be tested for quality and protein.

Western Kentucky is in extreme drought, and central Kentucky and the Bluegrass region are in moderate drought. The University of Kentucky Agricultural Weather Center reported that western Kentucky would need more than 15 inches of rain to end the drought.