By mid-November, most cow-calf operators are either feeding hay or will be starting to feed hay very soon. As a general rule, winter feed costs are the largest expense for a cow-calf operation. Hay supply was very tight coming out of 2022, but generally improved throughout the course of 2023 as production levels were higher.
As winter quickly approaches after a year of drought-induced low forage production, it is important to be aware of the current hay supply.
Dr. Kenny Burdine of the University of Kentucky shares details on the hay supply in this article. https://u.osu.edu/beef/2024/11/20/hay-supply-is-likely-up-but-winter-feed-costs-still-matter/